Here's the latest information on the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Funding program:
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DMPED) has released the first round of grant applications for the Small Business Capital Improvement grants, with funding up to $85,000 to use for starting or improving small businesses. The funds can be used for such projects as facade improvement, renovations, and some equipment purchases.
There will be a series of information sessions for small businesses, including one for Rhode Island Avenue at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 22nd, at the Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin).
If you are a small business on Rhode Island Avenue NE, and are interested in pursuing this fantastic grant opportunity, please plan on attending the the information session on Monday. Additionally, FoRIA is available to help you with the application process, along with our partners at Washington Area Community Investment Fund and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, visitwww.greatstreets.dc.gov orwww.friendsofria.org
Showing posts with label Friends of Rhode Island Avenue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends of Rhode Island Avenue. Show all posts
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Fall Fest on Rhode Island Ave NE 9/22 - this Saturday - Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FoRIA)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2012
Contact: Kyle Todd
202-525-7286
Washington, D.C. – Ward 5 neighborhood non-profit group Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FoRIA) will hold their inaugural Fall Fest on Saturday, September 22 from noon – 4pm. The festival will take place in front of businesses along the 2000 – 2400 blocks of Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast, highlighting the Great Street of RIA and bringing the Woodridge neighborhood out for an afternoon of fun.
“We’re excited to be working with so many great businesses to hold our first Fall Fest,” said FoRIA Chairman James Holloway. “We encourage all in the community to come out to visit their favorite local businesses or become acquainted with some new ones.”
Numerous local businesses and vendors are participating in the Fest, including Rita’s Flavored Ice, Art Enables, Lace on the Avenue, and Damian Ministries. There will be music, food, and children’s activities happening throughout the afternoon.
“We are asking all attendees to bring non-perishable food to Damian Ministries as they come out to the festival,” said FoRIA President Kyle Todd. “We know that in these tough economic times it’s been tough for churches and food pantries to meet the demand, so we hope that this effort will help them serve those in need as we head into the fall and winter.”
For more information about FoRIA or the Fall Fest, please contact Kyle Todd at info@friendsofria.org.
*****
Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE is dedicated to promoting, developing, and enhancing Rhode Island Avenue NE as a culturally, socially, and economically vibrant community in Washington D.C.
Our goal is to raise awareness of the RIA NE corridor and to advocate for its positive redevelopment. We are an all-volunteer organization that offers free membership and welcomes all to participate.
September 14, 2012
Contact: Kyle Todd
202-525-7286
Washington, D.C. – Ward 5 neighborhood non-profit group Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FoRIA) will hold their inaugural Fall Fest on Saturday, September 22 from noon – 4pm. The festival will take place in front of businesses along the 2000 – 2400 blocks of Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast, highlighting the Great Street of RIA and bringing the Woodridge neighborhood out for an afternoon of fun.
“We’re excited to be working with so many great businesses to hold our first Fall Fest,” said FoRIA Chairman James Holloway. “We encourage all in the community to come out to visit their favorite local businesses or become acquainted with some new ones.”
Numerous local businesses and vendors are participating in the Fest, including Rita’s Flavored Ice, Art Enables, Lace on the Avenue, and Damian Ministries. There will be music, food, and children’s activities happening throughout the afternoon.
“We are asking all attendees to bring non-perishable food to Damian Ministries as they come out to the festival,” said FoRIA President Kyle Todd. “We know that in these tough economic times it’s been tough for churches and food pantries to meet the demand, so we hope that this effort will help them serve those in need as we head into the fall and winter.”
For more information about FoRIA or the Fall Fest, please contact Kyle Todd at info@friendsofria.org.
*****
Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE is dedicated to promoting, developing, and enhancing Rhode Island Avenue NE as a culturally, socially, and economically vibrant community in Washington D.C.
Our goal is to raise awareness of the RIA NE corridor and to advocate for its positive redevelopment. We are an all-volunteer organization that offers free membership and welcomes all to participate.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Recap of the Rhode Island Avenue Task Force Meeting
This morning I attended the Rhode Island Avenue Task Force meeting and I wanted to share what I learned as it pertains to Edgewood. Also, I would like to encourage people to attend these meetings as they are open to the whole community and it is a great way to get your voice heard and be a part of the development of Rhode Island Avenue NE. The next meeting is being scheduled for the end of February.
The meeting started with an introduction of the different groups that were present. There was quite a bit of blunt expression demonstrating the fractured relationship by the Premier CDC group towards the Friends of Rhode Island Ave group. I have experience with the Premier CDC group in regards to them working towards starting an Edgewood Farmer's Market and I joined the Friends of Rhode Island Avenue group when they started last year. So, that said I am not going to go into details of the discussion I am going to say I think both groups have a niche and there is so much to be done that the more the merrier. I just hope people can work together and not duplicate efforts. I think it would be best if each group could focus on specific initiatives and the Task Force meetings could be used to delegate and discusss what each group is doing.
There was a representative from CM Orange's office there and Jeff Miller, Director of Real Estate from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development was there as well. They were both very informative about programs and initiatives and honest about the lack of money for government funding for many of these items.
I asked many questions about the potential Farmer's Market in Edgewood. Premier CDC group stated that they are still working on it hoping to start one this year. They have been talking with Vanguard at the Rhode Island Shopping Center, but they still do not have anything signed. Jeff Miller stated that his office has also been discussing it with Vanguard and also offered the option that the Rhode Island Row development would be happy to have the Farmer's Market there. It seems that we may very well have one this year.
Jeff Miller also stated that over 50% of the Rhode Island Row development's retail has already been leased. He did not share any new tenants past the ones we already know. I am hoping that Rhode Island Row will start advertising who they are as their spaces are being completed.
The Rhode Island Shopping Center was discussed further as I asked a few more questions about it and was told that development may be closer than I was previously told. Basically the leases being signed by the new discount grocer/retailer are going to be shorter term and redevelopment could happen in pieces.
I made a few connections at the meeting for an outdoor movie night that I am trying to plan and coordinate with multiple groups along Rhode Island Avenue. If anyone is interested in being involved with planning let me know!
The meeting started with an introduction of the different groups that were present. There was quite a bit of blunt expression demonstrating the fractured relationship by the Premier CDC group towards the Friends of Rhode Island Ave group. I have experience with the Premier CDC group in regards to them working towards starting an Edgewood Farmer's Market and I joined the Friends of Rhode Island Avenue group when they started last year. So, that said I am not going to go into details of the discussion I am going to say I think both groups have a niche and there is so much to be done that the more the merrier. I just hope people can work together and not duplicate efforts. I think it would be best if each group could focus on specific initiatives and the Task Force meetings could be used to delegate and discusss what each group is doing.
There was a representative from CM Orange's office there and Jeff Miller, Director of Real Estate from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development was there as well. They were both very informative about programs and initiatives and honest about the lack of money for government funding for many of these items.
I asked many questions about the potential Farmer's Market in Edgewood. Premier CDC group stated that they are still working on it hoping to start one this year. They have been talking with Vanguard at the Rhode Island Shopping Center, but they still do not have anything signed. Jeff Miller stated that his office has also been discussing it with Vanguard and also offered the option that the Rhode Island Row development would be happy to have the Farmer's Market there. It seems that we may very well have one this year.
Jeff Miller also stated that over 50% of the Rhode Island Row development's retail has already been leased. He did not share any new tenants past the ones we already know. I am hoping that Rhode Island Row will start advertising who they are as their spaces are being completed.
The Rhode Island Shopping Center was discussed further as I asked a few more questions about it and was told that development may be closer than I was previously told. Basically the leases being signed by the new discount grocer/retailer are going to be shorter term and redevelopment could happen in pieces.
I made a few connections at the meeting for an outdoor movie night that I am trying to plan and coordinate with multiple groups along Rhode Island Avenue. If anyone is interested in being involved with planning let me know!
Monday, January 9, 2012
FoRIA ALL-HANDS MEETING: JAN 23!
