Rhode Island Insider

The Friends of RIA not only became Ward 5 Heroes this past Saturday, they were also filmed by DC Office of Planning to showcase how residents are taking it upon themselves to help revitalize their neighborhood. Members of FoRIA were joined by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and Council candidate David Grosso for their monthly RIA NE Cleanup. The Friends were given “Ward 5 Hero” buttons to show how their hard work does not go unnoticed.

In addition, Deborah Crain Kemp, Ward 5 Planner, was on hand to take pictures and film FoRIA’s efforts to turn around the Avenue and show businesses that the residents in Ward 5 care about their neighborhood enough to spend their Saturday picking up the trash and beautifying the street.

In addition to thanking Friends for their help, FoRIA President, Kyle Todd, announced an effort to lure at least one business to RIA that will take place on Wednesday evening. Calling it a “Rhode Trip“, members of FoRIA will all head to Boundary Stone on Rhode Island Ave NW at 1st Street NW to tell the owners that if they come further up to RIA NE, residents will come. Boundary Stone is rumored to be considering an expansion of their hit neighborhood restaurant/bar. So, if you are around and want to see more businesses along our section of RIA NE, show up to Boundary Stone between 5:30 pm and 8 pm, have a pint and a bite to eat and let the owners know that you are with FoRIA and you want them up on the NE side of RIA (even if you cannot stay, just stop by and tell them to come to us). FoRIA will most likely have a small slip of paper for you to hand to the owners saying this point. See everyone on Wednesday!!

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