Occoquan District Digest - Fall/Winter 2021

OCCOQUAN DISTRICT DIGEST Community News From Supervisor Kenny Boddye Fall/Winter 2021

A message from the Supervisor

A COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH I know all too well the cost of allowing mental Supervisor Boddye visits Trillium Center for illness to go undiagnosed or unaddressed. its reopening shortly after COVID vaccines My mother was in her 50s before she was became widely available. finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

While she now had a name for what she was up against, the help she needed remained elusive. A lifetime of self-coping resulted in struggles with unemployment and addiction; she was occassionally unsheltered. These struggles led to her untimely passing in 2016.

I am committed to preventing other families from experiencing this type of loss and support investments in early interventions and other critical resources that help our residents meet mental health challenges head-on.

After decades of inadequate funding, our current Board is encouraging frank conversations with County agencies, nonprofits, and community members to identify gaps in our mental health resources. I want the people of Prince William to be able to find help where and when they need it. Action items to date include: ÂÂ The Board approving $2.5M in state revenue pass-through funding for a regional Crisis Stabilization Unit in Chantilly, which would serve PWC residents. The need for this is great: In FY 2020, 855 Northern Virginians who required inpatient services were placed out-of-area due to a lack of psychiatric beds in NOVA. ÂÂ Supervisor Bailey and I directed staff to also evaluate developing a crisis stabili(Contd. p2)

IN THIS ISSUE... ÂÂ New Yard Waste Policy (3) ÂÂ Play Outside in the Occoquan District (4) ÂÂ Road & Sidewalk Update (6) ÂÂ A More Sustainable Future (10) ÂÂ Housing Within Reach (13)

KNOW MORE, SOONER

Learn more about your community, sooner. Sign up for email news Transit at occoq.org/email, and follow Virtual Town us on Facebook and Instagram, Hall With DRPT @occoquandistrict. occoq.org/drpt.th

Nov. 16

Questions? Comments?

571.492.4259| OccoquanDistrict.net

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IMPROVING AN IMPERFECT SYSTEM, TOGETHER (CONTD.) zation unit in Greater Prince William.

The Chantilly center will not be large enough nor close enough to appropriately serve our residents long-term. ÂÂ I pushed to keep the Police co-responder unit, which pairs officers with therapists, in the FY 21 Budget. As of Feb. 2021, the unit has responded to 138 calls, diverting two-thirds of involved persons from custody through their interventions which include referrals for mental health resources. ÂÂ The Board majority voted to increase Human Services investments in both the FY 21 and 22 Budgets, including: »» Funding an intensive in-home youth program that provides support for severe mental health or substance abuse challenges, diverting young people from institutional settings. »» Investing in the Lethality Assessment Program, which reduces domestic violence-related homicides and injuries via a simple screening tool accompanied by a network of resources that officers can tap into. »» Expanding the Co-responder Unit, Day Support Services, Supportive Residential In-Home Services, Young Adult Services, and Youth Behavioral Health Wellness. ÂÂ The Police and Human Services are exploring the creation of a Mental Health Unit, where trained counselors would respond to welfare checks and certain mental health-related calls instead of police, providing more appropriate 2

services and freeing officers to focus on emergency calls. ÂÂ Residents can enroll in the MARCUS “Smart 911” system that, starting Dec. 1, will enable dispatchers to send the appropriate type of help and give first responders advance notice of considerations like mental health diagnoses, disabilities and medication use. (Go to Smart911.com) While the existing system is imperfect, we are making progress. Together, I know that we can get to a place where stories like my mother’s have a happier ending.

Please continue to bring your concerns and ideas to the Board, and do not hesitate to reach out if you are struggling or are worried about a loved one. Start with the resource list below, or my office is happy to point you in the right direction.

None of us are in this alone.

Mental Health Resource List PWC Behavioral Health pwcva.gov/department/community-services/cbhp 703-792-4900 ACTS Helpline 703-368-4141 NAMI Helpline 1-888-486-8264 (Resource guide; not a crisis line) GPW Health Center gpwhealthcenter.org/behavioral-health 703-680-7950 Suicide Prevention Alliance of NOVA suicidepreventionnva.org Trillium Center trilliumcenterinc.org |703-763-3865

Building A Brighter Future, Together

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STRENGTHENING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

Yard Waste Policy Will Extend Life of Landfill Did you know? How we collect yard waste in Prince William has gotten better for the environment and the County’s bottom line!

