Spring 2015
NewWoodbridge Vision
Community Updates from Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi
FRANKLY SPEAKING
More Pedestrian, Bicycle & Park Projects Coming To New Woodbridge Several new sidewalk, trail, park and road improvements have been approved and funded as part of the NewWoodbridge Pedestrian & Bicycle Trail Network announced last year. Supervisor Frank J. Principi is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation, Prince William Transportation Department and Park and Recreation Department on bringing the projects to completion. Improvements include: ÂÂ 500 foot new sidewalk from the Cow Branch Bridge on Blackburn Road to Rippon Boulevard (west side). This will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and eliminate what is currently a sidewalk to nowhere. ÂÂ VDOT is installing a traffic light at the intersection of Blackburn Road and Rippon Boulevard, after determining that heavy traffic volume, delays and accidents there warrant one. The light will also enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. ÂÂ In Rippon Neighborhood Park, the existing gravel parking lot will be expanded and have blacktop added to increase parking for commuters and (Cont., page 2)
IN THIS ISSUE.. ÂÂ A Trader Joe’s of Our Own (3) ÂÂ Woodbridge Job Growth (4)
KNOW MORE, SOONER
Learn more about your community, ÂÂ Restart the Metro Conversation sooner. Visit NewWoodbridge.org and click the «Subscribe» button (7) to sign up for our electronic ÂÂ NVTA Funds More Route 1 newsletter and community Improvements (7) updates. You can also follow ÂÂ Addressing Classroom Facebook.com/ Overcrowding (10) NewWoodbridge CIVIC to read about and ÂÂ Neabsco Boardwalk ASSOCIATION share your thoughts on local Timeline Unveiled (12) MEETS JUNE 18, happenings and news. ÂÂ Meet Our New Team Members (15) ÂÂ ...And More!
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!
Questions? Comments? Get in touch!
703.792.4646 | www.NewWoodbridge.org
Lodge. It will also be used to access the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk when that is completed. ÂÂ This fall, the PWC Transportation Department is expected to begin the study process to widen Blackburn Road at Route 1, including the consideration of two left turn lanes. The funding will be part of the future design/engineering work required to widen Neabsco Mills Road from Northern Virginia Community College to Route 1. ÂÂ The PWC Transportation Department is considering the construction of a 100 foot long, 10 foot wide pedestrian trail to connect the gravel parking lot serving the baseball fields on Neabsco Road with the entrance of the future Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. ÂÂ The design and engineering process began for a new sidewalk over Powell’s Creek on Route 1 (Powell’s Creek Boulevard north to meet up with the Port Potomac sidewalk). All project funding is secured and it is scheduled to be constructed by fall of 2016. The future sidewalk will also connect with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail east towards the Potomac River in the future. ÂÂ PWC Parks and Recreation Department is currently contracting with a private vendor to install a restroom facility at Veterans Park, at the fields closest to the park entrance. This project, which will be park’s third restroom facility, comes on the heels of last year’s new baseball batting cages, and should be in place for the fall sports season. ÂÂ Parks and Recreation is also in the final stages of installing lights for the soccer fields at Veterans Park. Efforts are focused on ensuring homeowners near the park will not be negatively impacted by the new lighting. ÂÂ Funding has been secured for installation of turf and lights over the Woodbridge Middle School football field, making it a multi-use field where football, soccer and lacrosse games can be played. For more on the vision for NewWoodbridge and how you can support it, visit www.NewWoodbridge.org or call me at 703.792.4646.
Overall Crime Rate Decreases in Prince William The Prince William County Police Department reports that the overall crime rate dropped again last year, measuring at 14.5 crimes per 1,000 residents for 2014. The total number of reported property crimes fell 10.7 percent. Reported violent crimes increased slightly; however, these account for only 8.4 percent of all crime in the county. View the department’s full 2014 Crime Report in the “News” section of www. NewWoodbridge.org. And remember, if you see something, say something. In emergencies, call 911, an for non-emergencies, 703-792-6500. 2
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER DEVELOPMENT
Potomac Science Center Taking Shape
If you have traversed the Potomac River past Belmont Bay in recent weeks, you may have noticed a new structure taking form along the water. Those beams are the early stages of the George Mason University Potomac Science Center, a 45,000 square foot, LEED gold environmental research and education facility that realizes long held plans to have a science center in this area. Central to the project is the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC), which focuses on Potomac River restoration and local sustainability. According to the university, “PEREC will occupy much of the space in the new waterfront building with wet labs for teaching and research, lecture rooms, offices for faculty, graduate students and other researchers, a spatial analysis laboratory, and a library/resource center.” Slated to open in 2016, the science center will also partner with area schools to provide hands-on educational opportunities for K-12 students. Additionally, the center will schedule activities that allow the public to become familiar with the riverside ecosystem and the work being done at PEREC. For more information, visit www.cos.gmu.edu/perec/.
