Woodbridge, Va. –– Today was the day tighter commuter parking restrictions went into effect at Potomac Mills mall.
Slugs headed to Washington were told they could still park in any of the mall’s now 250 spaces (down from 1,000 on Friday).
But Slugs headed to Rosslyn, Crystal City or the Pentagon would now have to park at the Dale City commuter lot off Gemini Way.
More to the Story: See our interactive map of commuter parking lots in the Potomac Communities.
By 7:47 a.m., only five Slugs headed to Arlington had been picked up at that Dale City lot, and six drivers headed to the Pentagon waited patiently as there were no Slugs for them to take.
“The lot is a little fuller this morning that it was last week. Normally, I can park near that light post over there but today had to park a bit further back, but there’s still plenty of room,” said Jim, a commuter who lives off Ridgefield Road in Dale City.
Jim used to use the Potomac Mills commuter lot up until last week when he heard about the impending parking changes.
The reduced commuter lot at Potomac Mills was full by 6 a.m., leaving many drivers stuck in lines waiting for Slugs and vice versa.
Two of the remaining parking spaces in the lot were filled with snow, and one female driver asked mall officials on hand if she could park her car in them without being towed.
The response: Park the best way you can.
Mall security then forced members of the press off the lot.
“A lot of people have Mondays and Fridays off, so the real test of this new system will come Tuesday and Wednesday when they’re back at work,” said Vashon Veal, who boarded a commuter bus at the stop nearby the mall. “What they don’t understand is that we work in D.C. to make the money to come and shop here. Now you can bet my money will be going to Tysons Corner.”
Mall officials announced the commuter parking changes last month, sending elected officials and Prince William County staff scrambling to find another place for commuters to park.
Late Sunday, a plan formulated by Slug-Lines.com webmaster and author David LeBlanc was released, informing Slugs to the Pentagon and spots in Arlington to begin parking at Dale City.
“It just made sense to have both lines that are going to Rosslyn, Crystal City and the Pentagon – all points in Virginia – to be moved and kept at the same lot,” said LeBlanc.
Recent Stories
What’s On the Agenda? Stafford’s Board of Supervisors Meets January 7, 2025.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
