Routes 610, 17 & Stafford Courthouse all areas seen as bright spots for development

Stafford residents were clear: they want more high-end retail stores and restaurants in their county.

Stores like Macy’s, Jos A. Bank, L.L. Bean and restaurants like Maggiano’s Little Italy were just some of the names tossed out by residents. Those same residents said they commute to work for too long each weekday on Interstate 95 only to have to drive to places outside the county like Fredericksburg, Woodbridge and Tysons Corner to reach their favorite shopping destinations.

They spoke Monday at a meeting held by the Stafford’s economic development team. As they rattled off the names on their wish lists, members of the team took notes and said they would do all they could to convince these sought-after retailers to take a second look at an area with a growing population.

“The retailers that we have spoken with have learned that Stafford residents are willing to drive to get somewhere,” said Stafford Deputy County Administrator Timothy Baroody.

Driving is the main mode of transportation in this county of more than 130,000 people. The population number is expected to grow by 3,000 each year, said Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello.

Some retailers have been turned off by Stafford’s proximity to Quantico Marine Corps Base and the Potomac River, both of which limit drivers’ access to the county from places like Prince William County as well as Maryland, respectively. 

Retailers are also seeking more walkable, urbanized destinations, similar to a Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge. That’s something Stafford does not have to offer yet.

“The stars are aligning for the development of a mixed-use, walkable area around the Stafford courthouse,” said Baroody. “With the government center, a newly built hospital, and a coming new campus of Germanna Community College, this area will be a destination.”

Until the courthouse area is redeveloped, if ever, the economic team will continue to market its strongest commercial corridors – Garrisonville Road (Route 610) in North Stafford and Warrenton Road (Route 17) in south Stafford. With many retail pad sites already available, Baroody says these are the most likely areas for businesses to locate.

When they do, it’ll help the county keep some $5o0,000 spent per year at retailers and restaurants in neighboring jurisdictions that have more retail choices to offer.

Stafford officials said they will also continue to build upon their success in attracting large employers to the county in an effort to keep more 40,000 people who leave Stafford each day for their jobs to remain in the county.