Rhode Island Insider

 Last night’s Ward 5 economic development public roundtable was a great opportunity for residents to learn about the phenomenal work that the District government and its private partners are doing in your neighborhoods.  It also provided a forum to solicit input on these initiatives and to hear recommendations for improvement. As Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, I believe that constructive conversations involving residents, the government, and businesses are cornerstones of an effective democracy.

Throughout my tenure on the Council, I have worked hard to ensure that the District maintains parity throughout all of the District’s Wards when it comes to implementing economic development policies, such as providing more retail opportunities.  This also applies to furthering our transit-oriented goals so that residents benefit from having services, amenities, and access to transportation that improves their quality of life. Moreover, I remain committed to driving economic development in our neighborhoods as well as downtown.

I am dedicated to helping Ward 5 residents reinvigorate signature activity centers and development sites such as Rhode Island Avenue, Bladensburg Road, New York Avenue, Brookland/Catholic University, McMillan Reservoir, and Fort Lincoln. These should become vibrant corridors and connected communities that offer new hotels, big-box and neighborhood-serving retail, improved infrastructure, innovative restaurants, more residential options, and access to street cars – all essential parts of the mixed-income and mixed-use goals set forth in the city’s urban renewal plan.

Specific to development along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor:

• I support capital funding in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget that would implement the Small Area Plan.
• I have requested that the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development engage DDOT in establishing a Capital Bikeshare station on Rhode Island Avenue, preferably near the Metro Station and other activity centers.
• I agree with the Deputy Mayor’s proposal to implement a farmers’ market program for this area.
• I have urged the Deputy Mayor to prioritize bringing retail and restaurants to Rhode Island Avenue and support including funds in the FY 13 budget that can be utilized to attract retail and restaurants.

But economic development cannot take place without new jobs and training.  To shop at the new retail stores and take advantage of the new housing options, residents need jobs and they need the right training to get these jobs. I look forward to working to ensure that more companies hire District residents and that more residents have access to the training they need to get jobs to take care of their families.

I pledge to continue working with all of the Ward 5 communities, the Mayor and his staff to bring these plans to fruition. I hope to see you at my next community forum where we will continue our dialogue and our work to make the future even brighter!