Did you ever wish that Woodbridge could have our own ? Visit NewWB.org/TJtoPW to complete a survey and sign a petition asking them to locate here. Supervisor Principi will use these to show Trader Joe’s that if they build it, we will come.
Better Development * Better Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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BETTER DEVELOPMENT
Eastern Prince William Attracts 1,000+ New Jobs & $89 Million in Capital Investment
You’ve heard the term: Better Development. But what does it mean? Here at New Woodbridge, we use it to describe the building of well-designed, mixeduse town centers in strategic locations, which incorporate smart growth principles. It also means creating an environment that is welcoming to businesses that can bring high paying jobs to our district.
Between 2010-2014, Eastern Prince William County generated 1,002 new jobs and $89 million in capital investment. During that period, organizations announcing intent to locate or expand in Woodbridge included George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center, Golfsmith, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Zeiders, LLC. Projects like the widening of Route 1 and undergrounding of utilities; building of mixed-used, transit-centered neighborhoods and continued improvements to our education system will help to establish Woodbridge as a community that is open for business.
SUMMER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Yoga on the Lawn (Rippon Lodge) Saturdays, Now - Sept., 9 am Rippon Lodge, 15500 Blackburn Road Yoga with views of the Potomac River; $5.
Music at the Marina (Leesylvania) 4th Saturdays (June 27, July 25, Aug. 29), 7 pm 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge Free concerts overlooking the water.
Movies Under the Stars (Stonebridge) Saturdays, Now - Sept., 7 pm 14001 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Free movies on the jumbotron near P.F. Chang’s.
Taste of Woodbridge (Stonebridge) Saturday, June 13, 11 am - 6 pm 14001 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Food vendors, music, kids activities & more.
Stonebridge Summer Concert Series 2nd and 4th Fridays, Now - Sept., 8 pm 14001 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Bring a chair for this free music series.
150th Anniversary of Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 20, 11 am - 4 pm Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court, PW Emancipation Proclamation readings, kids activities.
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NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER TRANSPORTATION
Principi Hosted Virginia Secretary of Transportation at Town Hall Meeting Supervisor Frank J. Principi hosted Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne and his senior leadership team at a town hall on Better Transportation in the Woodbridge Magisterial District. “I believe this is the first time that we have had this many transportation leaders in one room in Prince William County,” said Supervisor Principi. Secretary Layne briefed attendees on the new process for funding transportation projects. “All state projects will now go through a competitive process created with House Bill 2,” he explained. “It requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to use five factors to rank projects: congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality.” Secretary Layne also spoke about the Route 1 widening project and Fast Ferry service on
Dale City 4th of July Parade Saturday, July 4, 11 am - 2 pm Dale Boulevard, Dale City Begins at Beville Middle School, going east to Center Plaza. (Volunteers needed, call 703.792.4622.)
the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers; both being championed by Supervisor Principi. “Woodbridge residents are tired of sitting in traffic,” said Supervisor Principi at townhall. “We are very appreciative of Secretary Layne’s time and leadership on the many transportation projects coming out of the ground in Prince William County.” “Better Transportation” is a tenant of the Supervisor’s vision for a New Woodbridge. His focus is on helping his constituents get where they need to go more efficiently and safely by investing in transportation infrastructure that expands roadways and transit options, and by completing sidewalks and trails. He is currently in the process of helping to organize a Fast Ferry Summit that will take place this fall.
Prince William County Fair Fri. Aug. 14-Sat. Aug. 22, times vary 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas Virginia’ largest county fair returns.
For more local events, visit NewWoodbridge.org. Please note: Event information is subject to change. Please check directly with event organizers for the latest event details before attending.
