WOODBRIDGE — A study of the rural area of Prince William County, and how to preserve it, has been collecting dust for five years.
The “Rural Preservation Study” in 2014 attracted residents who live in the western rural area of the county, dubbed the “rural crescent.” Many want to cash out and sell their land to housing developers. The meetings also drew conservationists who, on the opposite end of the spectrum, want to preserve the rural character of the county and leave it as is.
After hearing from both sides, some of the recommendations from the study include building new homes on the land in “cluster” developments, where homes are concentrated on a small percentage of the land while the larger portion of the land is preserved.
The study also suggested Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs which allow the owner of a property in the rural area to transfer or sell their development rights to a housing developer or local government, subsequently.
Much of the county’s rural area is located in the Brentsville Magisterial District, and District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson supports a PDR program that would use public funds to buy development rights from landowners. If purchased, the landowner can keep the property, and farm it, but the land can never be developed.
The PDR program could be paid for by a mixture of state funds and monies from the county’s general fund, she said.
“The landowner gets to keep their property and the land is preserved. I can’t think of a better compromise. If they really are for preserving the rural area, then members of this [Board of County Supervisors] need to put their money where their mouth is,” said Lawson.
Board of County Supervisors Chairman At-large Corey Stewart has not supported using public funds to pay for land that will never be developed. He says developers should be able to develop in the Rural Crescent with higher densities, on one or one and half-acre lots, while leaving the majority of the land preserved.
Today, homes may be built by-right (without any local government involvement) on 10-acre lots. That, in many cases, creates narrow property lines, and, if left unchecked, could lead to single-family homes dotting the landscape in the rural area.
But now, Prince William County staff members are ready to reignite the conversation about the Rural Preservation study and are planning a public meeting to solicit feedback.
The purpose of the meeting is to create a vision and plans for implementing recommendations from the Rural Preservation Study that will help the county accomplish that vision. The vision and recommendations will ultimately be presented to the Board of County Supervisors for consideration as part of the recommended updates to the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
The meeting will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. at the Development Services Building, which is located at 5 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
The meeting comes as the current Board of County Supervisors, with its members who have been a part of the policy discussion for so many years, is set to change next year. Four of the eight members of the Board won’t return, and those who will fill the seats won’t have the institutional knowledge of the issue.
Lawson said it could be next year before the Board decides what to do about the county’s rural area.
“I would be for pushing a vote on the matter this year, under the current Board, but I’m not sure there’s enough time left in the year,” said Lawson.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
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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:
