new woodbridge vision - summer 2016

Â County Economic Update (3)

Â Inns of Virginia Come Down (5)

Â New Gas Lines for Marumsco Hills (7)

Â PWC Police Earn Excellence Award (8)

Â Photo Contest! (10)

Â Route 1 Improvements at a Glance (6)

Â ...And More!

FRANKLY SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTING COMMUNITY PROGRESS

Summer 2016

IN THIS ISSUE..

In the fall Vision, we looked at the tremendous progress that has taken place since our work towards building a New Woodbridge began eight years ago, with more than $1.5 billion of public and private investment in our community.

The signs of transformation continue, as blighted buildings come down, roadways are widened, pedestrian and cycling trails are added and recreational facilities are

enhanced. Additionally, Woodbridge residents are benefitting from new schools and classrooms and the hiring of police and firemen. Following are highlights of some key projects and legislative achievements paving the path to a New Woodbridge: One focused on Smart Growth, Better Transportation and Strong Neighborhoods, fostering a high quality of life for all of our citizens, protecting our rich natural environment and creating a robust economic engine:

Economic Development Projects:Renovation or removal of over 50 blighted buildings $900,000 Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center $500 Million GMU’s Science Center $30-40 MillionRenovation of Marumsco Plaza $13 MillionNOVA Woodbridge Campus $65 MillionSmall Business Grants $7 Million Contd. p.2

Learn more about your community, sooner. Visit NewWoodbridge.org to sign up for electronic

newsletters and community updates.

Also follow Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge.

KNOW MORE, SOONER

Community Updates from Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi

Questions? Comments? Get in touch!

703.792.4646 | NewWoodbridge.org

JOIN... Woodbridge

Potomac Communities Civic

Association (See p.10)

NewWoodbridge Vision

2

Contd. from p.1Transportation Projects:Route 1 Widening & Improvements $232.7 MillionRoute 1/123 North Woodbridge Interchange $63 MillionAdditional Lane on of I-95 (North & South) $1.4 Million24 new locomotives for Virginia Railway Express $47 MillionSecond VRE Platform, Walkway & Kiss & Ride Lot $6.7 MillionPRTC Subsidy (FY17-21) $6 Million (annual) Education:By 2020, Adding 36 Classrooms, 1 IHS in Woodbridge District $42.74 MillionKilby Elementary – Replacement/New School (2017) $31.4 MillionRiver Oaks Elementary School Renewal (2018) $9.3 MillionTeacher Salary Step Increases (2016 & 2017) $30 Million Classroom Size Reduction Matching Funds Grant (2016) $1 Million Community & Recreational Projects:Lights and Turf Improvements at Vets Park $500,000Featherstone Wildlife Refuge Access Grant $585,000Potomac National Scenic Heritage Trail/Boardwalk $6.6 MillionPrince William Museum at Rippon Lodge $7 Million

Public Safety:Addition of 50 public safety staff in FY16 $5.5 MillionAddition of 49 Fire & Rescue Staff in FY17 $4.8 Million River Oaks Fire Station $5.6 MillionOWL Botts Fire Station Training Facility $250,000Streetlight Installations (2008-2016) $119,735 Legislative Accomplishments:2015 – Drafted & led passage of Metrorail study resolution2015 – Drafted & led passage of “Ban the Box” resolution 2015 – Drafted & led passage of PRTC budget shortfall closure/statement 2015 – Issued staff directive re: Dominion/Possum Point Permit Application2016 – Issued staff directive re: Fire & Rescue Association and plan development to maximize volunteer recruitment2016 - Presented compromise budget solution with continued investment in essential services such as education, transportation and public safety2016 - Drafted resolution to appropriate $2M for purchase of property for an elementary school to alleviate classroom overcrowding in Eastern PW

To view more of the progress we are making towards achieving the vision of a New Woodbridge, visit NewWoodbridge.org/ProgressTracker.

NewWoodbridge Vision Summer 2016 | NewWoodbridge.org Smart Development * Better Transportation * Strong Neighborhoods

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SMART DEVELOPMENT

County’s Economy is Healthy, GrowingReports Show Employment Numbers Above National AverageThe latest Prince William County Demographic and Economic Newsletter reports that our economy appears healthy, with expectations of continued growth. Positive factors include relatively low gas prices, low interest rates, improving job market and affordable housing relative to neighboring counties.

While the residential real estate market has leveled off, foreclosures are down. Unemployment improved and is well below the national rate. Latest at-place employment data indicate growth in establishments, employment and average weekly wages. Commercial inventory, still elevated in terms of historic vacancy rates, improved too.

PWC has outpaced regional, state and national economies in business and job

growth over the last five years but has lagged behind the state and region for at-place average weekly wage growth since 2010.