Better Development * Better Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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BETTER TRANSPORTATION
County Board Praises Transportation Progress, Notes Work Remaining for CTB During a Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) public hearing on April 28, 2015, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors submitted testimony regarding the CTB Draft FY16-FY21 SixYear Improvement Program. Following are excerpts from the prepared remarks: “As you are aware, the Board is committed to addressing transportation issues for the citizens of Prince William County as well as those of Northern Virginia... Over the past 20 years, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors has spent more than $315 million in local funds to complete the County’s road bond projects, which include both primary and major secondary roads, to advance the local, regional, and state transportation networks... With the passage of HB 1887, the current 40/30/30 funding formula is to be replaced with two new programs to fund transportation projects in the Commonwealth: the High Priority Project Program (HPPP) and the Construc-
tion District Grant Program (CDGP). ...We hope that by creating these new programs will ensure moneys will be provided for desperately needed secondary system improvements.” The Board also requested that VDOT and CTB consider additional funding for projects identified as priorities by the county, including several in the Woodbridge Magisterial District: ÂÂ Route 1 (Dumfries Road to Bradys Hill Road) ÂÂ Route 1 – Neabsco/Cardinal Road to Route 234 (Dumfries Road) ÂÂ Route 1/123 Interchange (Phase II), including the extension of Annapolis Way ÂÂ Route 1/123 Interchange Auxiliary Roads (Annapolis/Horner Road) To read the full testimony online, visit newwb.org/CTBsixyear.
Plan to Attend... Upcoming Board of County Supervisor Meetings
Meetings are held Prince William County McCoart Administration Building, Board Chambers, 1 County Complex Court. Upcoming dates and times: June 16 (2:00 & 7:30*) June 23 (2:00 & 7:30*) July 14 (2:00 & 7:30*) July 21 (2:00 & 7:30*) August 4 (2:00 & 7:30*) September 8 (2:00 & 7:30*). Visit NewWoodbridge.org/services for more information. 6
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER TRANSPORTATION
WMATA Managing Director of Planning Shyam Kannan to Brief Board on Metrorail to Woodbridge on June 16 Plan to attend the June 16 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, with Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Managing Director of Planning Shyam Kannan. At Supervisor Frank J. Principi’s request, Mr. Kannan will discuss what it would take to extend Metro into the Woodbridge area. If you cannot make the meeting, held 2 p.m. at the McCoart Building on Prince William Parkway, check Facebook.com/ NewWoodbridge, where we will post a link to a podcast.
As congestion along I-95 and local roadways continues to grow, reducing quality of life for area residents and hurting the bottom line for local businesses, it is time reopen the Metrorail dialogue.
Featherstone to Mary’s Way Now Funded The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) FY 2015-2016 spending plan is good news for drivers tired of sitting in traffic along Route 1. The $345.9 million TwoYear Program will fund 21 highway and 16 transit projects, including $52 million for the widening and undergrounding of utilities between Featherstone Road and Mary’s Way. This is the next major piece of funding needed to complete improvements along the five continuous miles of Route 1 between the Ferlazzo Government Center and Occoquan River, transforming the corridor into a six-lane highway, with sidewalks, multi-use/bicycle trails, crosswalks, new street lighting and landscaping in the median. 32 blighted buildings are being demolished to make way for the improvements, part of a $1 billion public and private investment in the Woodbridge District. Read more at at newwb.org/nvtart1. Better Development * Better Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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BETTER TRANSPORTATION
Bike to Work Day Breaks Regional Record A record-breaking 17,500 Washington area commuters cycled to work or transit stations for Bike to Work Day on May 15. The event, which encourages people to trade gas pedals for bike pedals, is co-organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Supervisor Frank J. Principi greeted cyclists at one of the 79 pit-stops located throughout the region. He and a team of volunteers offered refreshments, giveaways and encouragement to riders who stopped by the Express Drive VRE station. “Events like this one encourage residents to leave the car at home, commuting in a way that promotes exercise, eases traffic congestion and is easier on the environment,” said Supervisor Principi. “Locally, it also reflects progress towards becoming New Woodbridge, with new bike lanes, traffic patterns and stoplights making our community more cyclist and pedestrian friendly.” “We’re grateful for the ongoing support from Bike to Work Day participants, volunteers, sponsors, and elected officials who’ve allowed the event to grow bigger and better each year,” said Commuter Connections Director Nicholas Ramfos. Follow Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge for announcements on Car Free Day, taking place September 22.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED...4TH OF JULY PARADE
Join us in representing New Woodbridge in the Dale City 4th of July Parade. Call BJ Johnson at 703.792.4662 for details on walking with Supervisor Frank J. Principi during this popular community event. 8
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS
Making Woodbridge Safer for Pedestrians In the early hours of May 22, another pedestrian, Noe Zarte Mares, lost his life crossing Route 1 in Woodbridge. This latest tragedy is the ninth pedestrian death on this stretch of road since 2008, and there have been 64 crashes involving pedestrians during that timeframe. These accidents underscore why we are on a mission to transform Woodbridge into a walkable community. In 2012, I led an effort to identify missing links in sidewalks, trails and crosswalks in the Woodbridge District. More than 30 segments were prioritized based on safety and connectivity factors. We want to eliminate the sidewalks to nowhere and increase safety so families are better connected to schools, churches, parks, shopping and other amenities. Once fully completed, the Pedestrian & Bicycle Network will be 50 continuous miles around the Woodbridge District. To build this network, we are tapping into resources from multiple funding streams including developer proffers, state and regional grants and local tax dollars. Funding and plans are in place to build sidewalks and trails at the following locations in the next several years: ÂÂ U.S.1 between Annapolis Way and Mary’s Way (both sides of the road) ÂÂ U.S. 1 between Featherstone Road and Neabsco Mills Road (both sides of the road) ÂÂ U.S. 1 at Powell’s Creek ÂÂ Dale/Rippon Boulevard from Neabsco Mills Road across U.S. 1 ÂÂ Opitz Boulevard from Mason Creek Drive to Potomac Library ÂÂ Blackburn Road from Rippon Blvd and the Cow Branch Creek bridge ÂÂ Blackburn Road from Reddy Drive to Featherstone Road Of course, as the most recent tragedy illustrates, sometimes having a crosswalk or sidewalk is not enough. That is why we need to take a multi-prong approach to improving pedestrian safety. This includes adding clear signage, traffic lights with countdown timers, better signal timing, more lighting and increased enforcement.
