Notice of Public Hearing
Monday, March 1, 2010 - 6 pm
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.
A copy of the Final Draft will be posted to www.dcbiz.dc.gov under ‘Great Streets’ then ‘THINK: Rhode Island Avenue’ by 5 pm on Friday, January 29, 2010. A black and white copy of the plan can also be mailed by request to (202) 727-6365.
Copies are also being emailed and mailed to the office of Councilmember Harry Thomas, Ward 5, and impacted Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners on the corridor. Copies will also be available for review only at Woodridge Neighborhood Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE, Washington, DC.
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 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.