Spring/Summer 2012

PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
WOODBRIDGE VA
PERMIT NO 196
Woodbridge Vision Frank J. Principi Woodbridge District Supervisor Summer 2012 Better Neighborhoods Better Transportation, Woodbridge District Resident Visit Us @www.NewWoodbridge.org Better Development, Follow Us on Twitter @ NewWoodbridge Like Us on Facebook @ NewWoodbridge Send your email address to BJohnson1@pwcgov.org Get this by email. Frankly Speaking Vision of a NewWoodbridge Wondering what can you do this weekend with your family and friends? Turns out there is plenty to see and explore in the Woodbridge District, right in your own back yard. If nature is your thing, Woodbridge has many locations where you can spend time enjoying the great outdoors. With the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers at our northern and eastern boundaries, Woodbridge has a scenic shoreline and significant waterfront access with a variety of leisure options. The Occoquan and Featherstone Wildlife Refuges (www.fws.gov/refuges) offer a mix of wetlands, forest, and native grasslands with a diversity of habitats and a variety of wildlife species and habitats in a relatively small area. In fact, more than 220 species of birds, 600 species of plants, and 65 species of butterflies have been documented on the refuges. Take your binoculars and your camera on a local walk. You can also take your pick of excellent parks in the Woodbridge District. For example, http://www.pwcparks.org/
Veterans Park RecreationGolf/VeteransPark/tabid/110/Default.aspx is a great place for family recreation, including swimming, youth camps, a community center, a picnic pavilion and a brand new Skatepark. At Leesylvania State In This Issue Park (www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lee), you can hike, picnic or canoe along the scenic Frankly Speaking..…….......1 Potomac River. Residents of every age can take Better Development…...…..3 Better Transportation……..5 advantage of varied programming at both of Better Neighborhoods …....8 these public parks. Continued on Page 2 WPCCA ……….…...….…..10 www.NewWoodbridge.org www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 (703) 792‐4646 Better Neighborhoods cont’d Frankly Speaking, con’t Be A Good Neighbor Are you a history buff? Visit Rippon Lodge (ww.pwcgov.org/historicsites), one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. Built circa 1747 by Richard Blackburn, it lies on high ground overlooking Neabsco Creek. The Lodge is open for tours from May to October and provides public programs throughout the year. The beautiful grounds of Rippon Lodge are also available for picnics and other family activities. The foundation of a community is built on relationships between neighbors. The first step in creating a relationship is respecting those next door, down the street and around the corner. Everyone has his or her own ideas of a good neighborhood. The Prince William County Zoning Codes provide basic standards designed to make life better in our community. Good Neighbors Do the Following Finally, if you want to dine al fresco, Woodbridge has waterfront restaurants located on Annapolis Way and in Belmont Bay with menus that offer fresh, locally inspired fare. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center also offers an exciting mix of restaurants with patio dining and new restaurant options coming later this year. •
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Maintain the appearance of your property, including landscaping Empty excess water collecting in pots, buckets, or containers to prevent mosquitoes Properly display house numbers Clean up after your pets and keep your dogs on a leash Take bulky items such as refrigerators to the landfill Good Neighbors Do NOT Do the Following As you can see, there is no shortage of leisure‐time options in Woodbridge! To learn more about our community, please visit www.NewWoodbridge.org. •
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Frank J. Principi Woodbridge District Supervisor 2 www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 Park your car on the lawn Park or store inoperable vehicles in public view Perform maintenance work on vehicles parked on public streets Store excess trash, junk and debris around your home Forget to retrieve trash rollout containers Play loud music or make loud noises, which disturbs the peace and quiet of your neighbors Allow dogs to bark excessively during the night Allow pets to roam freely through the neighborhood Some of these items can be enforced by contacting Neighborhood Services at 703‐792‐7018. When in doubt, please call Supervisor Principi’s office at 703‐792‐4646. www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 11 Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association The Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) awarded Beautification Awards to four local businesses for their efforts to improve the aesthetics of the Woodbridge District. The awards are part of WPCCAʹs ʺKeep Woodbridge Beautifulʺ program, a community beautification action plan. Koons Kia
The recipients were Shear Scapes, Inc., Arban and Carosi, Inc., Vulcan Materials Co., and Koons Kia of Woodbridge. These four businesses are to be commended for their partnership with WPCCA to ʺKeep Woodbridge Beautiful.ʺ ʺWPCCA plans to Vulcan Materials Co
reward responsible community steward‐
ship on a regular basis. Businesses interested in partnering with our association should feel free to contact us and join the effort,ʺ said John Karhnak, Chair of WPCCA. Shear Scapes, Inc.