Under the new policy, residents and businesses (including multifamily complexes) must separate their yard waste from trash and recycling, placing it in either paper bags or trash containers labeled “Yard Waste.” (Free labels available at both County waste facilities.) Please do not put yard waste into plastic bags.

Managed communities should hear about new collection schedules from their HOAs. Residents and businesses managing their own trash pickup must arrange with their hauler for separate collection of yard waste, deliver it the Balls Ford Compost Facility, or compost at home. The yard waste collection program is seasonal, running March through December.

Yard waste will be made into a soil amendment product that will be available for sale. This new policy has numerous benefits for our community: ÂÂ Sale of composted yard waste can help offset program costs. ÂÂ Landfill life is extended by 10-15 years. ÂÂ County’s recycling rate increases. ÂÂ Quality of the compost product improved, and plastic waste lessened, by eliminating use of plastic bags.

Learn more: pwcva.gov/yardwaste

Recycling Don’ts

Recycle & Win, Thru Nov. 20!

Sometimes our desire to recycle as much as possible can backfire. Putting the wrong items in a recycling bin can cause the whole batch to go to the landfill, or break recycling equipment. Use this list to check that everything you put in your bin belongs there.

MWCOG Invites You to Take the Pledge

Do NOT Put These In Curbside Recycling Bins: W Plastics #3-7 (PWC only recycles #1-2) W Glass (It must be taken to a purple bin; details below) W Styrofoam (This cannot be recyled; landfill only) W Plastic Bags (Do not put recyclables in plastic bags, or put them in the bin. Most grocers accept bags for recycling.)

Glass can be recycled at the PWC Landfill, Balls Ford Compost Facility, Ferlazzo Buiding and purple bins throughout NOVA. Find locations online: occoq.org/purplebin_glass

Pledge to do one of the following for America Recycles Day, and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments could pick you to win a $300 REI gift card. Plus, one K-12 student will win a gift card AND a $500 grant for a community recycling project!

Buy more recycled-content products Reduce waste Reuse household items more Increase my recycling efforts Compost more at home

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Take the pledge today! occoq.org/recyclepledge21

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STRENTHENING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

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Play Outside in the Occoquan District

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Exciting New Additions & Improvements to Old Favorites

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (DPRT) has been busy in the Occoquan District! Near Tackett’s Mill, colorful metal flowers and honeycombs are springing up at the future Harbor Drive Wellness Park, which will include the County’s first universal playground and fitness stations. The 2.5-acre park is funded in part through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, and was designed with community input that included disability advocates. It will also feature meadows, a pollinator garden with interpretive signage, and a one-mile paved trail.

“The playground will be completely accessible with a safe rubberized surface and all ground level features, which will allow children in wheelchairs to interact with their friends throughout the playground area,” said Robert Boyd, the park’s project manager.

Sections 3&4 of the long-awaited Occoquan Greenway are in permitting, with the construction of new bridge crossings starting soon. Design is underway for sections 6-8, which will connect Lake 4

Ridge to the Town of Occoquan, with a large bridge span across Hooes Run and a sidewalk on Tanyard Hill Road. Supervisor Boddye has also requested that PWCDOT submit a segment from Tanyard Hill along Ellicott Road–which would connect hikers to shops and dining–for federally-funded TAP grant consideration.

At Lake Ridge Park, the County resurfaced roads and completed a parking lot stormwater project and installed new signage and wayfinding on trails. Plans are underway for replacing the tent near the playground with a permanent shelter. A County first was recently added here, too: A par 58, 18-basket disc golf course! DPRT is also increasing access to another growing sport, converting several tennis courts for “shared use,” so that pickleball fans can play at locations such as Occoquan Park.

Additionally, Davis Ford Park is on the planning docket. Stay tuned for a public input session early next year to give your input on the best use of this future neighborhood park. Discover more PWC recreation options online! bit.ly/DPRTrecportal

Building A Brighter Future, Together

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STRENTHENING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

Animal Shelter Update Partial Occupancy To Start Soon

Universal Broadband

County Accelerates Investment With Supervisors identifying universal broadband access as a Board priority, the County’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has announced additional investments in its Technology Inclusion Initiative (TII) to deliver affordable, universal broadband access County-wide, and to expand technology literacy.

