Passenger ferry service update slated for Principi’s final town hall

Before he leaves the office at the end of December, Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi will take a look back at the road ahead for the burgeoning neighborhood in eastern Prince William County.

After 12 years of service, Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank J. Principi is inviting the public to join him for what will be his final “New Woodbridge” town hall, Dec. 4, 2019, 7-9pm at the Ferlazzo Building at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. 

Since taking office, Principi has ushered in $1.7 billion in infrastructure projects, such as widening Route 1 creating the 50-mile pedestrian  and cyclist loop, rebuilding Kilby Elementary School and dredging Neabsco Creek Channel.

The town hall—themed “Connecting to Our Future”— takes a broad look at how these and upcoming investments are transforming the Route 1 corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, as they improve mobility and set the stage for economic growth.

The event includes a preview of planned road extensions that will facilitate movement through North Woodbridge, connecting Annapolis Way to Route 123 (improving access to the 123 Commuter Lot), and Horner Road to Marina Way, creating a walkable “retail spine” leading down to the waterfront and future Fast Ferry terminal. At full build-out in 2040, this area could have nearly 9,000 new residential space, along with the first Class-A office building in Woodbridge, alongside hotel, retail, parks, schools and a library.

Supervisor Principi will also share the latest progress on bringing commuter Fast Ferry to North Woodbridge.

A request for information sent to passenger ferry operators for information on how such a service could be operated from the Occoquan River in Woodbridge to Washington, D.C.

Principi has long advocated for such a commuter service to be an alternative to other modes of travel in the region, such as slugging (carpooling), Virginia Railway Express, OmniRide Commuter Bus, and Metro.

In a Potomac Local exclusive, incoming Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who will replace Principi in January, told us she likes the idea of passenger ferry service between Woodbridge and Washington.

• However, she told us that she would rather explore options of funding a river ferry for tourism purposes like ferrying passengers to and from Washington’s Southwest Waterfront, near the Nationals Park.
• Franklin is currently an alternate on the OmniRide Board of Commissioners and could take Principi’s seat on the Board next year when the new Prince William Board of County Supervisors makes committee assignments in January.