3200 block Rhode Island Ave: Street Sense Proposal

At a special meeting of the Mount Rainier City Council on Monday, October 17, 2011, Street Sense presented a concept development plan for the 3200 block of Rhode Island Avenue (the former Bass Liquors and funeral home properties currently owned by the city).

I personally believe that redeveloping this block, which is the front door of Mount Rainier, is absolutely vital to the economic health of our city.  Simply removing the blight would do wonders for first impressions of our great city, but increased tax base and retail spaces that serve our residents are also important project outcomes.

Proposed floor plan, ground floor of 3200 block Rhode Island Ave

Please keep in mind that the city council has not made any decisions at this point, and, in fact, another developer is due to present a proposal.   Note that Street Sense has indicated its willingness to negotiate many of the details contained in this proposal - a good sign for the true partnership that the city is looking for.  So please take a look at the basic concept and share your thoughts with me.

This is an issue I'll be tracking closely, and I know many of you are as interested as I am.  If you want to receive specific updates on the development process please email me and let me know, but I will do my best to keep this blog up to date as well.

Click through for the full plan

New Mixed Use Town Center Plan published

The new Mount Rainier Mixed Use Town Center Plan has been finalized, printed, and published!  Copies can be seen at the Mount Rainier Library and City Hall.  The report can also be viewed and/or downloaded on the web by clicking here: digital copy of Mount Rainier Mixed Use Town Center Plan

This plan is an important piece of the puzzle for revitalizing our historic commercial district.

Map of Mount Rainier MUTC Zone

Special Meeting: Monday, October 17 - Rhode Island Ave Redevelopment

On Monday, October 18, 2011, 8pm, at City Hall, the Mount Rainier City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss redevelopment on the 3200 block of Rhode Island Ave.  We will be hearing a presentation from Street Sense regarding details of their proposed concept for Rhode Island Ave.

Neighbor Walk Sunday, 5:30pm - 32nd & Upshur

Please join the Mount Rainier Neighborhood Watch for our monthly visibility walk.  Dogs are welcome, and bring bags if you like to pick up trash as we walk.

Monster's Ball - Gateway CDC Fundraiser 10/29

The Monsters Ball

Gateway Community Development Corporation's Halloween Party Fundraiser.

Where:
The Gateway Arts Center
3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD 20722

When:
Saturday, October 29
8:00 pm 'til the wolves howl!

Ticket Levels

$10: 1 Free drink, food, COSTUME MANDATORY

$45: Free drinks, food, costume optional

$75: Free drinks, food, costume optional, plus $20 in raffle tickets for fabulous prizes

One entrance per ticket.
ID REQUIRED.

Entertainment

        DJ and Dancing- slamming, spooky beats.

        Evil Arts Laboratory- make and take adult art projects lead by Milkweed Studio.

        Joe's Zombie Dancers- reenacting Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.
        Become a ZOMBIE dancer!

        Ghost Stories by Story League DC.

        Fire Tiki's. See pictures.

        Costume Contest, Raffle and Silent Auction. See prizes.

Purchase Your Ticket

Buy online now or pay by check by visiting the Gateway CDC office

Gateway CDC Membership Meeting - Saturday at Urban Eats

FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AND OPEN HOUSE

AT URBAN EATS

Saturday October 8, 11am-1pm 

 

Come join your fellow Gateway CDC members at Urban Eats, on the traffic circle in Mount Rainier Saturday, October 8 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. 

Find out what's new at Gateway CDC and learn about ways to get involved in economic development in our community. You can renew your membership and be among the first to get your ticket to the Monster's Ball!

Stop in before your Saturday errands. Be sure to invite a friend.

Updated Agenda - October 4 Council Meeting

AGENDA
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
October 4, 2011
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL 7:00 PM
One Municipal Place
Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Review and Approval of Agenda
Review and Approval of Minutes
Official Reports

• Mayor 
• Council 
• City Manager 
• Department Heads

General Public Comment (Limited to Three (3) minutes per person per subject matter)

New Business
Resolution 16-2011 Approving 2012 Community Legacy Application
Resolution 17-2011 Appointing Amber Coleman-Mortley to the Youth and Recreation Committee