In 2015 (2nd Quarter), there were 8,489 employment establishments reported, a growth rate of 4.8% year-over-year and 16.7% since 2010. At-place employment increased by 17.0% since 2010. By comparison,employment in Virginia grew by 4.9% since 2010.

The average weekly wage in Prince William County ($838 in the 2nd Quarter 2015) grew by 1.9% year-over-year. To view the full Q4 2015 Prince William County Demographic and Economic Newsletter online—with data on education, commute times and more— go to newwb.org/econq4.

County Retains Highest Credit RatingPrince William County remains one of only 45 counties in the nation to carry triple-A bond ratings from all major bond credit rating agencies (Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poor's). “The AAA rating reflects the county’s dynamic local economy and wealthy tax base that continues to experience healthy growth, a strong financial position reflective of effective management and ample liquidity…” (Moody’s, 3/15/16)

“This (‘AAA’) rating reflects…a very strong economy…very strong management…adequate budgetary performance…very strong budgetary flexibility…very strong liquidity.” (Standard & Poor’s, 2/19/16)

“We reaffirm their ‘AAA’ rating citing a sound financial position, prudent fiscal policies…a “strong and diverse economic base…high wealth levels,” “…robust tax base growth and strong financial management.” (Fitch, 2/12/16)

Smart Development * Better Transportation * Strong Neighborhoods

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Speed StudiesPWC Department of Transportation has conducted eight speed studies in the Woodbridge District in the past 12

months. To request a speed study or see the results of the studies, please call Tanya Gomez at 703-792-4647.

SMART DEVELOPMENT

This spring, Northern Virginia Commu-nity College (NOVA) opened its long-awaited Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training (RCWET) at its Woodbridge campus. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors initially committed $1 mil-lion to the project, which helped secure the necessary funding from the Virginia General Assembly to establish the $29 million center. The state-of-the-art, 55,000 square foot facility promises to be Northern Virginia’s leading work-force training epicenter, delivering a highly-trained workforce with technical skills to meet the growing technologi-cal demands of careers in cyber security, government, healthcare, information technology and program management. “This state-of-the-art facility will allow workers in critical fields to strengthen their professional value in a continual-ly-changing environment; ultimately increasing their job security and the via-bility of their organization,” said NOVA President Dr. Scott Ralls.

“We are sending a strong signal to the business community that Prince William County has the leading credentials and tools to meet those needs and to ensure that they not only retain, but increase their competitive advantage,” said Jeff Kaczmarek, Executive Director, PWC Department of Economic Development. The facility also features a professional testing center and a 7,500 square foot conference center designed to host a range of events from industrial-type training, exhibits and tradeshows to for-mal gatherings. The workforce training center will serve regional businesses, local area governments and military communities. To learn more, visit www.nvcc.edu/rcwet/.

NOVA Opens Workforce Training Center

Business Leaders Say County is "Hotspot" for New

Business Development;Read Why...

NewWoodbridge.org/News


5

Speed StudiesPWC Department of Transportation has conducted eight speed studies in the Woodbridge District in the past 12

months. To request a speed study or see the results of the studies, please call Tanya Gomez at 703-792-4647.

The Route 1 Improvement Project hit another milestone, with demolition of the Inns of Virginia on Annapolis Way. The demo took place in conjunction with a $12 million Vir-ginia Department of Transporta-tion duct bank construction pro-ject for the un-dergrounding of utilities, and sets the stage for both widening Route 1 to six lanes and building an overpass that will connect Route 123 and Route 1.

When all three segments of the Impro-vement Project are completed in 2021, Route 1 will be six lanes from Annapolis Way to Neabsco Mills Road. In addition to the expanded lanes, the roadway will have pedestrian and bike paths, crosswalks at each intersection, countdown timer sto-plights and landscaped medians.

The long-vacant EconoLodge and BP Gas

VDOT Demos Inns of Virginia; More to Come

BETTER TRANSPORTATION

Station will come down later this year as part of a $56 million contract to widen this segment of Route 1, from Annapolis Way to Mary’s Way. The

Next Car building and a portion of Station Plaza--part of the par-king lot and the vacant buildings nearest Route 1--are also slated for demolition during this phase of construction.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved expan-ding the remainder of Route 1 to its border with Stafford County, as fun-ding becomes available. Additionally, construction of the $63 million Route 1/Route 123 overpass is considered a priority by county officials, who conti-nue working to secure funding. Right-of-way acquisitions for the overpass are complete, as are design and engi-neering plans.


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BETTER TRANSPORTATION

When the Route 1 Improvement Project is completed in 2021, the seven miles of Route 1 that run

through Woodbridge will be a six-lane, divided road with a five-foot sidewalk on the east side and

a 10-foot multi-use path along the west. Additional improvements include the undegrounding

of utilities and the addition of crosswalks and countdown stoplights. Look for updates on this

project at NewWoodbridge.org and by following Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge.

