Join

Potomac Mills expansion to force out commuters

Commuters on Tuesday were greeted with yellow cones and barriers as they tried to park at a crowded parking lot at Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge. (File)

Update 5 p.m.
We now know a bit more about why Potomac Mills mall decided to drastically reduce the amount of commuter parking there.

In a statement issued by the mall, officials say an increased demand for employee and customer parking, as well as the anticipated addition of several new retailers and restaurants in the coming year has driven the need to reduce the number of parking spaces commuters use each weekday by 75 percent from when commuter parking there was at its peak.

Officials at the mall urged commuters to explore alternatives ways of getting to work, such as those provided by Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission’s OmniRide commuter bus.

PRTC officials say they are ready to meet what’s expected to be increased demand for service.

“Last summer, PRTC evaluated the capacity of the area commuter lots. I can tell you that these lots were not at capacity and could absorb some of those who will be displaced from Potomac Mills: I-95 at Route 123; Dale City Commuter lot; Lindendale Commuter Lot; Kmart at Dale City Lot; Hillendale Lot. They might not be as convenient as Potomac Mills for some but they have available parking,” PRTC spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo.

“We expect that if the parking is reduced at Potomac Mills, the earlier OmniRide trips will become even more popular than they are now because people will want to park before the lots fill up,” she added.

Woodbridge, Va. –– It won’t be a happy Valentine’s Day for some Woodbridge commuters.

Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge on February 14th will decrease the number of commuter parking spaces on its lot by 75 percent, from 1,000 spaces to just 250.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi made the announcement today, and said the loss of the spaces is unfortunate but added the mall is allowed to reduce the number of spaces as part of their special use permit with Prince William County.

Many Slugs (those who ride in cars of three or more occupants on Interstate 95’s High Occupancy Vehicle lanes) use the lot each morning.

Last fall, a mall spokeswoman said the mall had an agreement with Prince William to provide 275 spaces, but had been providing at least 975.

We are still waiting to hear back from Potomac Mills about this decision.

The next largest commuter lot available in the area is the Horner Road lot, off Prince William Parkway and Interstate 95. It’s the largest commuter lot in Virginia and each space in the lot is usually filled each weekday by 7 a.m. or shortly thereafter.

This latest commuter set back comes as a new slug line from Woodbridge to Alexandria failed to gain traction last fall.

?

Recent Stories

Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors easily approved the fiscal year 2025 budget with a few changes on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to take effect on July 1.

School officials in Prince William County say Antisemitic symbols were found painted on the side of Coles Elementary and Benton Middle schools near Woodbridge.

Manassas City Council held a public hearing on the city’s budget, as residents once again are facing the prospect of paying more in taxes.

Bullets strike Manassas home

On April 22, 2024, at approximately 2:16 a.m., the Manassas City Police Department responded to a 911 call for shots fired in the 9100 block of Winterset Drive.

To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.

Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.

The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Free Irish Music Concert

Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.

Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old

Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival

The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.

A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list