Dear Friends of Rhode Island Avenue,
Agenda
Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE
As we mentioned in our year end wrap-up, we are hosting a
planning meeting on January 23 from 7:30 – 9:00 pm at Art Enables. We would love
to meet with you, discuss what has already been done, and most importantly, lay
out what needs to be done in 2012. We know you have lots of good ideas and we
want to move forward in 2012 with solid, tangible action-items based on
community input.
Agenda
- Brief introduction of FORIA
- Recap of Progress
- Break-Out Planning Committees: Community Events, Business Development, and Street-Scape
- Recap of Each Committee
- Miscellaneous Business
Best,
Friends of Rhode Island Avenue NE
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Ward 5 Rhode Island Avenue Task Force Meeting November 30th 6:30 p.m.
Please see the message below which updates the agenda for the upcoming meeting on development of Rhode Island Avenue NE. There is now a component where Montel Williams will be there to talk about medical marijuana and I am not sure how that fits into the development. I guess we will find out.
Think Rhode Island Avenue!
Ward 5 Rhode Island Avenue Task Force meeting
With special guest presentation by Montel Williams
November 30, 2011
6:30 to 7:30 Task force meets
7:30 to 9:00 Special guest Montel Williams to discuss medical marijuana
Israel Baptist Church
1251 Saratoga Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C.
6:30 pm
What is the Rhode Island Avenue NE/ Task force?
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, I invite you to take a significant step with us to implement plans for the commercial districts along the corridor.
Why is your involvement needed?
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 Task force will provide strategic recommendations about how we use the great street study to capture a portion of the $1 billion in retail sales revenues (and jobs) lost each year to other jurisdictions. The Task force will help determine where the strategic opportunities are, and what is needed to lay the groundwork for new and sustainable investment using the four sub areas below as a blue print.
Four Sub-areas:
4th St to 10th
13th St to 16th
17th St to Kearny
Monroe to Eastern (low commercial - high residence)
Task Force plans to embrace organized groups and support their complimentary independent initiatives that will move a joint plan: Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC), Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FORIA), Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), Rhode Island Avenue Business Council, and Ward 5 Business Council, community and business groups
Think Rhode Island Avenue.
7:30 pm
Special presentation and discussion from Montel Williams on medical marijuana as it relates to ward five
Sponsored by Councilmember Harry L. Thomas, Jr., Ward 5
Think Rhode Island Avenue!
Ward 5 Rhode Island Avenue Task Force meeting
With special guest presentation by Montel Williams
November 30, 2011
6:30 to 7:30 Task force meets
7:30 to 9:00 Special guest Montel Williams to discuss medical marijuana
Israel Baptist Church
1251 Saratoga Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C.
6:30 pm
What is the Rhode Island Avenue NE/ Task force?
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, I invite you to take a significant step with us to implement plans for the commercial districts along the corridor.
Why is your involvement needed?
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 Task force will provide strategic recommendations about how we use the great street study to capture a portion of the $1 billion in retail sales revenues (and jobs) lost each year to other jurisdictions. The Task force will help determine where the strategic opportunities are, and what is needed to lay the groundwork for new and sustainable investment using the four sub areas below as a blue print.
Four Sub-areas:
4th St to 10th
13th St to 16th
17th St to Kearny
Monroe to Eastern (low commercial - high residence)
Task Force plans to embrace organized groups and support their complimentary independent initiatives that will move a joint plan: Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC), Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FORIA), Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), Rhode Island Avenue Business Council, and Ward 5 Business Council, community and business groups
Think Rhode Island Avenue.
7:30 pm
Special presentation and discussion from Montel Williams on medical marijuana as it relates to ward five
Sponsored by Councilmember Harry L. Thomas, Jr., Ward 5
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Community Happy Hour - Combined with Friends of Rhode Island Avenue
It's Community Happy Hour Time!
(And we are expanding the group to include the Friends of Rhode Island too!)
Every month on the first Thursday!
Get to know your neighbors!
Support our community!
Share a few laughs!
Why not?
Lace (On the Avenue)2214 Rhode Island Ave NE
Washington DC 20018Phone: 202-832-3888
November 3, 2011
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Happy Hour prices (drinks and food)
Open to all neighbors
Please RSVP: jennifer.parker3@yahoo.com
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