23
May
12

Carolina Kitchen’s Entry into DC

By rhodeislandinsider 10 Comments
Categories: Redevelopment
Tags: , , , , ,

Carolina Kitchen is coming to Rhode Island Row.

We recently received a postcard in the mail to announce that the restaurant, already with locations in Hyattsville and Largo, is coming to the new development at the Rhode Island Metro station. The restaurants own website does not list the location (although it lists several new locations in the works – including Chinatown). As someone who has been to the restaurant’s location in Hyattsville, next to the AMC Movie Theater, a couple of times, it is a big win for us to have one closer.

The menu for this restaurant includes:

Cajun Grilled Pork Chop
Two flame grilled, tender pork chops with zesty Cajun seasoning served with rice pilaf, macaroni & cheese and classic vegetable blend

Chesapeake Platter
Succulent fried lobster tail, jumbo meat crab cake, fried shrimp, spicy wings and your choice of two side items

Smothered Fried Chicken
Two pieces of fried chicken covered in grandma’s gravy over fresh garlic mashed potatoes and two side fixins

Country Fried Croaker
Country fried bone fish served with collard greens and potato salad

Among other things…see the full menu here.

16
May
12

#GoodWard5News

By rhodeislandinsider 4 Comments
Categories: Redevelopment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Yesterday, Ward 5 experienced some, as is used on Twitter, #GoodWard5News.

The Ward elected a new Council member to replace Harry Thomas Jr., and the victory of Councilmember-elect Kenyan McDuffie was done without bundling of campaign contributions. Something novel (and far more ethical) in DC politics. But something else happened that may have been missed with all of the hype of the special election: The Committee of the Whole passed the first reading of the 2013 DC budget which includes $1 million for infrastructure needs per the Rhode Island Small Area Plan. In Chairman Kwame Brown‘s letter to his colleagues on the Committee, he said:

Recognizing the need to continue to invest in the economic growth of the District, we found a way to fund the Small Business Technical Assistance Program; transferred $3 million to support the tourism industry, a major pillar of the District’s economy; created the first Retail Priority TIF Area for Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast to catalyze the development that is sorely lacking in this neighborhood; and funded the creation of the Eckington Small Area Plan as well as the capital improvements recommended by the Rhode Island Small Area Plan.

The RIA Small Area Plan, found here on FoRIA’s website, is highlights infrastructure as one of the most critical needs for the Avenue to move forward with other aspects of the plan. The Insider spoke privately with Chairman Brown about this fund and what it will mean for RIA NE. Here are some points from our conversation:

What kind of infrastructure projects would you like to see done with the $1 million?

These funds will pay for the redesign of transportation and infrastructure improvements along the Rhode Island Ave NE corridor pursuant to the Rhode Island Avenue NE Small Area Action Plan, which Council passed in May 2011. A streetcar line, other transportation options, utility relocations, road and intersection realignments, streetscape improvements, and landscaping are the types of improvements that the design team will consider.

Who is going to administer the money and is the community going to have any input?

DDOT is expected to lead the design and community engagement processes.  The District engaged the Rhode Island Ave NE communities during the formulation of the action plan.  These communities are eager to see the plan implemented, and the design process is the first step toward implementation.

What are the next steps for the Small Area Plan and ensure that it stays funded?

The transportation and infrastructure design package will be the basis for estimating the cost to implement the improvements.  After these costs are estimated, the District will arrange to allot the necessary capital funds in future fiscal years to pay for the construction of the improvements.  Implementing the transportation and infrastructure improvements will create a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environment and ultimately will attract greater private investment along the corridor, in terms of retail, commercial, and housing development.

Council Chairman Brown has once again shown that he is listening to our concerns! Keep them coming! Take this assistance to get our infrastructure going, a new Councilmember, a new library underway, bikeshare coming to Woodridge, Rhode Island Row opening up, and new small businesses opening along the Main Street, Rhode Island Ave NE is very much going to be #GoodWard5News!

(editor’s note: the second reading on the budget will take place in the near future. Stay tuned for more information on this)

10
May
12

Why I Voted For…

By rhodeislandinsider 1 Comment
Categories: Life on RIA
Tags: , , ,

editorial by: Greg Roberts

When Ward 5 lost its Councilmember earlier this year, as owner of The Insider, I made a preemptive decision that we were not going to endorse any candidate that would run for the seat. We know that we will have to work with whoever won the special election to keepRhode Island Ave NEmoving in the right direction.