Following delays related to the pandemic, weather, and supply chain issues, we are excited to announce that Phase I of the new animal shelter will be done by the end of 2021, when the West Wing will be ready for partial occupancy. Demolition of the old structure should happen in January, marking the start of Phase II, which will also include the construction of the new barn and sanitary line.

The East Wing is scheduled to open in Spring 2022. The new facility will greatly improve conditions for animals housed at the shelter, as well as for shelter staff. Learn more: pwcva. gov/department/animal-control

Supervisor Boddye noted that the pandemic highlighted the need to ensure such access, given the educational, professional, and social disparities lack of such access can cause.

“The investments we’re making today in our TII will enable the County to fully deliver on the promise of universal broadband as funding becomes available,” said Rob Mancini, DOIT Director.

Learn more: occoquandistrict.net/tii.investment

Learn more occoquandistrict.net/sadlamp-pwpl/ NEW! Prince William Public Libraries now offer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment Lamps for public use.

These lights can help combat the fatigue and depression that many experience during the darker days of winter.

COVID: Boosters & QR Codes 💉COVID vaccine boosters for those meeting CDC criteria, along with 1st & 2nd doses, are available at the PWHD Clinic at Gander Mountain. Appointment required. 💉 PWC continues to require masks in its buildings, regardless of vax status. 💉 Virginia now offers a QR code that can be used for proof of vaccination. 💉 Vaccination remains our best means of defense, enabling a safer return to activities we enjoy. Get your free shot!

Learn more: vaccinate.virginia.gov

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MOBILITY: KEEPING PWC MOVING

Occoquan District Transportation Updates While roads play a large role in suburban mobility, tackling traffic congestion and its environmental consequences requires an all-of-the-above approach that includes pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit, and mixed-use development. Supervisor Boddye continues to work with regional organizations, advocacy groups, and agencies at all levels of government on these fronts.

SIDEWALK PROJECTS ÂÂ ELLICOTT STREET-OCCOQUAN GREENWAY EXTENDED: This missing sidewalk segment would connect the Occoquan Historic District to the Greenway, a regional trail system that will connect the Town of Occoquan, Prince William County, and Fairfax County. Supervisor Boddye worked with PWC DOT to have this submitted for consideration in the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a competitive grant administered by VDOT that provides federal funding

for non-motorized transportation improvements. It would construct 140 feet of sidewalk and 300 feet of shared-use trail on Ellicott, from Mill St to just south of Union St, also adding accessibility and safety features. The TAP application requests $1.3 million for this $1.7M project and requires a 20% local match. ÂÂ PW Parkway I-95 Pedestrian Crossing: This project would construct 2,200 linear feet of sidewalk between the heavily utilized Horner Road Commuter Lot and dense residential areas located off the Parkway and Summerland Drive in Woodbrige. This route sees heavy pedestrian traffic—a dangerous walk alongside a highvolume roadway. VDOT rejected this project for TAP, when a revised estimate raised the required local share beyond the Occoquan District’s available TRIP funds. PWC DOT is seeking alternative funding sources. ÂÂ Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail:

Can My Neighborhood Get A Stop Sign?

We hear this question often at the Occoquan District Office. However, transportation engineers across the country have largely moved away from stop signs installation, as they have been shown to increase accidents, cause backups, and block driveways. In a 4-year study of 1,788 accidents, NIH found that 70% were due to failure to obey a stop sign. If you are concerned about neighborhood speeding, contact PWC Department of Transportation for an evaluation of whether or not your road may meet VDOT qualifications for a traffic calming plan, which might include deterrents such as speed tables, raised crosswalks, enforcement, or additional fines. pwcva.gov/department/police/general-traffic-safety 6

