Frank J. Principi
Dear Woodbridge Resident,
Welcome to the New Woodbridge Website. I have tried to make this a tool that informs, educates and supports all the residents of the Woodbridge District. Mark it as a place to go for local information on issues affecting our area, on upcoming events, on new development/construction projects and as a link to many area services. I am going to keep the information up to date, useful and available. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear from you...
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County will fulfill its duties to Seniors
Senior transportation services were among those programs that needed to
be revamped in order for us to maximize available funding and still provide some service to our elderly residents. (read more)
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Come Hear About the Future of Woodbridge!
Do you want more information about Potomac Town Center or the expansion of metro into Woodbridge? Did you ride the ferry or participate at the Charrette? Supervisor Frank J. Principi and Chairman Corey E. Stewart are hosting a meeting to discuss the future of Woodbridge as it relates with the Prince William County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting is being held on June 18 at the A.J. Ferlazzo Building at 7:00 p.m. County staff will be soliciting feedback from the community about the future of transportation and development in Woodbridge. Come hear the fruition of the vision of a New Woodbridge and how citizens can become a link in the chain of change.
UPDATE: Additional documents and information for the June 18th WPPCA Meeting
http://www.pwcgov.org/planupdate
Woodbridge Town Hall Mtg Presentation
Comments from the Comprehensive Plan Town Hall Mtg
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VDOT Meeting Update
On June 1, Supervisor Frank J. Principi hosted a town hall meeting with VDOT to discuss the VDOT projects in North Woodbridge. There was an energetic crowd of 35 individuals, representing private citizens, developers, local businesses and the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association. The presentation covered several topics including the Route 1/Route 123 Interchange, alternative interchange designs, and VDOT owned blighted properties. Many different factors have led VDOT to change their approach with the Route 1/Route 123 interchange project such as BRAC, I-95 Hot Lanes, and the North Woodbridge Master Plan. VDOT proposes phasing in the Route 1/Route 123 interchange project. Phase I will be the widening of Route 1 from Dawson’s Beach Road to Annapolis Way. Phase I construction would maximize the existing funding and improve the level of service along this portion of Route 1. During the North Woodbridge Charrette the participants tasked VDOT to explore different interchange designs for the Route 1/Route 123 project including a roundabout design. The State Roundabout Committee reviewed traffic data and plan views but determined that a roundabout intersection is not a viable alternative. The next step in the process is approval of the phasing of the Route 1/Route 123 interchange design by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Presenters stated that all VDOT acquired vacant buildings have been demolished. Supervisor Principi will continue to work with property owners to expedite demolition of vacant properties in North Woodbridge.
Route 1_ Route 123 Executive Summary: This document summarizes the different elements that were presented at the VDOT meeting.
Level Of Service Table 1_123 : This document is a comparison chart of the varying levels of service versus different construction projects along Route 1
Roundabout Assessment : The document states the findings from the State Roundabout committee studies about the feasibility of a roundabout at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 123.
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Housing and Community Development Focus Group Meetings
The Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking input from the general public for the preparation of strategies and priorities for the Prince William Area 5-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan (FY2011-2015). The Consolidated Plan is a collaborative process whereby a community establishes a unified vision to address housing, homelessness, community and economic development needs of low and moderate-income residents of Prince William Area. More information can be found here or contacting 703-792-5884.
Bad Headline, Great Community
It was with disappointment that I read the headline of your otherwise excellent article about our community’s effort to work together to improve the image of Woodbridge. (read more)
County Leaders, Businesses asked to join effort to spruce up Woodbridge
A black spray-painted H can still be seen behind the W on Woodbridge for those that look hard enough. That letter — and more importantly that reputation — is something that Prince William County Supervisor Frank Principi, D-Woodbridge, wants to wipe clean. (read more)
America's Post-Subprime Boomtowns
Thanks to buyers searching for deals, the number of sales of foreclosed homes in these towns are highest in the U.S. (read more)
Commuter Ferry Summit
On May 6, 2009 Supervisor Frank J. Principi is hosting a Commuter Ferry Summit in Woodbridge, Virginia. The summit is being held in conjunction with a Virginia Department of Transportation ferry feasibility study that includes a three day Route Proving Exercise. Summit participants will ride the ferry in the morning and then participate in discussions that afternoon. (read more…)
Woodbridge Clean-up/Beautification Project
Spring is always a time for renewal, change and revitalization. On May 16th. Supervisor Frank J. Principi, the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) and volunteers will join together to clean-up and landscape the area along the east side of Route 1 from the VRE construction site to the bridge.
In November 2008, over 200 people participated in a three day Charrette to develop a plan to revitalize Woodbridge. One of the short term action items that resulted from this event was the need to change the image and give the community a facelift, especially along the Route 1 Corridor.
