Work is underway at Potomac Shores to build a new four-level, 400-space parking garage.
During a groundbreaking event Monday, May 8, 2023, a spokesman for Potomac Shores developer Biddle Real Estate Ventures said the garage will open in Fall 2024, with the train station construction occurring at the time of opening or beginning shortly after that. The structure will be a precursor to a new Virginia Railway Express station to be built next to the garage.
VRE and Amtrak riders who will use the station, or customers of the shops and restaurants to be built nearby, will use the garage. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe broke ground for the commuter rail station in 2014.
Biddle Real Estate Ventures is still applying for permits to build the new commuter rail station. The process should be complete next year. Meanwhile, the developer is donating about four acres on which the station will sit to Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, clearing the way for station construction.
Initial designs include elevators to take passengers from the station to the train platform next to the tracks, located at the bottom of a riverside cliff.
The station has been redesigned twice since its groundbreaking in 2014, costing the developer at least $5 million. Initial designs did not include a third track built in the later part of the decade or in the early 2030s to separate passenger and freight rail traffic.
It’s unclear how much the new station will cost to build. Monday’s announcement from Peter Chavkin of Biddle Real Estate Ventures was the first sign of life for the project in nearly 10 years.
“We’re not here today to say ‘it’s coming soon.’ It’s happening,” said Chavkin as earthmovers hauled dirt up the cliff of the Potomac River.
Several Prince William Board of County Supervisors heralded the construction. “This project is a symbol o progress and innovation, and a collaboration between government, private industry, and individuals,” said Ann Wheeler, Board of County Supervisors At-large Chair.
Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey, praised for bringing together the state and developer to sign an agreement to move forward with the project in April 2023, said the project shows the county’s commitment to mobility.
Margaret Franklin, the Woodbridge District Supervisor, said residents deserve more quality public transportation options like the VRE. All three politicians are up for reelection this year, with Wheeler and Bailey facing opponents in a June 20, 2023 Primary Election.
When the station opens, it will feature a boardwalk along the east side overlooking the Potomac River, with gazebos and benches. The station would also be served by new weekend trains that could begin as early as 2026, said VRE CEO Rich Dalton.
The station will be the first to open on the dual-line VRE system since 2015 when VRE opened a new station in Spotsylvania County.
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Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
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.
