RIA Main Street Is Here – What’s Next?
The holidays have been a flurry of activity here! Since Councilmember McDuffie and Mayor Gray’s December 18 announcement of the selection of FoRIA to manage the new Rhode Island Avenue Main Street, we’ve been scrambling to get our transition in place. We know you probably have tons of questions – and we want to make sure we get all the answers for you. Back in September, we posted some FAQs about the RIA Main Street. We’ll be spending the next few weeks attending required trainings for Main Street policies, procedures, and expectations. We’ll also be mapping out our programs for the next year, all within the framework of the Main Street Four Point Approach®. Then, we’ll roll it all out to you, in a variety of formats. Now it is YOUR turn. What are your questions about the new RIA Main Street? Leave your questions in the comment section below, or drop us an email. Either way, we’ll get the answers to...
Read MoreMint Dental coming to 4th & RIA
A new dental practice is headed to Rhode Island Avenue NE! Eric Bradshaw, DDS, will be opening Mint Dental DC at 329 Rhode Island Ave NE. “I’m really excited about opening a practice here in my own neighborhood,” said Dr. Bradshaw, a Ward 5 resident and graduate of the Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Bradshaw, along with business partner Aliya Kassam, DDS, will provide general dentistry services. Dr. Kassam has advanced training in pediatric dentistry, while Dr. Bradshaw has taken numerous continuing education courses, including implant dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, and Invisalign®. He is also dedicated to meeting the needs of underserved communities, providing dental care in nursing facilities as well as participating in large, organized events such as the Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy. The new facility build-out is under way, and will include include 6 “operatories”, or procedure areas. According to Dr. Bradshaw, plumbing and electrical inspections have already finished, and after the HVAC system is installed, the walls will be finished out. They are on target for a February 1 opening. We’ll be sure to provide updates for their official opening date – stay tuned! In the mean time, here’s a glimpse of the interior construction: MINT Dental DC329 Rhode Island Ave, NE Suite A Washington, DC 20002 202.529.MINT...
Read MoreFoRIA Wins Rhode Island Avenue Main Street Bid
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 18, 2013—The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) has selected Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE (FoRIA) to manage the new Rhode Island Avenue Main Street program, effective immediately. Mayor Vincent Gray and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie made the announcement today at 10 a.m., as part of Mayor Gray’s regular bi-weekly press conference. Rhode Island Avenue Main Street will be the newest of eight independent, non-profit Main Street programs in the District. The boundaries will run from 4th Street NE to 24th Street NE along Rhode Island Avenue NE, which is also a section of the historic Route 1 corridor, and one of DC’s designated Great Streets. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity,” said James Holloway, Chair of the FoRIA Board of Directors. “For a long time, the communities that surround Rhode Island Avenue NE have asked for more restaurant and retail options within walking distance of their homes. FoRIA’s goal has always been to work with the community to build the type of vibrant commercial corridor that will not only serve this amazing and diverse community, but will also be an opportunity zone where locally-owned businesses can thrive.” The DC Main Street program has been in existence since 2002, and provides resources for local organizations to leverage private investment through public and private partnerships while revitalizing existing commercial corridors and historic landmarks. The program serves small businesses, which are a driving force for the local economy. In the last year alone, DC Main Streets programs have created more than 470 new jobs in the District. DC’s program was created through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and utilizes the National Trust’s Main Street Four-Point Approach® for commercial...
Read MoreKAAOS Gym Grand Opening
More #GoodWard5News! KAAOS Gym and Athletic Training Center (2304 Rhode Island Avenue NE) will be having its grand opening on this Saturday, December 7th, from 12 – 5 p.m. As previously reported by the Rhode Island Avenue Insider and ElevationDC, KAAOS will be offering personal training, athletic training and conditioning, athlete testing, and nutrition services. According to owner and Woodridge resident, Larry Carroll, Sr., they will also be offering a variety of classes that “combine cardio and strength training for an intense efficient workout that will achieve results for all fitness levels.” If you can’t make it to the grand opening but want to learn more about what the gym will be offering, you contact stop by the gym or email Larry at fitnesswarrior@fitnesswarrior.net for more information. ...
Read MoreDDOT/Great Streets: Streetscape Improvements Public Meeting Information
As we mentioned last week, DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) will be hosting the first public meeting (“open house” format) to solicit community input for streetscape improvements on RIA-NE on December 11th. The time and location for the meeting has now been set: 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Woodridge Library. Additionally, an information website has been set up: www.RIAnortheast.com Don’t miss this VERY important opportunity to be a part of the discussion! It is critical that the voices of members of the communities that surround RIA-NE be represented on this project. ...
Read MoreDMPED Grants of Small Business Improvements: Round 2
On Friday, the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the launch of the second round of Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants. The first round of this program was particularly beneficial to RIA businesses, with 7 grant awardees announced. The second round is open to any qualifying businesses that weren’t able to submit an application by the first round deadline. Additionally, if a qualifying business submitted an application and was denied, they may re-submit a revised application during this second round. The closing date for applications for the second round is February 17, 2014. Representatives from the DMPED Great Streets program will be at Tuesday morning’s Business Bites meeting to provide more information and to answer your questions. Great Streets FY14 Round 2...
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