Route 1 Improvement Project at a Glance

PWC Fire & Rescue Now HiringPrince William County Fire and Rescue is accepting applications for their 2016 recruit class now through May 31, 2016. When first employed, the recruit will attend a 26 week recruit school focused on providing training in both fire suppression and emergency me-dical services. This training requires inten-sive study, rigorous physical training and a real desire to be successful. To learn more, visit: pwcgov.org/government/dept/FR/Pages

THis July 4,

Be in the Parade!Join Supervisor Principi in the Dale City 4th of July parade, as we celebrate our great nation. Fun for the whole family! Call for details on volunteering.

RSVP! 703.792.4646 or

[email protected]

Planning Phase

Route 1 Location

Length Of Road

Estimated Cost

Start/Stop Dates

Responsible Party

Project Results

Phase 1

Neabsco Mills Road

To Featherstone Road

3 Miles$78

Million

(Funded)

2012-2016 PWC Widen Route 1 To Six Lanes

Intersection Improvements

Raised Median/Curb & Gutter

Pedestrian Sidewalks/Bike Lanes

Landscaping/Retaining Walls

Improvements To Other Roads

Undergrounding Of Utilities

Demolition Of 50 Buildings

Phase 2Mary’s Way

To Annapolis Way

1.3 Miles$60

Million

(Funded)

2016-2019 VDOT

Phase 3Featherstone Road

To Mary’s Way

1.3 Miles$86

Million

(Funded)

2016-2021 PWC

Phase 4North Woodbridge

Interchange

Route 123(Gordon

Boulevard)

$63Million

(Not Funded)

TBD TBD

Future

Cardinal DriveTo

Route 234 (Dumfries Road)

4 Miles$218

Million

(Estimated & Not Funded)

TBD TBD

Supervisor Frank PrincipiRoute 1 Woodbridge Road Improvements

2012-2021

www.NewWoodbridge.org Office: (703) 792-4646** Disclaimer: Numbers and Dates Subject To Change **


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STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS

Washington Gas Marumsco Hills Project Submitted by Washington Gas

Washington Gas will replace selected gas mains and service lines in Marumsco Hills as part of an accelerated pipeline repla-cement program approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. This pro-gram allows Washington Gas to replace eligible infrastructure on an accelerated basis to enhance safety and reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The footprint of the pipe replacement project includes roughly the intersection of the Prince William Parkway and West Longview Avenue to the north, I-95 to the west, Route 1 to the east, and Opitz Bou-levard to the south.

Some areas will have replacement of both the gas main in the street and the service lines to homes. Started in April, work should be completed in 12-18 months.

The time needed to complete construc-tion at individual properties will vary, but in general should take only a few days. If your line is being replaced, it will be temporarily interrupted. A temporary interruption of service should also be expected in cases where the main in the street is being replaced.

While work is in progress, our crews will make temporary repairs to the roadway surfaces. Final road restoration will com-

mence after all work is complete and as weather allows. Washington Gas will fully comply with VDOT requirements for restoration. Additionally, in the event of damage to private property, a crew will restore it to as close to pre-construction condition as possible.

Washington Gas will provide updates throughout the project to those directly and indirectly impacted. General informa-tion will be available at washingtongas.com, and through mailings, door hangers and the Marumsco Hills Group Page on Fa-cebook You can also call 703-750-5100.

Please note that Washington Gas has conducted numerous surveys of the Marumsco Hills natural gas distribution system and is confident in its integrity. We are accelerating these system upgrades to address replacement that would likely be scheduled over the next few years.

Washington Gas is proud of its 168-year history of providing safe and reliable gas service to over 1.1 million custo-mers in the Washington metropolitan area, and is committed to the safety of our neighborhoods. We hope the pipe-line replacement program underscores the importance we place on the safe delivery of natural gas to all of the cus-tomers we serve.


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STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS

Dominion Virginia Power and Prince Wil-liam County agreed to terms for better protecting Quantico Creek and the Po-tomac River when the company begins closing its five coal ash ponds at Possum Point in Dumfries.

When Supervisor Frank Principi first raised concerns over the discharge of potentially toxic water, many commu-nity members and fellow elected officials expressed feeling blindsided.

“The community came together working toward the common goal of protecting this important waterway and the ecosys-

tem it supports. Our collective efforts got results,” said Principi. The terms include Dominion's agreement to reduce levels for six heavy metals, allow testing by an independent lab and for the County to be involved in development of the solid waste permit, which is the second phase of the coal ash disposal process.

Learn more at NewWoodbridge.org/issues/possum-point-coal-ash/.

