Woodbridge, Va. –– The commuter lot at the First Baptist Church of Woodbridge on Wednesday had about 10 cars parked in it.
Prince William County taxpayers are renting 370 spaces from the church at Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road for $289,000 per year.
Transportation officials made the deal last month to rent the lot after Potomac Mills mall reduced commuter parking there from 1,000 spaces to 250.
So what’s it going to take to get commuters comfortable with using the new lot?
That’s the focus of tonight’s commuter town hall meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Ferlazzo government building on U.S. 1 in Woodbridge.
“We want to have a dialogue about what Slug lines would make sense forming [at the lot]. There’s been some talk on the Slug lines website and this is just another opportunity to discuss it live, get some additional feedback from the community and just to see how things are going in the wake of the decision last month [to reduce parking at Potomac Mills mall],” said Occoquan District Supervisor Mike May.
This is the second commuter town hall meeting scheduled in the past two months.
Also expected to be at the meeting are Prince William supervisors Frank Prinicpi and John Jenkins.
According to Slug-lines.com, the reduction of commuter parking at Potomac Mills mall has caused virtually every other commuter parking lot in the area to fill up earlier than usual.
Mall representatives said the reduction was necessary as they look to expand.
A new commuter lot is planned for construction near the Horner Road lot in Woodbridge, already the state’s largest commuter lot.
Transportation officials said they plan to use $7.2 million to build a new 600-space commuter lot on the site of an old commuter bus lot next to the Horner Road lot.
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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:
