Here is an advance copy of the Rhode Island Ave NE redevelopment plan. I have not read through it in its entirety, but once I do, I look forward to sharing some details and analysis.
In the meantime, enjoy.
DRAFT RI Ave Plan – Jan 27 2010-AltC2_CLR-Release-opt
It appears there is a public meeting regarding Rhode Island Ave NE redevelopment. Come back on Jan 29th…as there will be a final plan presented and I will post it here.
Note the deadline to sign up to speak at this public meeting: Given the considerable interesting in this planning effort to date, stakeholders are encouraged to call 202.727.6365 to sign up to testify no later than 2 PM on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Up to three minutes of testimony will be allowed per stakeholder. Written testimony should be emailed to derrick.woody@dc.gov or sent to:
ATTN: RIA PLAN
c/o Coordinator – Great Street Initiative
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
FAX: 202.727.6703
Please bring a written copy of testimony if you plan to testify.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, March 1, 2010
6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Woodridge Neighborhood Library
1801 Hamlin Street, NE
Washington, DC 20018
The District of Columbia’s Office of Planning and Economic Development (“the District”) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on “RHODE ISLAND AVENUE: Diamond of the District” (“the RIA Plan”). The document represents the conclusion of a community, economic development planning process which outlines specific redevelopment and use targets for Rhode Island Avenue NE between 3rd Street NE and Eastern Avenue NE. Over 200 community, business and institutional stakeholders provided input during the series of community meetings which led to this document.
Historically and to this date, Rhode Island Avenue NE has been one of the District’s prominent corridors, but it is now characterized by used car lots, auto repair and tire shops, vacant structures, redundant uses, cross-town trucks, commuter traffic, and suburban style development and densities around a prominent Metro station. Implementation of the plan aims to transform the land uses along the corridor into a series of well-defined, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood centers while preserving and enhancing the quality of life of the diverse, existing neighborhoods abutting it. The RIA Plan is to be implemented over a twenty year horizon, but puts forth an emphasis on achieving visible progress sooner rather than later.
The RIA Plan presents a wide range of private and public investment opportunities for existing and new retail businesses, office services, housing providers and cultural entrepreneurs while conveying preferences and concerns shared by area stakeholders and the District for the appropriate redevelopment of under-utilized, private commercial and industrial properties along this three-mile corridor.
The District plans to submit the RIA Plan to the DC Council for adoption as a “small area plan.” Upon approval as a small area plan, the RIA Plan will then provide guidance in public policy decision-making along Rhode Island Avenue. Guidance will be provided to District agencies, commissions, and the broader public about affordable and mixed income housing, local business development, quality design and development, public art, zoning and local resident participation.
An anonymous poster that commented under the “New Rules” post has seem to struck a nerve with the King Solomon Temple. As you can read under the “New Rules” post, the anon poster claimed that members of the Temple had swine flu and there was money exchanges going on with the Temple and Damien Ministries.
This struck such a nerve that William Mends-Cole wrote:
I am The Chairman of the Board, I know Bro. Guy Mitchell, and interact with him almost everyday. At no time has he been sick with the swine flu. I preside over every board meeting, therefore I need to know when and where was this meeting.
As his question was for the Anon poster, I wanted to know what the Temple has done to work with the community about their establishment that was such an issue this past summer with local residents. Mr. Mends-Cole has yet to let us know. I have to assume (actually, knowing the people who live around the Temple, I know) that the Temple has done ZERO to reach out to them.
Tim Westford continued his constant barrage of comments on the post about the accusations that the anon poster….he assumed I know what the anon poster was thinking when (s)he wrote it. Mr. Westford wrote this:
Your effortless abilities to resolve this issue does not amaze me. Websites such as this only entertain those whom enjoy gossiping and creating false accusations for his/her own personal gains. Be careful of what you post … it’s not what goes in your mouth that counts … it’s what come out that makes a lasting impression. From a 100 star rating website …. I give you a -5.
I guess Mr. Westford doesn’t understand how I would resolve the issue when (1) it’s his issue, not mine, and, (2) the poster is anonymous. It is his/her discretion whether or not to respond. Also, I have to assume that Mr. Westford, who refused to say what his connection is to the Temple, that he is in fact a member of the Temple. Until he answers that question, I have chose not to entertain him on this blog any longer.
I wanted to thank Mr. Mends-Cole and Mr. Westford for helping increase my viewership for the blog and the comments. This helps with search engine referrals to my site AND it has reminded me that we all need to stay vigilant on making sure that the King Solomon Temple does NOT get their liquor license or public hall license reinstated.
From Woodie:
On passing by Saint Bourbon’s on Hamlin Street and Rhode Island (across from the Woodridge Library) I recently noticed a big “For Sale/For Lease” sign. Does anyone know why it’s being sold? Saint Bourbon’s was closed the entire month of December. I heard at that time it might be closing. Details appreciated from RhodeIslandAveNE bloggers!
