Over the coming months, Prince William residents will be asked for their input as leaders work to update the county’s comprehensive plan.
Updated every five years, the comprehensive plan guides the growth and development of the community. It articulates the goals and policies that the Board of County Supervisors relies on to make informed land-use development decisions and investments in public infrastructure.
It also presents a blueprint for creating a great quality of place, quality of the community, and quality of life based on the county’s vision for its future.
On Wednesday, May 20, the Prince William Conservation Alliance held a program via Zoom to educate the public on the Comprehensive Plan.
Prince William County Planning Commission Chairman Bill Milne, who represents the Neabsco District in Dale City, led the program by speaking about the role of the Comprehensive Plan as the roadmap for land use in Prince William County.
As the county’s population continues to climb to over 465,000 residents, and with the Amazon HQ2 project in Arlington that expected to bring 50,000 new workers to the region, Prince William will continue to feel the pressure to develop new homes.
The state code of Virginia outlines legislative intent when it comes to laws and statues of every county, town, or city is supposed to follow, especially when it comes to planning, zoning, or subdivision of land within the boundaries…..Every local government is required to prepare and adopt a Comprehensive Plan”, said Milne.
The Planning Commission will take up the topic of the comprehensive plan update when the board meets again for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown, on June 17. Since five hearings were canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, there will be additional hearings to catch up.
Social distancing, face masks, and other safety precautions will be taken during the meetings, which are normally held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Prince William County Government Center, at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Prince William County originally established its Planning Commission in 1954 and reestablished it in 1972 in an effort to guide the Board of County Supervisors on land-use decisions.
“We are required to review the [Comprehensive] plan every five years. We are in that process now…..We are always reviewing some aspects of that plan in order to manage the dynamic change here in Prince William County,” Milne said.
Milne emphasized that public comment is always sought with each review and that citizens are allowed to comment online, can attend Commission work sessions to hear questions, and speak during public comment time at meetings.
The Comprehensive Plan is organized in chapters regarding a specific issue related to the physical development of Prince William. These chapters are grouped into four main categories: Long-Range Land Use, Community Development, Infrastructure and Facilities, and Preservation and Conservation.
Prince WilliamConservation Alliance Executive Director Kim Hosen facilitated the program.
There were over 40 people in attendance with several members of the Planning Commission as well as Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry on the call.
Executive Director Kim Hosen thanked everyone for coming and reminded everyone about Prince William Conservation Alliance’s next event which is “Urban Planning in the Time of Corona”.
This program will feature Senior Vice President of the Urban Land Institute Tom Eitler as he provides observations about the future of land use. This event is happening on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. To RSVP, go to pwconserve.org/events/index.html#eitler.
Recent Stories
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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:
