By Eric Spiegel
For PotomacLocal.com
Woodbridge, Va. –– Brenda Higgins told a panel of officials she wouldn’t be shopping at Potomac Mills mall any time soon.
The panel was gathered for the commuter parking town hall meeting held in Woodbridge on Wednesday night. Higgins was among many who were angered by the decision by outlet mall to reduce commuter parking from 1,000 spaces to 275.
The meeting, which filled up the auditorium at the Ferlazzo Building off U.S. 1, was held to allow for commuters, Slugs – those who ride in vehicles of three or more to use the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on Interstate 95 and 395 – and bus riders to ask their questions and vent their frustrations about the recent decision.
More to the story: Use our interactive map of commuter lots in the Potomac Communities that could provide a you a parking alternative to the Potomac Mills mall commuter parking lot.
Potomac Mills’ management decided to reclaim the spaces in order to respond to their growth and the interest shown by potential restaurant tenants to open shop there, mall officials said.
Members of the town hall panel included representatives from Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors, transportation officials, and the operator of the commuting website Slug-lines.com. Potomac Mills representatives were invited to participate, but declined to attend.
After some brief opening remarks by Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi Occoquan Supervisor Mike May, the current commuter parking situation was explained by Thomas Blaser of the Prince William Transportation Department, and Al Harf from the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
Blaser explained that in order to alleviate the loss of the spaces at Potomac Mills, the county is in talks with local businesses and churches close to the mall to lease privately owned parking spaces.
“We are cautiously optimistic that we will have new lots open in the near future,” he stated. Thirty to sixty days was the projected timeline Blaser said.
During the question and answer session that elicited a variety of responses from commuters, some ranging from attendees offering suggestions for the county to alter its future commuting plans to those angry with the county’s government for not having a plan in place if the Potomac Mills spaces were lost.
“Prince William County should integrate telecommuting into its commuting strategy,” suggested Alan Alborn of the Prince William Telecommuting Council. “People spend money where they work and telecommuting will bring more money to the county.”
Recent Stories
A summer tradition returns to Northern Virginia with a patriotic lineup of performances from some of the nation’s top military ensembles. The 2025 Summer Concert Series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps continues on Thursday, July 3, with a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment.
What started as a separate movie theater and bowling alley with a myriad of names is now “Hooky,” an entertainment destination at Spotsylvania Town Centre that offers something for everyone, even if you’re playing hooky from another obligation.
A Falmouth woman is pushing back against a county order to shut down a small farm stand on her property, saying the structure is part of a broader effort to preserve the agricultural lifestyle that once defined Stafford County.
A dragon, a swamp, and a whole lot of heart are taking over the stage at All Saints Catholic Church this summer as the Upper Room Theatre Ministry prepares for its biggest production yet: Shrek the Musical.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
