Editor’s note: This is the first part of an ongoing series about redeveloping the Potomac Communities.
Woodbridge, Va. –– As redevelopment in Woodbridge continues its shift from strip malls to urban town centers, some smaller businesses may not survive.
Town center developments like Belmont Bay in North Woodbridge on the Occoquan River, with easy connections to Virginia Railway Express and Interstate 95, to the planned Harbor Station near Dumfries, embody the vision of a new Woodbridge where residents can live, work and play.
At the center of these developments, arguably an early success in the area’s redevelopment is Potomac Town Center at Stonebridge, home to Wegman’s supermarket.
The center’s most vocal supporter, Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi, says developers here are doing all the right things. “It’s taken us decades to get to the position we are. National best practices, architects, urban planners are all doing things differently in communities and, dammit, we need to do that here,” he said.
Despite a depressed economy, Potomac Town Center, which already boasts several chain restaurants and a gated residential neighborhood, has moved forward with construction on a second phase to include office space.
In contrast, Woodbridge’s main street, U.S. 1, is lined with overwhelmingly vacant strip malls, fast food restaurants and car dealerships, and t hey may not have a place in the new Woodbridge.
“In the life cycle in many of the freestanding, low volume retail functions, they disappear, as they have over the years,” said Director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis Dr. Steven Fuller. “Stores come and go. Some will survive if they change their merchandising if they change to meet the changing marketplace.”
As younger families move into the area, many businesses will have to offer more products and services in one place.
“I think you can look around Woodbridge and point to some places like restaurants that are destinations that will survive, and there are others such as the [car] dealerships…and they’ll find some other place to locate, possibly, or they go out of business,” added Fuller.
There are plans to widen U.S. 1 from four to six lanes in an effort to add capacity to the already congested road, as well as more mass transit buses.
The new Woodbridge, says Principi, will be a place where both old and new will be able to coexist.
“For this to occur and to be successful, we have got to infuse the existing businesses and relocate new businesses here. So, it’s not about moving them, it’s about making sure in our planning process in the horizon over time that we are doing everything possible to expand their business, because, quite frankly, as we expand Route 1 and have more traffic, they are going to be a larger customer base,” said Principi.
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(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
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.