Building A Brighter Future, Together

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ROAD PROJECTS ÂÂ Old Bridge Rd & Occoquan Rd Intersection Re-alignment: Design completion Fall 2022. Construction Spring 2024 Spring 2026 Budget: $11.5M (Federal) ÂÂ Summit School & Telegraph Roads Extension: ROW acquisition and utility coordination ongoing. Construction June 2022 - October 2023. Budget: $11M (Regional) ÂÂ I-95 Auxiliary Lane at Exit 160: Under construction; scheduled completion Fall 2022. Budget: $32M (Regional/ Express Lane Concession Fees) ÂÂ Route 123/Old Bridge Road: After months of input from PWC DOT, Supervisor Boddye and the public, VDOT has two preferred concepts for improving this infamous choke point. Our office will continue to work with transportation Get the Latest Project Updates: officials to ensure optimal outcomes pwcva.gov/department/ for Occoquan District residents and transportation/current-road-projects provide updates as available.

The County will conduct a PHNST gap analysis to include exploring a connection from Woodbridge VRE to Town of Occoquan to Fairfax. Budget: $300K (Federal) ÂÂ Old Bridge Road - Tackett’s Mill to M innieville R oad : Construction advertisement issued Summer 2021.

Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition is ongoing. Budget: $938,902 (Federal and local funding) ÂÂ Gemini Way Pedestrian Improvement: Construction advertisement issued Summer 2021. Budget: $1.1M (Federal and local funding) ÂÂ Mill Street Crosswalks and ADA Ramps: ROW acquisition ongoing. Construction underway. Budget: $396,400 (Federal and local funding)

Federal Bill Could Tranform Local Transit The infrastructure packages being debated in Congress as of press time would be a gamechanger in the battle against our region’s traffic congestion, funding major projects identified as critical by The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA). The investment could also make possible recommendations from a Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation study of enhanced transit options between Springfield and Quantico, which evaluated services such as express buses, expanded VRE, and bringing Metro into Prince William.

“In NVTA’s current six-year funding plan, more than four times as much money was requested by localities than was available. [NVTA CEO Monica Backmon] pointed to projects like the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit, which the authority has committed $250 million to and will create a rapid transit line extending beyond Metro’s reach along Route 1 in Fairfax County, as among those that would benefit. The state is also in the early stages of exploring an extension of the line into Prince William County, something federal money could help support down the road.”

As recently reported in InsideNova:

Full Story: occoq.org/ insidenova92821

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MOBILITY: KEEPING PWC MOVING

Study Stresses Link Between Transit & Land Use TheVirginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation (DRPT) released the results of its “Springfield to Quantico Enhanced Public Transportation Feasibility Study” in October. The results reinforce that land use, placemaking, economic development, quality of life, and mobility are all inextricably linked, and that the time to plan for coming growth is now.

DRPT studied Metrorail, VRE improvements, bus rapid transit (BRT), and express bus, along with the impact of different route alignments and stations. Each was measured against five goals: Ridership potential, congestion mitigation, regional accessibility/ connectivity, equity, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, Metrorail and BRTperformed best on ridership.

Population in the study area is expected to grow by 24% – and jobs by 34% – by 2045. In Prince William, that growth will be concentrated around the Potomac Mills area. How will we make quality housing accessible to workers in the face of a skyrocketing market? What amenities would encourage people to leave their cars at home? Where will transit have the most impact on congestion reduction? Which policies best attract good corporate citizens? Answering these questions now can position us to welcome these new residents and employers as a dynamic addition to our (Contd. p. 11)

View the Enhanced Transit Report; Feedback Accepted Through Nov. 17 occoq.org/s2q

Future of Transit: A Town Hall Discussion Did you miss the “Future of Transit”? Visit the Occoquan District YouTube for a fresh look at bringing Metro to Woodbridge, the Federal transportation package, and expanded bus and VRE services. For this deep dive discussion, Supervisors Kenny Boddye and Victor Angry were joined by US Congressman Gerry Connolly, VA Senator Scott Surovell, Jennifer DeBruhl (DRPT), Dr. Bob Schneider (OmniRide), and Rick Canizales (PWC DOT). occoq.org/youtube 8

Building A Brighter Future, Together

MOBILITY: KEEPING PWC MOVING

Complete Streets: Building For All Users In 2012 the Transportation Planning Board of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments approved a “Complete Streets Policy,” in response to an initiative of the Citizens Advisory Committee. This policy defines a Complete Street as one that “safely and adequately accommodates motorized and non-motorized users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, freight vehicles, emergency vehicles, and transit riders of all ages and abilities, in a manner appropriate to the function and context of the facility.”

Prince William County then incorporated the Complete Streets Policy into our Comprehensive Plan; Design and Construction Standards Manual (DCSM); and Small Area Plans. This created very specific requirements for sidewalks and shared-use trails to be built on some of our roadways. An example is the class

of trail that must be incorporated into the Thoroughfare Plan, and which side of the road it must be on. For projects on roads without these specific guidelines, the County applies the principles of the Complete Streets Policy.

This is a departure from the County’s early days of roadbuilding. Our ongoing effort to extend sidewalk and trail along Old Bridge Road is part of that legacy.

Instead, these elements are now baked into the design and construction. For instance, in addition to improving vehicle connectivity and reducing congestion, the Summit School Road Extension will include a 5-foot sidewalk on one side and a 10-foot shared-use path that can accommodate bikes on the other.

So, when you hear that a road is being built or widened, chances are good that with it will come increased access for all forms of transportation. Learn more: bit.ly/3Eauib0

New Speed Tables on Cotton Mill...Supervisor Boddye

Recent Speed Studies

went to see traffic calming in action, and it worked! Every motorist he saw slowed when approaching one of the three newly-installed speed tables on Cotton Mill Drive. These streets are now a little safer thanks to a grassroots effort. After contacting our office, neighborhood residents remained engaged as we facilitated conversations with PWC DOT, who conducted studies, determining the roadway met VDOT criteria, and implemented a traffic plan. This isn’t the type of project that makes headlines, yet it shows the power of collaboration, and is a vital function of local government. Kudos to all involved! Learn more occoq.org/ pwc.

ÂÂ Bracknell Dr ÂÂ Deepford Dr ÂÂ Harbor Dr ÂÂ Hedges Run ÂÂ Hedges Run Dr ÂÂ Jenny Lane ÂÂ Oak Farm Dr ÂÂ Woodfern Ct *5 studies pending Have a speeding concern? occoq.org/ pwc.trafficsafety

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CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

Climate Action: A More Sustainable Future Last fall, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution introduced by Supervisor Kenny Boddye that, for the first time, committed Prince William to taking action against climate change.

This legislation directs county staff to incorporate environmental goals set by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), such as being carbon neutral by 2050, into the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, Chair Ann Wheeler issued a directive to initiate a Climate Planning Process.

specific pathways. We will determine those together, as a community, working towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

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Supervisor Boddye also champoined the creation of an Office of Sustainability and a Sustainability Commission, and the development of a Climate Action Plan. All three items are included in the County’s FY22 Budget. Look for an announcement on the County’s first Director of Sustainability soon!

“My resolution positions us to partner with our regional neighbors, sharing best practices and efficiencies,” said Boddye.

“This is intentionally a broad resolution, setting goals for sustainability, but not Regional Climate Plan mwcog.org/environment/planning-areas/climate-and-energy/

Simplifying Access to Solar

County Plans to “Plant Local”

In an effort to increase residential use of solar power, our Department of Development Services is streamlining its permitting process, creating clear guidelines for contractors, and promoting the County’s “Solar Energy Systems Tax Exemption.” At Supervisor Boddye’s direction, this effort will also include collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and increased dialogue with HOAs and organizations that may inadvertently create barriers to residential use of solar power. Learn more at occoquandistrict. net/solar-permitting-improvements.

Following a Board directive and public advocacy, the Department of Facilities & Fleet Management increased its goal of using 50% native plants in new landscaping beds, to instead striving for 75-100% native plants at new facilities and for improvements to existing landscaping.

Environmental benefits include no need for fertilizer or pesticide, less water usage, and restoration of natual habitat.

The animal shelter will be the first facility to fall under this new scope of work.

How should PWC invest the next $45M in Recovery Act funds?

Go to occoq.org/arpa.survey to weigh in 10

Building A Brighter Future, Together

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DEVELOPING OUR FUTURE

DRPT Evaluates Transit Alternatives (Contd. from p8)

thriving community in the years ahead.

