INSIDER’S VIEW | CHRISTINA WINN
Sustaining and growing the local community
T
en years ago, an economic develSEE THE PITCH oper stood in a vacant lot, sur» Watch the Economic Development rounded by waving weeds, patches of mud, broken concrete and ringing Department’s “Make Your Mark” video at insect music. youtube.com/watch?v=DGJkr4YKqqA As he pointed out the boundaries of the land to a potential real estate develspaces, our county’s economic diversioper, cars sped by on the Prince William Parkway just beyond an abandoned barn, ty has proven to be resilient. We have with the late summer sun shining on two ensured the foundations of placemaking have taken shape across our tin-capped silos. county. That greenfield and historic Across the street from barn at the intersection of Farm Brew Live, a new town Prince William Parkway and center is emerging from the Route 28 in Manassas became ground, doubling the size of the Farm Brew Live campus. the George Mason University Today, those silos are refurScience & Technology campus bished, and the barn houses the CHRISTINA WINN at Innovation Park. award-winning Black Sheep On the other side of the county, dirt is restaurant, next to sister restaurant 2Silos moving around the new landmark VRE Brewery, which hosts rousing outdoor concerts and has become a regional desti- station at Potomac Shores. In the next year, we will see the groundbreaking at nation for families and friends. Riverside Crossing in Woodbridge, and The insects still sing near the pond at the transportation development that will Brentsville Hall, and next fall the Octoresult in a brand-new Quartz District ber nights will shine on the soon-to-be mid-county off Minnieville Road. expanded MurLarkey Distillery. Our office pitched that property 10 Competing in this region for business years ago to the right person at the right over the next 10 years will be about having time. As economic developers, our goal open conversations about the places we is to build relationships that generate a want to build. I am proud of our team, who commercial tax base – not just for tomor- work every day to develop not only innorow, but with the next decade in mind. vative ideas, but also relationships with our Our projects are geared toward sustaining business owners, leaders and residents. and growing a community – not just in The next 10 years are a time to make the best of times, but also in the worst. your mark in Prince William County. Prince William’s differences are our Christina Winn is executive director of assets. As our region confronts the chalthe Prince William County Department of lenges and opportunities of empty office Economic Development and Tourism.
DEVELOPMENT
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Transit Family Family!! OmniRide Express is a stress-free and convenient bus service from Eastern Prince William County, the Manassas area, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Stafford to destinations in Northern Virginia (including the Pentagon) and Washington, D.C. OmniRide Metro Express* offers two routes that connect Woodbridge and Manassas with nearby Metro stations. OmniRide Local* is a local bus service in Dale City, Woodbridge/Lake Ridge, Dumfries, and Manassas area. OmniRide Access* is a program that offers paratransit service for people with disabilities. Vans operate within ¾ mile of the OmniRide Local bus routes that serve Manassas and Manassas Park. OmniRide Connect* is a dynamic, same-day travel Microtransit service in the Manassas Park and Quantico/Dumfries/Triangle areas. OmniRide East-West Express* travels between Eastern Prince William County and the Manassas area, with access to medical facilities, offices, shopping and other destinations. OmniRide Ridesharing saves you time and money by helping you locate the carpool or vanpool that fits your needs. It’s easy and FREE! * These services operating with ZERO-FARES through June 30, 2024!
A rendering of The Rose gaming resort, which is under construction along Interstate 95 in Dumfries.
2022 created more revenue than real estate taxes. Officials expect revenues from gaming taxes to grow with the planned opening of the Rose Gaming Resort. The resort, being built along Interstate 95, will include a 350-room hotel, more than 50,000 square feet of gaming space, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, a multi-purpose space and over 80 acres of outdoor green space for a va-
riety of recreational activities. The Rose is expected to open in 2024 and generate $59 million in annual tax revenues for the town while creating more than 600 jobs. In Manassas Park, a question asking voters whether they wish to allow pari-mutuel gambling in the city to make way for a new Rosie’s location will appear on the November ballot.
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OmniRide.com • (703) 730-6664 Virginia Relay Center-TDD, call 711
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SEPTEMBER 2023 • PRINCE WILLIAM COMMUNITY GUIDE
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