We recently noticed a “for sale” sign go up behind the strip center at the 2000 block of RI Ave NE. An inquiry to the realtor revealed that it is for 2062 RI Ave NE, which is the Irie Island Cafe restaurant….but the description the realtor noted was that the last known use for the location is a church. Surprise anyone? No? I didn’t think so.

Rhode Island Ave is full of either liquor stores or store-front churches. Hopefully, whomever buys the 2062 RI Ave NE for the $450k asking price, will open a nice FAMILY themed restaurant we can all enjoy. This location, by the way, is next door to where the DECCA Group wants to put a “restaurant” that stays open to 3am with live music. We all know how late night bars and clubs turn out around here (read: King Solomon’s Temple).

I know that the community is going to be watching this closely to ensure we don’t get sub-par redevelopment.