Given the huge strides that organizations like Friends of Rhode Island Ave, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and other groups have made recently to bring attention and activism to redeveloping the Avenue, I can no longer sit on the sidelines hoping that the next Councilmember will ensure this enthusiasm and progress continues to move forward.

This is why I want to tell you why I decided to vote for Kenyan McDuffie yesterday.

Enter the disclaimer: This is my personal view and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization or the contributors of this blog.

The Insider sent all of the candidates (who listed their contact information on the Board of Elections website) a quick survey to get their views ofRhode Island Ave NE and how they would help move it forward. Several of the candidates responded and we posted their responses in our Special Election section of the website. We were very happy to see so much interest in RIA from the candidates and are encouraged that if any of them won, we wouldn’t be forgotten as a community and potential economic force in the District. But Kenyan’s responses, and subsequent conversations confirmed, that he has a better command of knowledge regarding RIA and the issues it is facing. Kenyan also demonstrated a real concern of what local residents really wanted for the Avenue and how they can get engaged to make a difference.

One of the key items that we felt was key to Rhode Island Ave NE redevelopment is connectivity of the Main Streetarea of the Avenue (from 18th to 24th Streets) and the RIA-Brentwood Metro station. Kenyan highlighted this needs as one of the keys to bringing viable retail options. In addition, he was able to tie in something that is not often thought of, which some may think as a small, insignificant detail, when discussing redevelopment: extending parking meter hour limits from one hour to two. Something as simple as that could help attract restaurants, who’s patrons will need more than the one hour currently allotted. Restaurateurs consider that when looking for locations.

Kenyan understands that redevelopment cannot happen only from City government, it will take the activism of a coalition of residents, ANC, and others to make it happen. Kenyan has showed his commitment to working with community stakeholders and putting his words to action for the Avenue. Team McDuffie showed up to the last FoRIA Avenue Clean-Up and helped pick up trash (editor’s note: I also commend the other candidates who have shown up as well).

Without going on and on regarding my reasons for endorsing Kenyan, we’ll just say that I was quite impressed with Kenyan McDuffie overall, as well. He’s are really genuine guy. More on his economic development platform can be found at his website.

Although I am encouraged by all of the candidates’ running and their commitment to RIA revitalization, I was most encouraged by Kenyan McDuffie. Again, I am proud to support his candidacy for Ward 5 Councilmember.

The election is to be held on Tuesday, May 15 but you can vote now! Here is some information on where to vote or go to the DC BOEE website:

Early voting using a paper ballot:
Old Council Chambers
One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 250 North
Saturday, May 5 and Monday, May 7 – Saturday, May 12
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Early voting using a touch screen ballot:
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
Saturday, May 5 and Monday, May 7 – Saturday, May 12
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

At the polls:
Only the 18 precincts in Ward 5 will be open. You can look up your assigned polling place here.
Polls open on May 15 from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

07
May
12

Menomale Pizza – Good Ward 5 News!

By dgibber123 17 Comments
Categories: Redevelopment
Tags: , ,

by Daniella Gibbs Leger

This Saturday I had the pleasure of dining at our newest eatery, Menomale. For weeks I’ve been eagerly waiting what they describe as “pizza the way it was historically intended”. As some of you know, I’m originally from New Jersey and know a thing or two about good pizza. It’s been a long standing desire to get a quality pizza place that wasn’t a 15 minute drive.

I’m happy to report that we now have one. Menomale just had their soft opening, so please be aware that they are still working out their kinks. Our waitress, lovely as she was, clearly was still learning the ropes. But none of that bothered us. My husband and I showed up at 5pm when they opened because friends noted that the wait was very long the night before, and I can see why. It’s a very small place, but my is it beautiful inside. The first thing you’ll notice is their great big oven. You’re then led into the next room where a small bar (maybe 8 seats) and about 6-7 tables reside.

I won’t go into menu details – you can see them here. I will say that both of our pizzas were so delicious that I forgot to take a picture of them. I could eat the tomato sauce they use out of a jar (they make their own). They also have an extensive craft beer menu, which for me is as exciting as the pizza. They will let you try a beer first if you’re not sure you’ll like it, which I always appreciate. For dessert, my husband had the rum cake and I had the pizza dough-wrapped nutella.

