Summer 2019
NewWoodbridge Vision
Community Updates from Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi
FRANKLY SPEAKING
PLANNING COMMISSION APROVES NORTH WOODBRIDGE SMALL AREA PLAN The Planning Commission unanimously approved the North Woodbridge Small Area Plan, setting the stage for more public comment and review by the Board of County Supervisors. Building on the Potomac Communities Design Guidelines and community input via surveys, town halls and charrettes, the plan would transform the area North of Occoquan Road down to the waterfront. Preserving established neighborhoods, historical sites and the light industrial area along Dawson Beach Road, the plan calls for the addition of transit-oriented town centers that offer a vibrant, convenient way of life where you can live, work and play all within walking distance. Unlike the many developments I have fought against, such as Ray’s Regarde, (Cont. p2)
IN THIS ISSUE.. ÂÂ Honors for ERA, Pay Equity (3) ÂÂ Lessening Ray’s Regarde Impacts (4) ÂÂ Another Phase of Route 1 Nears Completion (5)
KNOW MORE, SOONER Learn more about your community, sooner. Visit NewWoodbridge.org and click Subscribe to sign up for our email newsletter and community updates.
ÂÂ Bundle of Projects To Improve Traffic Flow at Opitz (6)
You can also follow Facebook.com/ NewWoodbridge to read about and share your thoughts on ÂÂ Town Hall Updates: River DID YOU local news and happenings. Oaks & Leesylvania (7) KNOW... ÂÂ Recycling Changes (9) Primary Elections Are June 11 ÂÂ Key Election Dates (10) Questions? Comments? See p.10 It’s A Wrap: Oral History ÂÂ
Project (11)
Get in touch!
703.792.4646 | NewWoodbridge.org
A WALKABLE, TRANSIT-ORIENTED NORTH WOODBRIDGE infrastructure improvements would come first in North Woodbridge, such as extensions to Annapolis Way and Horner Road. Additionally, the plan centers development around a Transit Triangle for ease of movement: ÂÂRail - Woodbridge VRE Station ÂÂBus/Slug - 123 Commuter Lot ÂÂCar/Vanpool - Just Off of I-95 Studies are underway for the addition of Fast Ferry and Bus Rapid Transit service, as well as alternative transportation such as car and bike share. At the same time, efforts to bring Class-A office and a Cybersecurity Corridor to
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NewWoodbridge Vision
North Woodbridge would mean that more residents could find high-paying jobs right here in Prince William. In support of these goals, our Department of Economic Development has created two full-time redevelopment positions and is opening a satellite office in Eastern Prince William. Since I first sought to widen Route 1 to six lanes, bury utility lines and remove blight along the corridor, it was with the idea of “If you build it, they will come.” After securing over $1.5B for infrastructure investments to revitalize roads, add classrooms (Cont. p3)
Summer 2019 | NewWoodbridge.org
and shore up community amenities, the stage is now set for a new era of economic opportunity in our community. Exciting Small Area Plan features include: ÂÂWalkable neighborhoods linked to transit, at the Northernmost end of County ÂÂWaterfront amenities such as shops, parks, dining and commuter ferry ÂPedestrian  bridge over Route 1 connecting residents to VRE and riverfront trails ÂPedestrian-friendly  “retail spine” leading through the town center to the river ÂAccessible,  mixed-use development co-locating office, civic use (library, schools, senior centers), residential and retail ÂAmpitheater  and other areas for community programming Look for more public sessions on the future of North Woodbridge. You can also view the plan, and submit comments, online: NewWoodbridge.org/north-woodbridge-2/.
AAUW Honors Supervisor Principi
Group Cites Principi’s Leadership on ERA and Gender Pay Equity tion study, which, among other issues, will identify any gender pay gaps for county employees.
The Woodbridge branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recognized Supervisor Frank Principi as a 2018 Named Honoree for his leadership on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and Gender Pay Equity. The latter resulted in the county commissioning a compensa-
While Virginia did not ratify ERA this year, VA Ratify ERA remains active, and several state legislators have indicated plans to reintroduce ratification in 2020. The Woodbridge branch of AAUW started in 1972 and is known as the STEM branch. Its last Success Conference, which encourages girls to go into career in science, math and engineering, had over 200 attendees.
Smart Development * Strong Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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SMART DEVELOPMENT
Public Lessened Impact of Ray’s Regarde March 19 was a hard night for many of us: Dozens of residents voice their opposition to the Ray’s Regarde development application at the public hearing. For three hours, we heard personal and often harrowing tales from Woodbridge residents, citing serious traffic, school, public safety and environmental concerns. I also argued that approving the application would be an injustice to current residents and urged my colleagues to reflect on the fact that their vote will impact thousands of families for years to come. Sadly, none of this swayed Supervisors Stewart, Anderson, Nohe or Lawson, who voted in favor of the development. To those of you who spoke out against Ray’s Regarde, please know that you did make a difference. Although we lost the vote, public input had a significant impact on this development; including:
ÂReducing  units from 525 to 325 ÂSecuring  an additional $285,000 in school proffers ÂRequiring  a speed study, two additional environmental studies and participation in the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality remediation program While it is not the desired outcome, this is still a remarkable improvement from the original proposal. I am also working with county staff and the developer to look at further steps to mitigate the impact, including the possibility of speeding up the timetable for opening a new school in Eastern Prince William. I will share updates as they become available, and continue voting against development applications that threaten the quality of life for Woodbridge residents. (You can view the public hearing online: bit.ly/RaysRegardeHearing.)
Middle School to Open 2021
Potomac Shores Middle School will be the first of its kind in Prince William County, featuring a more compact design and features such as STEAM Labs (science, technology, engineering, art, math) and maker spaces. Grade levels will be seperated by floor, and it will boast an 800-seat auditorium. Opening in 2021 with a 1,491 student capacity, it will be the county’s 17th middle school, and willl help to alleviate overcrowding at nearby schools in Woodbridge and Dumfries. 4
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2019 | NewWoodbridge.org
BETTER TRANSPORTATION
Route 1 Widening: Phase II Nears Completion Another phase of the Route 1 Widening is almost done! By the end of the year, Annapolis Way to Mary’s Way will be six lanes and lined with sidewalks. This $165 million project includes the demolition of vacant buildings on the corridor, a six-foot sidewalk, 10-foot shared use path, undergrounding of utilities and improvements to Occoquan Road, including a median and additional turn lanes. Like all phases of the widening, pedestrian improvements such as countdown signals and crosswalks are being incorporated as well. Next up is the third and final phase: Mary’s Way to Featherstone. Utility relocations and duct bank construction are in process.
Widening will begin in 2020 and be completed in the summer of 2021. The widening was divided into three sections to that the work could begin on Phase I even as funding was being identified for later phases. Supervisor Principi advocated for this incrementalized approach to gain congestion relief more quickly and to lessen construction impact.
Traffic Signal for Blackburn & Rippon
Following a period of public input, the Board of Supervisors has granted Virginia Department of Transportation an easement at Blackburn Road and Rippon Boulevard, so that VDOT may move forward with installation of a traffic signal. This addition is meant to decrease dangerous angle (T-bone) crashes and facilitate safer, smoother traffic flow for neighborhood residents and commuters headed to VRE. Part of the greater effort to enhance safety and connectivity throughout Route 1 Corridor, the project will include pedestrian improvements and turn lanes and connect Blackburn Road sidewalks to the Rippon Boulevard trail system.
Smart Development * Strong Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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BETTER TRANSPORTATION
Board Approves “Commuter Express” Garage 3 Projects Align to Bring Traffic Relief To Woodbridge
With the Board of County Supervisors approving 1,414-spaces of structured parking adjacent to Stonebridge Town Center, three projects are aligning to alleviate traffic congestion in a bustling area of Woodbridge, between the town center, Northern Virginia Community College and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. The new “Commuter Express” garage will be serviced by a 27-foot tall flyover from HOT Lanes to Opitz Boulevard, just west of Sentara Hospital—the largest private employer in the county—for easy access from I-95. The flyover project, a partnership between Virginia and TransUrban, includes new and reconfigured lanes and signal changes on
Opitz that will facilitate an improved traffic flow. The widening of Neabsco Mills to four lanes will further relieve congestion. The garage will sit on 17 acres of land that the county is purchasing from JBG, advantageously positioned to OmniRide Transit Center, I-95, major employers and higher education institutions. “Working with our Department of Economic Development, this bundle of projects can be an asset that the county can leverage to attract employers and drive job growth for our residents,” said Supervisor Frank Principi. The county has also granted JBG approval to build Class-A office space on its adjacent property.
10 Years of #BiketoWork in Woodbridge For the 10th year, Supervisor Principi sponsored a Bike to Work Day pit stop greeting commuters at the Woodbridge VRE Station with water, snacks and swag. This annual event reminds us that to deal with gridlock we must take a multi-modal approach to improving mobility. One rider was headed all the way to Reston! A sidewalk connection is currently under construction at this VRE station—part of the over 22 miles of sidewalk and trail built since we began working towards the “Vision of a New Woodbridge.” Each day, it is becoming easier than ever to get around our community on foot or by bike, accessing a range of transit options. 6
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2019 | NewWoodbridge.org
STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
After the Town Hall...River Oaks Residents of River Oaks met with the County Executive, Deputy County Executive and members of Prince William’s Police, Transportation, Parks & Recreation and Neighborhood Services departments at a town hall hosted by Supervisor Principi on March 14. The town hall featured a discussion of Economic Development in Woodbridge; including supporting local startups with coworking space, entrepreneurial accelerator programs and partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University to grow startups into office space on Route 1. Residents also expressed a desire to see more community outreach from police, particularly with children, so Supervisor Principi invited police officers to join him for the River Oaks Spring Fling. Children
were able to check out a police vehicle and interact with officers, strengthening the relationship between the community and the department. The town hall also focused on how the county could support the residents in improving the safety and aesthetics of River Oaks. Sparked by this discussion, police conducted a series of parking enforcement exercises and Neighborhood Services issued property maintenance violations for a nearby shopping center. Next steps are more lighting along Paper Mill Lane and fixing the back up at the left turn lane onto Powell’s Creek Boulevard. If you would like a town hall to learn how Supervisor Principi and county staff can address needs in your community, call 703-792-4646 to discuss scheduling.
Leesylvania Communities, Updates Coming Soon... Thank you to all of the residents from Port Potomac, Powell’s Landing, Newport Estates and Harbors of Newport who joined Supervisor Principi at the “Mega Town Hall” for Leesylvania area neighborhoods. It was a productive, engaged discussion. The county and state staff who attended left with a list of action items including three speed studies, potential pavement markings/parking restrictions, increased police enforcement and traffic analysis of the new development on Neabsco Rd. Be on the lookout for a follow up letter on progress and next steps!
Smart Development * Strong Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
Cleanups: Together, We Move Mountains Community members welcomed spring with a series of community cleanups, proving that together, we can move mountains (of trash)! Keeping our neighborhoods in top shape is a collaborative, ongoing effort, and each one of us plays a role. If you see a problem, have a suggestion or wish to volunteer, please call 703-792-4646 and check NewWoodbridge.org/calendar for community cleanups. Eagles Nest Cleanup: Under the direction of Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District,140 volunteers removed 5,100 lbs of debris in 231 trash bags, including 22 tires! Special thanks to Troop 138 and 501, Pack 1556 and 1515, Hylton High School, Prince William Service Authority and Sev1Tech, and to the organizers, Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition , Woodbridge Potomac Community Civic Association and NOVA Geocaching Organization. Last but not least, great job hauling the debris to the landfill, Neighborhood Services! Great Prince William Cleanup: Thank you to the 76 volunteers who removed 880 lbs of litter from 13 miles of Route 1, from the Occoquan River Bridge to Quantico. Keep Prince William Beautiful once again worked with Supervisor Principi to organize the event, this year, naming Supervisor and his team “Partner of the Year� for the ongoing effort. Coming Up, Dumpster Day June 29: Save a trip to the landfill! Bring old furniture, small appliances and other unwanted items to Fred Lynn Middle School, where volunteers and Neighborhood Services staff will to help unload items. Last year, we collected 14 tons of unwanted household goods at this event. Fighting Blight: This year-round effort reflects a collaboration between area residents who report code violations such as tall glass or delipidated structures, and Supervisor Principi, who activates the appropriate agencies to abate issues. Last year, nearly 1,289 violation cases were opened, and resolved, by his office. 8
NewWoodbridge Vision
Summer 2019 | NewWoodbridge.org
STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS Curbside Glass Recylcing Ends in County Like many localities, changes to the global recycling market have led Prince William County to stop curbside recyclilng of glass. However, Northern Virginia has launced a smaller scale, regional effort, where glass brought to purple bins will be processed locally. These bins are for glass only; please clean and remove caps before depositing. Prince William has 2 purple bin glass drop off locations: ÂCounty  Landfill, 14811 Dumfries Road ÂCompost  Facility, 13000 Balls Ford Road
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting ––– June 1 ––– Ceremony 10am Activities & Tours 11am–4pm • Guided boardwalk tours • Live Entertainment • Food Trucks www.pwcparks.org
Smart Development * Strong Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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YOUR NEWWOODBRIDGE
Local Events
Last Day to Vote Absentee/Primary @Various Polling Locations | June 8, 8:30am-5pm Taste of Woodbridge @Stonebridge | June 8, 11am-6pm Summer Fun @PWC Animal Shelter| June 9, 12-4pm Primary Election Day @Various Polling Locations | June 11, 6am-7pm Special Needs Laser Vinyl @Hylton Planetarium | June 14 7-8pm Stop the Bleed @Sentara NOVA | June 20 7-8pm 4th of July Parade & Family Fun Day @Dale City| 10am-2pm NewWoodbridge.org/Calendar 10
NewWoodbridge Vision
Do You Follow? Here are three easy ways to stay connected to the New Woodbridge community: ÂÂ Visit NewWoodbridge.org for local news & events ÂÂ For questions & updates, follow Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge ÂÂ Sign-up for monthly email news: bit.ly/reg4vision
March in 4th of July Parade!
Show your Woodbridge Pride! Join Supervisor Principi in the Dale City 4th of July Parade. Call 703-792-4646. Summer 2019 | NewWoodbridge.org
YOUR NEWWOODBRIDGE
Stories That Shape Our Community Dozens of Stories Collected During Oral History Project Thank you to all who shared stories as part of the Woodbridge Oral History Project! We kicked off at the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association 10th Anniversary celebration in September, interviewing five long-term residents who significantly shaped Woodbridge: Lillie Jessie, Hilda Barg, Manley Garber, Albert Williams and Sandra Dawson. This was facilitated by Angela Miller, of Prince William Library’s RELIC program; which maintains a collection of local history and genealogy resources. From there, Supervisor Principi and his staff collected dozens of
additional stories which will be preserved in the Library of Congress through StoryCorps. From Peter McCallum, one of Prince William’s first professional firefighters, to Virginia “Ginny” Clarke who helped establish St. Paul’s Church and Sentara Hospital, these stories show that our extraordinary residents make Woodbridge what it is today.
NewWoodbridge.org/stories
Show Your New Woodbridge Band & Save! Discover local businesses and save during the Show Your New Woodbridge wristband promotion. Supervisor Principi and his team are handing these bands out at community events. Show your band at participating businesses for special discounts, June 1-9. Woodbridge businesses can join the promotion online or call 703-792-4646.
See participating businesses: bit.ly/showyournw Smart Development * Strong Neighborhoods * Better Transportation
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NewWoodbridge Vision
Community Updates from Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi
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