All residents, business owners, and church leaders located in the Woodbridge District are encouraged to join the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association. The Civic Association is building a sense of community among residents throughout Woodbridge. Join your neighbors in working to create a “New Woodbridge.” Meetings are held the third Thursday of each Arban & Carosi
month in the Leesylvania Room at the Ferlazzo Building at 7:00 pm. To become a member go to www.NewWoodbridge.org. Upcoming meeting topics will include: new development, road improvements, and improving our neighborhoods. 10 Look Who’s Coming to Potomac Town Center! Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center is a prime example of mixed‐use smart growth development in Woodbridge. Featuring approximately 550,000 square feet of high end retail and dining, this extraordinary destination provides a unique opportunity for national, regional and local establishments to thrive. The center features distinctive architecture, animated public spaces, and an enjoyable shopping experience ‐ day or night. Future plans include residential units and 500,000 square feet of prime office space. Aiming for a grand opening in October of 2012, Supervisor Principi and staff received a hard hat tour of the construction. For the time lapse webcam of the construction, and to take a tour for yourself go to: http://oxblue.com/open/RoadsideDev/StonebridgePotomac
NOW OPEN
Wegmans
Capital One Bank
PNC Bank
Jos. A. Bank
Quinnʹs Goldsmith Orvis
Uncle Julioʹs
Potomac Nail & Spa
Bubbles Salon
Gymboree
Zoe’s Kitchen
Bluberi Frozen Yogurt
Travinia Italian Kitchen
PF Changs
Firebirds
Toby Keithʹs
I Love This Bar Sport & Health
OPENING FALL of 2012
White House/Black Market
REI
Golfsmith
Go Wireless Charming Charlie
www.NewWoodbridge.org www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 (703) 792‐4646 Neibauer Dental
Unleashed by Petco
Dry Cleaners
Go Wireless
AT&T Mobility
DSW
Coldwater Creek
Chicoʹs Starbucks Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Old Navy
3 Better Development cont’d 2013 Budget Approved Scott D. Eagles Skatepark Earlier this summer, Supervisor Prin‐
cipi celebrated the grand reopening of the “rad” new Skatepark facility at Veteran’s Park. Named for Scott D. Eagles, the Skatepark slogan is “BE BALD!” On the day of the Ribbon •
Cutting, skaters, parents, and park enthusiasts gathered for a fantastic event including a live band, snacks, and demonstrations from semi‐professional skaters. The design includes features for all skill levels including ramps, stairs, a kidney bowl, and a half pipe (for those •
gravity‐defying tricks!). During the design phase, the Park Authority enlisted the help of the skaters themselves, making this a facility for the community and by the community. But PLEASE follow the posted safety guidelines! Remember; to “BE BALD”, you have to wear your helmet! •
Potomac Science Center Coming to Belmont Bay On April 24, 2012 the Board of County Supervisors adopted the 2013 Budget setting a tax rate of $1.209 per $100 of assessed value. The 2013 Budget, along with the Five‐year Plan, includes: Investment in Public Safety with 12 new police officers, 5 new 911 dispatch workers, construction of the Mid‐County Police station (opens in 2016) and 2 new arson investigators in the Fire Marshal’s Office Investment in Economic Development with a new staff person dedicated to Community Development, and an increase to the threshold for the Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax Investment in Human Services with funding for the Birmingham Green Nursing Home, pretrial support for at risk youth, and new staff positions for mental health therapists On May 9, 2012, George Mason University’s Board of Visitors ** Phase 1 of the North Woodbridge Interchange, which includes widening Route 1 from Annapolis Way to Mary’s Way, is funded unanimously approved the selection of Belmont Mason, LLC as partner for the Potomac Science PPEA Project. with state and federal resources. This project will include a The Potomac Science Center will feature 50,000 square feet of academic, research and laboratory space to be built in Prince William County on or near the Potomac River. This state of the art facility will house specialized programs from Mason’s College of Science, including the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center and the Geoinformatics Training & Research Center. The center plans to open its doors in 2014. landscaped median, sidewalk, and bike trail. Occoquan Road, Horner Road, Dawson Beach Road, and Express Drive will also see improvements to strengthen the roadway. The mission of the Potomac Science Center will be to help foster a greater understanding of the natural processes in ecosystems, watersheds and landscapes—and our need to protect them. Public outreach programs will focus on educational opportunities for school‐age children. 4 www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 9 Better Transportation cont’d Better Transportation cont’d Express Lanes in Woodbridge Construction Begins in 2012 Transportation Safety Tips from the Prince William County Police Department Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban‐Fluor will begin construction of the new HOV/HOT Lanes this year. The project will: • Widen existing I‐95 HOV lanes to 3 lanes across 14 miles between the Prince William Parkway to north of the Springfield Interchange