Better Development * Better Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS
FY 2016 Budget Reflects Strategic Approach to Community Needs By a 4-3 vote last December, the Board of County Supervisors passed a resolution providing guidance to the County Executive to prepare a Fiscal Year 16 budget based on a 1.3% tax increase — a 2.7% cut to the proposed budget. Supervisor Frank J. Principi was among the County leaders who encouraged local citizens to demand real leadership that addresses our community needs in a strategic and responsible way. Luckily, many rallied to the cause, urging that cuts not be made on the backs of our public safety officials, students, teachers and the least fortunate among us. In response, the Board approved a FY16 Budget based on a real estate tax rate of $1.122 per $100 of assessed value. The approved budget represents continued investment in the quality of life in Woodbridge, including: ÂÂ Construction of a new elementary
school, a completely reconstructed elementary school, 23 new classrooms at other schools, and a $1 million annual matchingfunds grant, all designed to address overcrowding in Woodbridge classrooms; ÂÂ Funding for a 2.5% pay increase for County teachers; ÂÂ Night lighting, turf sport fields, and additional restrooms at Woodbridge Middle School and Veteran’s Park; ÂÂ Widening of 5 miles of Route 1 to six lanes with sidewalks, bicycle paths, and the undergrounding of utility poles to alleviate traffic, spur smart growth, add jobs and improve pedestrian safety; ÂÂ Completion of the 14-mile Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Neabsco Boardwalk (3,000 feet long, 10-foot wide) connecting pedestrians/bicyclists with area parks, historic sites, and refuges on the Potomac River;
The Prince William Board of County Supervisor “Create Class Size Reduction Grant,” approved on April 21, allocates $1 million in each year of FY2016-FY2020 to Prince William County Schools. To be eligible, the schools must match the grant each year, and dedicate the combined $2 million annually ($10 million total) to the reduction of classroom sizes in Prince William County. 10
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS
Renovation Continues at Woodbridge Schools
The new BOCS committments to the Prince William County School System are the most recent in a series of steps that the County has in progress to address overcrowding in area classrooms. In Woodbridge Magisterial District, years of effort are coming to fruition, as a number of schools are being renovated and in one case, rebuilt, to increase capcaity. Below is a table showing projected spending on those projects. School
Project
Featherstone Elementary School
Addition of 6 Rooms
Rippon Middle School
Addition of 8 Rooms
$7,410,000
$7,410,000
Kilby Elementary School
School Replacement
$31,476,000
$31,476,000
Belmont Elementary School
Addition of 10 Rooms
$8,667,000
$8,667,000
Leesylvania Elementary School
Addition of 4 Rooms
$6,900,000
$6,900,000
$63,284,000
$54,453,000
Totals:
ÂÂ Continued stewardship measures planned for the Marumsco, Neabsco, and Occoquan Watersheds designed to protect our environment and restore wildlife habitats; ÂÂ Launch of a pilot program to provide body cameras for all Prince William County police officers, creating immediate accountability of all involved; and ÂÂ Full staffing of our police, fire, EMS, and Call Center to ensure improved 911 response times when needed most. This includes the addition of 25 police officers, 23 firefighters and six emergency dispatchers and two Sheriff’s Deputies. The efforts of the Board of County Supervisors to address classroom overcrowding will also make it pos-
FY15 Allocation
28 Rooms
FY16 Allocation
$8,831,000
sible for the Mary G. Porter Traditional School to remain in its current location in Woodbridge. Read more online at newwb.org/fy16rate.
