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.”
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Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
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.
