What is the Rhode Island Avenue NE/ Great Streets Initiative?

Rhode Island Avenue, NE is a District of Columbia Government designated “Great Streets” corridor. The Great Streets Initiative is a multiple agency effort to transform under-invested corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers using public actions and tools, as needed, to leverage new private investment.

This is an important and long-overlooked corridor that is well-positioned to gain in its importance and prominence to the District. Along with community leadership, property and business owners, residents, and other stakeholders, we invite you to take a significant step with us to develop a plan for the commercial districts along the corridor.

Why is this study necessary?

Rhode Island Avenue, NE has potential to provide new housing, jobs, and retail goods and services, which many in Woodridge, Langdon, Brookland, Edgewood and Brentwood may now buy in the surrounding counties. The study will provide strategic recommendations about how we use the land to capture a portion of the $1 billion in retail sales revenues (and jobs) lost each year to other jurisdictions. This study will help determine where the strategic opportunities are, and what is needed to lay the groundwork for new and sustainable investment.

Project Contact: Andre Byers, Project Manager-Great Streets Initiative, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317, Washington, DC 20004, andre.byers@dc.gov , (202) 258-1497 or by fax (202) 727-6703.

FINAL DRAFT "RHODE ISLAND AVENUE: Diamond of the District" Small Area Plan (see related documents below)

Small Area Plan Comments on RIA Plan and District Responses
(see related documents below)

Video - THINK Rhode Island Avenue Small Area Plan Public Hearing (March 1, 2010)

Video - THINK Rhode Island Avenue Commercial Property Owners and Developers Meeting - December 10, 2008

Video - THINK Rhode Island Avenue Kick Off Meeting - November 6, 2008

DC Register - Notice of Public Hearing/ Agenda/ Written Testimony
(see related documents below)