The project, which was funded by the Board of County Supervisors’ $500,000 allocation for such projects in fiscal year 2024, provided new landscaping to “enhance the appeal of the area.” Some of the landscaping included adding crape myrtles, knock-out roses, shamrock hollies, hydrangeas and more.
Both Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega and Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony because the project covers portions of each district.
“We have a lot going on here in this Sudley corridor, and this is really step one in taking and transforming this area for the good of this community,” Gordy said. “We’re looking at a complete redevelopment of the Sudley corridor all the way from the Manassas Battlefield to Godwin Drive. We have a lot of exciting opportunities for this corridor. None of this happens without the hard work of a lot of good people. … I look forward to seeing a lot more happen in the future.”
Vega said she was happy the project brought some attention to the area.
“I just want to thank everybody that played a vital role in ensuring that this project was completed,” Vega said. “So, to our staff, thank you … for their commitment in ensuring that we give folks that sense of pride and joy in the area that they live in. I’m excited that this day is finally here. I want to see more of these projects, not just here, but throughout the county.”
The panel, also known as TAP, brings together regional experts to evaluate an area with unique circumstances. This TAP will examine several issues along the Sudley Road corridor, including land use, economic development, housing, equity and transportation issues.
The panel will meet in early 2025 over a two-day period. The panel will be constituted of experts in real estate, economic development and planning. Site visits and interviews will be conducted, followed by a presentation to the sponsor organization and a written report from the Urban Land Institute with expert recommendations.
The Sudley Road corridor was chosen by the Urban Land Institute Washington and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). MWCOG identified the corridor as an equity emphasis area, a regional activity center and a high-capacity transit area after consulting with the county.
“The Sudley Road corridor plays an important role in Prince William County as a regional and local transportation connector and retail center and as the home of a diverse community,” Tanya Washington, the county’s Director of the Planning Office, said. “The Technical Assistance Panel is a great opportunity to identify ways we can enhance Sudley Road for the benefit of the county and the region.”
The TAP will make their recommendations public for review by the end of June 2025 or possibly earlier.
“We are excited to have been selected for the Technical Assistance Panel program and to partner with ULI Washington and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “This opportunity will enable us to gather expert insights and recommendations to advance our continued efforts to enhance economic vitality and promote sustainable development along the Sudley Road Corridor.”