From the report: “Both Fairfax and Prince William Countyies are expected to add a significant population and jobs in the next 25 years. TOD planning within the study corridor that enhances transit ridership will be critical to leverage investments in premium transit. Successful TOD planning can result in more people choosing to ride transit or walk/bike to nearby destinations. TOD planning will assist the Study Corridor to grow more sustainably and reduce the future vehicular transportation impacts on existing roadways.

Transit readiness describes the degree to

which a place has planned for the land uses, the transit-access infrastructure, the inviting environment, and the concentrations of people and activity that generate transit demand and allow people to access transit service comfortably and directly. Realizing the potential for TOD in the corridor will require planning processes and policies related to land use, zoning, multimodal transportation infrastructure, street and site design, and implementation.”

Community input is also a key ingredient.

DRPT is accepting public comment through Nov. 17. To view and comment on the findings, go to: occoq.org/s2q. Supervisor Boddye will also host a Virtual Town Hall with DRPT on Nov. 16 at 6:30 pm. RSVP: occoq.org/drpt.th

Enhanced Transit Virtual Town Hall, Nov. 16 at 6:30pm occoq.org/drpt.th

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Sports Tourism Generates Local Spending The BMX East Coast Nationals brought 920 professional BMX athletes from around the country to the NOVA BMX tracks at the County Center in the Occoquan District, along with their fans.

Hosted by NOVA BMX and PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (DPRT), the race highlights a big win for the County’s sports tourism program. Thousands of hotel room nights were booked, and business was generated for local restaurants and retailers.

Look for even more from this program– designed to attract large-scale athletic events that draw tourism dollars and highlight community assets–with the formation of SportsNOVA, a new regional partnership that will market NOVA as a premier destination for travel sports events. Destination partners Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Stafford Counties will work collaboratively to attract sporting events that can only be accommodated through a collective effort. Learn more at SportsNOVA.com.

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DEVELOPING OUR FUTURE

Adding to Our Preservation Tool Box For the first time in 20 years, Prince William added to our land preservation toolbox, with unanimous adoption of a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, which would compensate large landowners who elect to sever their development rights in exchange for placing their land in permanent conservation easements. This popular measure had been in a holding pattern, with previous Boards taking an “all or nothing” approach to rural land policies.

“Inaction over the years has cost us thousands of acres of rural land,” said Supervisor Kenny Boddye. “At the same time, there are green spaces worthy of protection throughout the County. Instead of thinking of ‘west vs. east’, we must holistically protect natural resources throughout our community.”

The PDR decision came on the heels of the Board unanimously approving creation of an Agriculture & Arts Overlay District (AAOD). That zoning ordinance will encourage endeavors such as farm tours, eateries, and produce stands that would be in harmony with a rural setting, while relieving some of the financial pressure that leads to less-compatible types of development, and has the potential to draw a new generation of agribusiness entrepreneurs to Prince William.

Additionally, Supervisor Boddye has given staff guidance on elements of the Rural Preservation Study that the Board would like brought back quickly—like “Rural Character” design standards and an economic development position to support the AAOD—and those that require more refinement, such as Transfer of Development Rights.

“We are finally positioning ourselves to truly embrace smart growth principles, including protecting contiguous, accessible open space,” said Boddye. “I look forward to working with residents, staff, and Board members in creating a holistic, sustainable preservation framework for our entire County.”

Award-Winning Economic Develompent Congratulations to our Department of Economic Development team for earning FOUR International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2021 Excellence Awards: GOLD: Building Momentum Channel - Multimedia/Video Promotion SILVER: ELEVATE: Building Business and Careers - Economic Equity and Inclusion SILVER: Catch the Innovation - Paid Advertising Campaign BRONZE: Capital Investment & Innovation Grant - Resiliency, Recovery and Mitigation 12

Building A Brighter Future, Together

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Bringing Housing Within Reach, Together Skyrocketing housing prices have shifted the discussion on ‘housing afforability.’ About onethird of Prince William residents are “costburdened” by housing, defined as spending more than 30% of household income on rent or mortgage.

The average rent on a 2BR apartment in our area is $1,765, requiring an annual salary of at least $70,6000 to not be costburdened. Meanwhile, the median home sales price has jumped 60% since 2014, while wages rose an average of only 18%.