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BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS
Area residents gathered at Leesylvania Elementary School this spring to hear about the updated design plans and timetable for the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, during a townhall meeting with Woodbridge District Supervisor Principi, Prince William County Park and Recreation Department staff and Jim Klein of Landscape Architect, Lardner/Klein Inc. When Phase I is completed, the 3,000foot long, 10-foot wide boardwalk will traverse Neabsco Creek at its confluence with Occoquan Bay/Potomac River, connecting Rippon Lodge, Rippon Landing Park, Julie Metz Wetlands and Leesylvania State Park as part of the larger Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, an 830-mile network of trails extending from Pittsburgh to Northern Neck, Va. “[The boardwalk] will become a regional destination for wildlife viewing, outdoor education and nature appreciation,” said Klein. Three-hundred parking spaces will be located within walking 12
NewWoodbridge Vision
distance, including 150 existing spaces at Rippon Lodge, Rippon Landing Neighborhood Park and Eagles Landing Baseball Fields. “The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk represents the quality of life that is a hallmark of New Woodbridge,” said Supervisor Principi, who has been instrumental in project’s progress. “We have the best of both worlds here. Modern conveniences of a metro area, surrounded by natural beauty. The boardwalk will help residents to fully enjoy that balance, and attract visitors to the community.” Supervisor Principi expects that all agency reviews will be completed by August 2015. Complete permitting, including by Army Corps of Engineers, is expected by September, and a bid package should be ready for construction procurement by November. He estimates construction time as 18-24 months. Much of it will take place in colder months, to mitigate impacts on aquatic vegetation. The estimated Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
project cost is $3 million. Find a summary of the meeting, along with answers to FAQs, project renderings and
results of environmental impact studies at newwb.org/neabsco.
On the Wall... Don’t worry; winter isn’t coming. We just wanted to share some recent comments posted «on the wall» at Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge, where you you can find local news, connect with neighbors and share your concerns, questions and excitement about the changes taking place in our community.
On demolition of old buildings & widening along Route 1... “I will be very happy to see some new changes, bringing some new love and pride for the area! Not to mention this will help the commute...none of my friend or family from Tyson's ever want to battle Route 1 south from 95 on weekends. Again, a million thanks!” “The new ‘look’ will be wonderful, but for those of us who've lived here for decades, it's a little sad to see those go.” “Excellent! Keep on going—it will look so much better when those boarded up properties are removed.” On Neabsco Creek Boardwalk… “We are SO very excited about this project!! What a gem to have so close to home!” “ At last, a safe way to hike between Rippon Landing and Leesylvania.” “There is something similar in Virginia Beach and my family has memories of walking across it and seeing the wildlife. It would be nice to have one closer we could visit regularly.”
Follow us on Facebook and be sure to share your thoughts “on the wall.” Rest assured, we’re listening!
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WOODBRIDGE CIVIC ASSOCIATION: Meeting with a View...And Purpose During its May meeting, Woodbridge Civic Assocation boarded Miss Rivershore for a closer look at one of the waterways they dedicate so much time to protecting. Collaboration was the theme of the evening, which featured guests from other organizations that work to enhance the community, such as Sea Scouts, HOLA Virginia, Woodbridge Woman’s Club and Woodbridge Lions Club. Presenters from Keep Prince William Beautiful and Alice Ferguson Foundation discussed efforts to reduce litter and protect the Chesepeake Watershed, as well ways that their groups could work in concert with the Association. The next Association meeting is June 18; all Woodbridge area residents are welcome. Visit NewWoodbridge.org for details.
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Visit the NEW NewWoodbridge.org!
Our newly redesigned website makes it easier than ever to find local events & meetings, County services and the latest on what to expect in New Woodbridge. You can also stay in-the-know by signing up for email updates at newwb.org/nwbvision, including an online, easy-to-share version of the newsletter.
New Team Members Join Supervisor Principi’s Office After years of dedicated service, we bid a fond farewell to Chief of Staff Mike Tutor and Constituent Services Manager Devon Cabot. Mike and his family have moved from Prince William and Devon is pursuing her graduate degree. We wish them both the best of luck in their future endeavors. Joining us is Tanya Noonan as the new Constituent Services Manager. She is focused on meeting the needs of Woodbridge residents, speaking with them regularly to understand concerns and then advocating on their behalf. Another new team member is Communications Director Emily Guerrero. She is spreading awareness of the vision for New Woodbridge, informing and engaging citizens along the way. Tanya Noonan
Emily Guerrero
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NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2015 | NewWoodbridge.org
Community Updates from Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi
NewWoodbridge Vision
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