Woodbridge, Va. –– The first phase of widening U.S. 1 in Woodbridge is fully funded.
With that announcement, Frank Principi kicked of his reelection bid to keep his seat on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors representing Woodbridge residents.
The long-awaited $140 million project to widen the highway from four to six lanes between Mary’s Way and the Occoquan River, and improve intersections at Occoquan Road and Gordon Boulevard (Va. 123), will be funded by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell’s billion dollar transportation initiative passed this spring.
Principi is still working to get funding for a second phase of the project, for construction of an interchange at U.S. 1 and Va. 123, which remains only partially funded.
The Democrat addressed many of the issues facing residents and business owners in the U.S. 1 corridor in his district, telling the standing-room only crowd he’s been tough on zoning violations, fighting blight and responding to residents’ complaints.
“We have been extremely aggressive working with the county attorney to make sure that blight goes away. I think all of you can probably drive down Route 1 right now and witness a difference. Not a major difference, we don’t have major national tenants moving into Marumsco Plaza, but we had 23 buildings either revitalized or taken down in the Woodbridge District,” said Principi.
Principi also heralded the creation of Woodbridge’s first civic association, his work to expand the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and preserving neighborhoods.
“We’ve had an influx of immigrants move into our district. We’ve had home foreclosures, record home foreclosures – one of the top 10 in the country – right here in Woodbridge. We’ve had people lose their jobs, lose their benefits and we have to do everything possible to fight for them and their families,” said Prinicpi.
Principi faces Republican challenger Chris Royse for the Woodbridge seat on the Board, the same opponent he defeated in 2007.
Voters go to the polls on Nov. 8.
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Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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.