Your child’s patient teacher, the helpful casheir at the grocery store, the officer who responds to your call for help – any of these community members may find quality housing out of their reach in Prince William .

Housing affordability touches all areas of our lives, with ripple effects on health, quality of life, economic development, the environment, education, and traffic. While a challenge this complex requires changes at all levels of government, there is much we can (and must) do together, at the local level. The current Board majority has taken these initial legislative actions to date:

ÂÂ Initiated creation of an Affordable Dwelling Unit ordinance, a critical tool for encouraging production of housing atand below-market rates ÂÂ Utilized CARES and ARPA funds to provide rental and mortgage assistance ÂÂ Initiated creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund ÂÂ Initiated the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan to better understand the housing market and needs in Prince William ÂÂ Approved a new zoning designation allowing for flexible colocation of residential and commercial uses to revitalize aging commercial corridors and better meet community housing needs Supervisor Boddye is taking an active role in discussions with nonprofit and community stakeholders, and invites you to join him. For an understanding of how this issue impacts our community, along with possible solultions, visit occoq.org/housinghealth.report, and stay tuned for our next Affordable Housing Town Hall. The steps we take now can lead to a future where quality, affordable housing is in reach for all of our Prince William neighbors.

Basing Data Center Decisions on Latest Sustainability Trends & Best Practices The Board’s initiation of a Zoning Text Amendment to study the Data Center Overlay District starts a review of the guidelines surrounding these facilities, ensuring that future zoning decisions are based on current data, emerging sustainability trends, and best practices. As part of the review, County staff will: ÂÂ Conduct a full study of environmental (water, air, soil, and sewer) and fiscal impacts, taking into consideration all infrastructure needs. ÂÂ Analyze opportunity costs of data centers over other commercial/industrial uses and the potential for centers in mixed-use commercial development as they weigh possible overlay map changes. ÂÂ Lean into emerging trends for centers that are more sustainable, compact, and cognizant of viewsheds. ÂÂ Work with stakeholders such as environmental groups, National Park Service, labor associations, and historic preservation, for outcomes that are community-powered and information-driven.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Mark Your Calendar

Lakeridge Ridgerunners Turkey Trot Nov 20| 8:30 am |LRPRA Offices/Oakwood Dale City Farmer’s Market Sundays Through Nov 28| 8am-1pm | Gemini Way Nights of Lights Nov12-Jan 9| Times Vary| PWC Fairgrounds PWC Arts Society Showcase Nov 13 | 6-9 pm |Clearbrook Center Happy Diwali! Story Time Nov 15 | 10:30-11:30 am | PWPL Online Town Hall: Enhanced Transit Study Findings Nov 16| 6:30pm |Virtual/Occoquan District

Get Connected! ÂÂ Visit OccoquanDistrict.net for local news & events ÂÂ Like Occoq.org/fb and connect with the District team and community ÂÂ Follow instagram.com/occoquandistrict ÂÂ Sign-up for updates from Supervisor Boddye at Occoq.org/email ÂÂ Get PWC e-news bit.ly/34QcP7m ÂÂ Sign-up for pwcgov.org/alerts

Tree Lighting & Start of WinterFest Nov 20| 8pm | Town of Occoquan Holidays Through the Ages Dec 3-20| Times Vary|Rippon Lodge Details: OccoquanDistrict.net/events or VisitPWC.com/events

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Building A Brighter Future, Together

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Staying Connected in the Occoquan District In addition to the ever-present virtual meetings, we have all found a number of ways to safely remain connected in-person. Here are a few highlights as we continue to gather to commemorate, celebrate, and contribute to our community.

The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 was marked with a somber and moving ceremony, along with acts of service.

It was a pleasure to welcome back the Occoquan Arts & Craft Show this fall!

263 volunteers removed 234 bags of trash during the Occoquan River Cleanup hosted by PW Trails & Streams Coalition and PW Soil & Water Conservation Throwback to this summer, when we were able to return to celebrating the success of our high school graduates in person. Congrats class of 2021!

The Police Department’s first Community Day Event was a great success!

It was an honor to recognize 9 y.o. True Sneed for starting a natural beauty business with an altruistic mission. View her story occoq.org/true.eden.

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