FoRIA Wins Rhode Island Avenue Main Street Bid
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 18, 2013—The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) has selected Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE (FoRIA) to manage the new Rhode Island Avenue Main Street program, effective immediately. Mayor Vincent Gray and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie made the announcement today at 10 a.m., as part of Mayor Gray’s regular bi-weekly press conference. Rhode Island Avenue Main Street will be the newest of eight independent, non-profit Main Street programs in the District. The boundaries will run from 4th Street NE to 24th Street NE along Rhode Island Avenue NE, which is also a section of the historic Route 1 corridor, and one of DC’s designated Great Streets. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity,” said James Holloway, Chair of the FoRIA Board of Directors. “For a long time, the communities that surround Rhode Island Avenue NE have asked for more restaurant and retail options within walking distance of their homes. FoRIA’s goal has always been to work with the community to build the type of vibrant commercial corridor that will not only serve this amazing and diverse community, but will also be an opportunity zone where locally-owned businesses can thrive.” The DC Main Street program has been in existence since 2002, and provides resources for local organizations to leverage private investment through public and private partnerships while revitalizing existing commercial corridors and historic landmarks. The program serves small businesses, which are a driving force for the local economy. In the last year alone, DC Main Streets programs have created more than 470 new jobs in the District. DC’s program was created through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and utilizes the National Trust’s Main Street Four-Point Approach® for commercial...
Read MoreWard 5 scores 2 big wins!
Ward 5 can now celebrate two bits of #GoodWard5News! On January 29, 2013, Mayor Gray signed the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012. This legislation is designed to specifically allocate sections of Rhode Island Avenue NE and North Capitol Street as “Retail Priority Areas.” This is great news for the future of small businesses along these Great Streets corridors, and will enhance the economic opportunities in Ward 5. The next step is funding – so be sure to let the Mayor’s office know that Ward 5 is eagerly awaiting his announcement of full financial support for this important legislation. Yesterday, Mayor Gray and Councilmember McDuffie announced the formation of the Ward 5 Industrial Land Transformation Task Force. The 13-member task force will be “… developing a strategic plan for the modernization and adaptive use of the industrial areas in Ward 5.” The Task Force is to be chaired by D.C. Office of Planning (OP) Director Harriet Tregoning. Councilmember McDuffie will also be a member of the Task Force, along with four residents of Ward 5: Jaime Fearer, Eric Jones, Victoria Leonard, and Peta-Gay Lewis. Many thanks to Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and his staff for drafting solid legislation and gaining the community support. Cheers to Mayor Gray and the rest of the DC Council for moving these items...
Read MoreMayor Gray: don’t forget about Ward 5
Rhode Island Avenue NE missing from Mayor’s list of grant areas On Monday, Mayor Vincent Gray announced $400,000 in Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvements Grants to four commercial corridors in the District. These grants are available to support and foster growth in small businesses within the targeted areas. FoRIA is pleased to see that the Mayor is extending these additional resources for commercial corridor revitalization. FoRIA has advocated and will continue to advocate for this type of support from the District for existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses along Rhode Island Avenue NE. In laying out his 5 year economic plan, Mayor Gray prioritized the idea of curtailing “retail leakage” from the District to neighboring jurisdictions. Given the recently announced mixed-use development coming to Mt. Rainier just one block away from Woodridge, and the continuing development in Hyattsville, the need for support of the RIA NE commercial corridor is even more urgent. We call upon Mayor Gray to expand the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvements Grants program to include Rhode Island Avenue NE in Ward 5. As always, FoRIA will continue to work with our ally, Council Member McDuffie, to make support for this corridor a priority for any new small business grants in targeted...
Read MoreStrong support for Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012
contributed by Shani Hernandez On November 8, 2012 a broad coalition of Rhode Island Ave NE supporters testified to the DC City Council’s Committee on Economic Development and Housing in favor of the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012. Should this legislation be adopted by the DC Council, the Act would designate Rhode Island Avenue, NE, from 4th Street, NE to Eastern Avenue, NE, as a Retail Priority Area. This would make RIA eligible for financing under Washington D.C.’s Great Streets Initiative. The Initiative is a long-term effort to “transform nine under-invested corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers”. In 2007 up to $95 million was allocated to programs in all Wards – except Ward 5. Fast forward 5 years and by February 2012, less than $31 million had been issued for Great Streets projects, leaving more than $58 million funding unobligated. Councilmembers McDuffie and Brown introduced the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012 to provide a way for RIA (and Ward 5 portions of North Capitol Street) to get their fair share of these funds. Concerned residents of Ward 5 testified along with the following organizations and elected officials: Nolan Treadway, ANC Commissioner Elect, SMD 5C07 Stephanie Rhones, Lee Sanders, and Hazel Thomas, Premier Development Company Thomas Litke, The Wander Group Kyle Todd, President, FoRIA Melanie McClain, Operations Manager, Dudley Beauty College Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association, ANC Commissioner Elect, SMD 5E06 Cyril Crocker, vice president of development, The Menkiti Group Andre Byers, Director Great Streets Initiative, DMPED Edward Johnson, President, Greater Brookland Business Association Gabriela Mossi, Director of Programs and Resource Development, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Additional testimony was added by area residents Shani Hernandez, Jeremy Cullimore, and Kari Nelson, as well as leaders from the various faith communities along RIA, including W. Ronald Evans and Pastor Coleman. Those offering testimony were in agreement that RIA has been a long-neglected corner of the city, yet is on the cusp of a great renaissance, and that this funding would be last remaining catalyst to make that happen. Specifically, the following was requested: · The passage of the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012 with a funding mechanism · Grants for small businesses · Low-income and combined-income housing units · Solutions for increased traffic, such as Circulator busses, and an integrated parking plan · Assistance with business facade improvements · Improved infrastructure like new lamp posts, and tree boxes · Unique public art spaces and installations · Improved walkability and bike access · Unique green spaces with benches · Community input on changes As testimony wrapped up, Councilmember McDuffie asked Mr. Byers specific questions about funding – primarily, how much money it would take to implement the program for RIA. Mr. Byers will be reporting back to the Committee Chair as to how much money can be allocated to RIA and how much the streetscape improvements would cost to implement. Councilmembers Brown and McDuffie indicated that they got the message loud and clear that residents do not want big box stores as part of any development efforts along RIA, and they in turn made sure that Mr. Byers heard the same thing. You can watch to the hearing in its entirety by visiting the DC Council website....
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