All in all, I give this place 10 stars, even with the slightly shaky service. I know that the service will get better with time and I’m not sure the food can improve upon perfection. I cannot wait to go back or order take out to try their other pizzas.

I hope all you other potential businesses are paying attention to what’s going on here in our little neck of the woods. If you build it (“it” being quality food), they will come, and they will wait for 45 minutes for a table.

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26
Apr
12

What’s happening here? 3011 RIA

By stephanieliottaatkinson 20 Comments
Categories: Redevelopment

By Stephanie Liotta Atkinson

The DC property sales tax database says that 3009-3011 Rhode Island Avenue NE (Woodridge) sold in March for $1.1 Mil to 3011 RHODE ISLAND AVE LLC (name not helpful). Looks like the liquor store and the adjacent brownfield. I’m crowd-sourcing the recon on this one – gold star for anyone who figures out what’s happening here.

23
Apr
12

Designer selected for RIA’s Woodridge Library

By stephanieliottaatkinson 4 Comments
Categories: Redevelopment

By Stephanie Liotta Atkinson

DC Public Library has selected Wienceck + Associates and Bing Thom Architects to design the new Woodridge Library, at the corner of 18th & RIA NE (see the full press release below). If the library is anything like other projects in Bing Thom’s portfolio, the new Woodridge Library will be a model of extraordinary design, leap-frogging the library from its 1950’s-era book bunker stature to a radiant, light-filled community hub. I believe that good design can inspire all sorts of changes from renewed community engagement to new business development. It’s a lot to pin on a library, but a well-designed public space should raise the tide.

To add some context to your evaluation of DCPL’s selection, Bing Thom is responsible for a library in Surrey, British Columbia, for which it famously solicited neighborhood feedback via Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Right here in DC, Bing Thom designed Southwest’s Arena Stage.

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Just in case Bing Thom is soliciting advice via local community blogs, my $0.02:

  • build up – take advantage of the air rights
  • Langdon Park borders the library – incorporate views of the park and a veranda for leisurely sitting and reading outdoors
  • Annex the triangle of land between RIA & Hamlin for library use (possibly closing off and redeveloping that small strip of Hamlin Street); give the library a RIA address
  • consider how the neighborhood will use the space beyond traditional library uses: community meetings, small work groups, youth engagement, computer labs, tutoring, job searches/training, community classes
  • consider cross-functionality – business center/incubator, fully-functional cafe space, art showcase/performance space

And, to whom it may concern: libraries and rec centers should remain open longer hours each evening and for the full day on Sundays.

DCPL’s press release:

—————————————-

Dear Woodridge Library Patron,

The DC Public Library has selected the award-winning team of Weinceck+
Associates and Bing Thom Architects to design the new Woodridge
Neighborhood Library. Located at 1801 Hamlin St. NE, the new building
will be the first library in the United States designed by
internationally acclaimed architect Bing Thom.

“We have been fortunate to have talented and internationally
recognized architects design libraries for the District,” said
Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian for the District of Columbia. “With
this architect team, the District’s new libraries will continue to
inspire people in the city’s neighborhoods as well as around the world.”

The design team was selected through a competitive bid process that
involved Library officials and community members. Weinceck + Associates
has worked on a broad range of projects, including housing, schools, and
master planning. The firm also served as the architect of record for
the Francis Gregory and Bellevue libraries. Bing Thom Architects
designed the renovation and expansion of Arena Stage at the Mead Center
for American Theater. In addition, the firm designed the innovative
Surrey City Centre Library in Surrey, British Columbia.

The Library has allocated $1.48 million to the design work. The design
phase is expected to take six to eight months. The community will have
the opportunity to view the designs as they are developed and provide
feedback. The total project cost is estimated to be $16.5 million.

The Woodridge Library opened in 1958. A condition assessment performed
in 2010 found the library to be in need of replacement.

An interim library will open in late 2012 while the Woodridge Library is
being rebuilt. The new Woodridge Library will open in 2015. The new
library will include: space for 80,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other
library materials; 32 public-access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet
access; a large meeting room for up to 100 people and two conference
rooms for up to 14 people.

Like all other library buildings under construction a LEED Silver
Certification is expected. Anacostia, Dorothy I.Height/Benning, Watha
T. Daniel/Shaw and Tenley libraries have received Gold certification
from the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute.

###

George A. Williams, Esq.
Media Relations Manager
DC Public Library
w: (202) 727-1184
m: (202) 596-0345

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