D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A2415
This focus area includes the Metro station vicinity and the 2.7-mile corridor extending from North Capitol Street east to the Maryland line. The Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro station opened in 1976 and was one of the first stations in the system. Despite the fact that the station is just one mile from Downtown DC, its current configuration has a suburban feel. The station is adjoined by one of the largest surface parking lots in the District of Columbia on its southeast, and by an aging shopping center on the northwest. Other uses in the vicinity include the new "big box" retail center on Brentwood Road, light industrial uses, and strip commercial uses on Rhode Island Avenue. 2415.1
Land around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station is underutilized and does not provide the community focal point it could. The WMATA parking lot presents the most immediate and obvious opportunity for redevelopment, but over time additional properties may transition to new uses. Medium to high density housing is strongly encouraged in this area, and traffic improvements are recommended to make the station more accessible for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Improvements to the Metropolitan Branch Trail are planned through this area. 2415.2
Extending east from the station, Rhode Island Avenue is a wide tree lined street with well kept homes and apartments, scattered commercial businesses and churches, and public uses like fire stations and parks. A walkable shopping district between 20th and 24th Streets NE serves as the retail heart of the Woodridge community. 2415.3
The general character of the Avenue is not expected to change significantly over the next 20 years, but there are opportunities for moderate density infill development in several locations. Filling in "gaps" in the street wall would be desirable in the commercial areas, creating a more pedestrian friendly environment. While most of the street is zoned for commercial uses, development that includes ground floor retail uses and upper story housing would be desirable. The surrounding area is under-served by retail uses and would benefit from new restaurants, local-serving stores, and other services. 2415.4
Policy UNE-2.5.1: Rhode Island Avenue/Brentwood Metro Station
Encourage the development of additional medium- to high-density mixed-use development around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station, particularly on the surface parking lots in the station vicinity. Review the Rhode Island properties west of and proximate to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station for transit connections and appropriate land use recommendations.
Policy UNE-2.5.2: Redevelopment of Older Commercial and Industrial Sites
Encourage the long-term reuse of older commercial and industrial sites in the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station vicinity with higher-value mixed uses, including housing. Future mixed-use development should be pedestrian-oriented, with design features that encourage walking to the Metro station and nearby shopping. 2415.6
Policy UNE-2.5.3: Pedestrian Improvements
Enhance pedestrian connections between the neighborhoods around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station and the station itself. This should include improvements to the "public realm" along Rhode Island Avenue, with safer pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other amenities that make the street more attractive. 2415.7
Policy UNE-2.5.4: Rhode Island Avenue Corridor
Strengthen the Rhode Island Avenue corridor from 13th to 24th Street NE as a pedestrian-oriented mixed use district that better meets the needs of residents in the Brentwood, Brookland, Woodridge, and South Central neighborhoods. Infill development that combines ground floor retail and upper-story office and/or housing should be encouraged. 2415.8
Action UNE-2.5.A: Rhode Island Avenue Station Area Planning
Work with WMATA, the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission, local businesses, and the community to ensure that plans for the Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail parking area enhance the surrounding neighborhoods and address issues such as traffic, parking, and station access. 2415.9
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A2415