• Make improvements to the existing 2 lanes for six miles from Route 234 to the Prince William Parkway
• Create a seamless connection to the HOV/HOT Lanes on the Capital Beltway and into Tysons Corner
• Improve access to the HOV/HOT network at key interchanges, including Prince William County Parkway, Fairfax County Parkway, Franconia‐Springfield Parkway, I‐495 and the vicinity of Edsall Road
The estimated cost is $940 million funded primarily by the private sector, with support from the state. The HOV/HOT Lanes will keep traffic moving by using dynamic tolling that will adjust tolls based on real‐time traffic conditions, video technology to identify accidents, a series of electronic signs to communicate with drivers and state troopers to ensure enforcement. These strategies will help maintain travel speeds, make travel times more predictable, and significantly reduce violators. Carpools with three or more people, vanpools and transit vehicles will have free access to the HOV/HOT Lanes network. In the fall, Supervisor Principi plans to hold a Town Hall to answer specific questions. Stay tuned! 6 Regular seatbelt use is the single most effective way to protect people in motor vehicle crashes – that’s the message of the “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign. “We will do that by hitting the roads and enforcing all traffic laws 24/7, no excuses, no warnings,” said Chief Charlie Deane. “We will be paying particular attention to seat belt use.” Seat belts are mandatory for all persons in the front seat. All children under 8 years old must ride in a secured, approved safety seat, while children from 8‐15 years old must use a safety seat or seat belt. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all children are properly secured. Virginia law allows police to cite any driver with unsecured children in the vehicle. Prince William County had a total of 12 fatalities from vehicle crashes in 2011. Of the 12 fatalities, two were not wearing a seat belt or child safety seat. Street Smart Campaign for Pedestrian Safety Nets 1,294 Citations The PWC Police issued 1,294 citations to motorists and pedestrians in the recent Street Smart Campaign in early April. Street Smart is a bicycle and pedestrian safety and public awareness program. The goals of Street Smart are to change motorist and pedestrian behavior and reduce pedestrian and bicyclist deaths or injuries. Officers concentrated on driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and not using headlights when visibility is reduced. During the campaign, 669 citations were issued to motorists for speeding, 88 for violations involving licenses, and 44 for reckless driving. 14 citations were issued to pedestrians for violations such as walking in travel lanes. Intersections are designed to facilitate the safe crossing of pedestrians by the use of cross walks and traffic lights. Pedestrians are encouraged to use crosswalks, obey signals, and look left‐right‐left before crossing. www.NewWoodbridge.org www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 (703) 792‐4646 7 Passenger Ferry Study Sails Onward! Route 1 Clean‐Up On a Saturday morning in April, Supervisor Principi’s Office teamed up with the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) and Keep Prince William Beautiful (formerly the Clean Community Council) for the third annual Route 1 Cleanup. Different groups of volunteers picked up litter and debris along Route 1 through Woodbridge and into the Potomac District. The Commuter Ferry Stakeholders Group is in the process of choosing a firm to conduct a market analysis to determine commuter and tourist demand for high‐speed ferry service on the Potomac, Occoquan, and Anacostia Rivers. The market analysis is expected to provide the bases to make well‐informed planning, policy, and budgetary decisions regarding the future of passenger ferry service in the region. There is a great need to reduce congestion and offer transit alternatives especially in light of the Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC) adjustments. This year’s efforts resulted in 2,300 pounds of litter and debris removed from the U.S. 1 corridor. A big thanks to volunteers from Harvest Life Changers Church, Woodbridge Potomac The following are possible locations for ferry service: North Communities Civic Association, Woodbridge Rotary, Woodbridge Woodbridge, Belmont Bay, Harbor Station, Quantico, Fort Belvoir, Lions Club, as well as the many other local volunteers. Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, Reagan National Airport, Naval Support Facility Indian Head, National Harbor, and more. For information on how you Passenger ferry service is intended to supplement existing transit, can be involved in the fall including Virginia Railway Express (VRE), METRO, and commuter Route 1 Cleanup, and bus service. on‐going cleanup efforts While this study is focused on analyzing the market, future studies throughout Prince William will focus on environmental considerations, economic development, County, contact Keep Prince financing, and the shore‐side infrastructure needed at selected sites William Beautiful at 571‐285‐
(e.g., parking, transit connections). 3772 or visit keepprincewilliambeautiful.org. 8 www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 www.NewWoodbridge.org (703) 792‐4646 5