Dominion Agrees to Better Protections for

Quantico Creek

Congratulations PWCPD!County Police Earn Excellence AwardThe Prince William Police Department and the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy, which recently received the Accreditation with Excellence Award from the Commission on Accre-ditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA. The voluntary accreditation process serves to promote professionalism, accountability, trans-parency and effective day-to-day operations. "It just shows that we set ourselves at a higher level of public service, and that we want to be able to provide a quality level of service that is above and beyond what is required,” said Jan Judy, the accre-ditation and curriculum manager at the academy.

SUPERVISORS APPROVE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

In March, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding for the following school projects that will help reduce classroom sizes in Woodbridge.

Â $592,500 for Powell’s Creek (total project:

$1,302,500)

Â $24,476,00 to replace Kilby Elementary

School

Â $8,267,000 for Belmont Elementary School

Addition

Supervisor Principi continues to advocate for

$2,000,000 for the acquisition of an elementary

school site in Eastern Prince William.


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YOUR NEW WOODBRIDGE

Did you know that carrots, sweet potatoes and eg-gplants can help rid water of heavy metals? Wamia Said and Elena Novak of Ronald Reagan Middle School do. The pair was among the six entrants in the 2016 Prince William-Manassas Regional Science Fair, honored by the Prince William County Service Authority for outstanding experiments related to water quality and the environment.

Battlefield sophomore Elizabeth Shablom won the high school competition de-monstrating the impact of ultraviolet light on e. Coli. Hugo McAuley of Graham Park Middle, Christopher Moussa and Benjamin Jacob of Marsteller Middle School and Sarah Flynn of Seton School earned General Manager Awards.

Service Authority Awards Science Stars

Got clutter? Bring it to Dumpster Day10 am - 2 pm Sept. 21

Not everything can go to the curb, and most of us put off that dreaded trip to dump. Dumpster Day to the rescue! On Saturday, September 21, we’ll have ways to get rid of all kinds of items taking up space in your home--small appliances, old furniture, clothing and paper documents, with shredding from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

There are a few items we cannot accept: fuel tanks, fuel, fuel drums, pool chemicals, antifreeze, paint thinners, pesticides or other hazar-dous waste. For questions, call 703-792-4646. For more details as the date gets closer, follow Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge.


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YOUR NEW WOODBRIDGE

Celebrating Arbor Day

discover your community...Join the Civic Association!All area residents are invited to meet their neighbors and get involved in the community through the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association. Monthly meetings start at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, September-June. Locations vary; see NewWoodbridge.org/Calendar. If you see a topic of interest, save the date and RSVP to [email protected]. Also, follow Facebook.com/WoodbridgeCivicAssociation for community clean-ups and other WPCCA activities.

Learn more...visit NewWoodbridge.org/WoodbridgeCivicAssociation.

Students from Marumsco Hills Elementary School invited Supervisor Principi to join them

in their Arbor Day tree planting ceremony. He also had the opportunity to discuss how

the County can best support this School of Excellence in Woodbridge.

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 21 (2:00 & 7:30*) June 28 (2:00 & 7:30*) July 12 (2:00 & 7:30*) August 2 (2:00 & 7:30*) September 6 (2:00 & 7:30*). Visit NewWoodbridge.org/services for more information.


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YOUR NEW WOODBRIDGE

Do You Follow? Here at New Woodbridge, we make it easy for you to stay informed and engaged in your community. Below are three easy ways to stay connected to the latest and greatest in Woodbridge:

1. Visit NewWoodbridge.org for news from Supervisor Principi, local events and more

2. Follow Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge to interact with others in the community, ask questions and get daily community updates.

3. Sign-up for email news: newwb.org/nwbvision

Photo Contest...#NewWoodbridgeinBloomThrough July 8, share your best photos of New Woodbridge in bloom, with photos of your garden, a local park or any outdoor setting that speaks to you. Post your pictures on Facebook.com/NewWoodbridge, or on Instragram @NewWoodbridge. Tag your photo #NewWoodbridgeinBloom.

We'll share some of our favorites in the next issue of NW Vision, and one winner will receive a $25 gift card to a local eatery.

Upcoming EventsYoga on the Lawn @Rippon LodgeSaturdays, Now - Sept., 9 pm15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

Stonebridge Summer Concert Series2nd and 4th Fridays, Now - Sept., 8 pm14001 Potomac Town Place, Wood-bridge

Taste of Woodbridge (Stonebridge)Saturday, June 11, 11 am - 6 pm14001 Potomac Town Place, Wood-bridge

New Woodbridge Tele Town HallWednesday, June 15, 7 pmVirtual: # Posted on Facebook pre-event

Potomac Blockade Boat TourSaturday, June 18, 10 am - 1 pm2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge

More at NewWoodbridge.org/calendar


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new woodbridge vision - summer 2016

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