The past several years has seen the Route 1 corridor through Woodbridge become aesthetically challenged. Much of this can be contributed to road improvements and development projects that have been postponed due to the current economic situation. But the community and the residents are ready for change to begin now.
In addition to the May 16th event, church’s, civic organizations, youth groups, HOA’s and private citizens are being asked to create service/community projects to clean-up or landscape various areas in Woodbridge. Groups can work alone on their own project or join Supervisor Principi and the WPCCA on May 16th.
Help create a New Woodbridge. A lot of people doing a little bit will make a tremendous difference. All projects will be registered on www.newwoodbridge.org and listed in newsletters and press releases. For more information or to register, please contact Barbara DeChene at bdechene@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4646.
Residential Values in the Woodbridge
District
Prince William County residents have received their real estate assessments for 2009 and many constituents have questioned the discrepancy from last year home values. The depreciation is a result of several variables. The worsening national economy, the local foreclosure crisis, bank short sales, and comparable sales in your neighborhood all play a part in the assessment. For the most part, the market establishes home values, not the government. Housing prices soared at an unsustainable rate during the period of 2001-2005. In 2006 housing prices began to fall within the county and record number of houses went into foreclosure. Residents trying to sell their homes now have to compete with banks that are willing to sell foreclosed properties at lower sales prices in order to spur increased sales. Bank sales usually do not have a major effect on the market values of properties. For instance, 2005 and 2006, bank sales comprised less than one quarter of one percent of the sales. In 2007, they rose to 14% of the sales. Then in calendar year 2008 bank sales comprised over 75% of total sales activity. These are the sales that influenced your 2009 real estate assessments. It is anticipated that home values will stabilize once the foreclosed homes are sold.
If residents dispute the accuracy of their assessment on the basis of value or equity with other properties in the area, they have three options to appeal the assessments: 1) administrative appeal with Real Estate Assessment Office 2) reconsideration by the Board of Equalization, and 3) Circuit Court.
For more information and details about the appeal process, homeowners should go to http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=010019001660001826 or call the Real Estate Assessment Office, 703-792-6780.
2009 Real Estate Assessments
The County’s annual reassessment for January 1, 2009 is complete and citizens may access their new assessment information at http://www4.pwcgov.org/realestate/landrover.asp . The Real Estate Assessment division is mailing assessments to property owners. The county has provided detailed illustrations to show changes in assessed residential and commercial values. There is a map of residential change in assessed value by zip code and residential type (single family, townhome, and condominium). The Prince William County landbook is a catalog of the assessment values for the different properties in the county. The chart displays value changes from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2009 with commercial and residential properties. This chart reflects the drop in the value of properties also. All of this data will be available at http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=04006000282 . If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Real Estate Assessment office at 703-792-6780.
2009 Tax Rates and the Fiscal 2010-2015 CIP Public Hearings
A public hearing will be held by the Board of Supervisors of Prince William County on April 6, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia and on April 9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Battlefield High School, 15000 Graduation Dr., Haymarket, Virginia. The purpose of these hearings is to obtain written and oral comment from the public concerning the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2010 as contained in the proposed fiscal plan, the proposed 2009 tax rates, the proposed FY 2010-2015 County government and School Capital Improvement Programs and the proposed solid waste fee rates. Residents can find more information here or calling the County Executive Office, 703.792.6600. Tax Rate Advertisement
County Closing Youth Group Homes
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 6 to 2 to close the county-operated Boys and Girls Group Homes.
The closure of the respective 12-bed facilities—built in 1987 and 1991 respectively—will take place Feb. 27. Nineteen positions will be eliminated, three of which are currently vacant.
The move is estimated to save more than $600,000 in this fiscal year alone as well as future escalating costs out of the county’s control.
Frank J. Principi-D, Woodbridge and John D. Jenkins-D, Neabsco, were the lone dissenters on an issue that raised multiple questions across the board. Jenkins was the most vocal in his dissension, calling the process of arriving at the decision “the most mismanaged activity in DSS [Department of Social Services] for the last 10 years.”
North Woodbridge Charrette Photos Added
Several photos from the North Woodbridge Charrette have been added as a slideshow to the Charrette homepage
Governor Kaine Proposes Amendments To State Budget
The Governor released his recommended amendments to the budgets this morning. We have been able to compile a list of some of the reductions of interest to the County, but will need to conduct a much deeper analysis in the next couple of weeks. Unless otherwise indicated the reductions are on a statewide basis. At this point we do not have the impacts upon the County.
First, the Governor announced the General Fund budget shortfall will be around $2.9 billion, which is higher than what he was working with in October. The corrective actions to be made in FY 09 total $1.3 billion and FY 10 totals $1.6 billion. Among the corrective measures in FY 09 is a $490 million withdrawal from the Revenue Stabilization Fund.
General:
· No pay increases for state employees, teachers and state-supported local employees in FY 10
· No grants to non-state entities
· Reverts all unclaimed non-state agency grants for FY 08 at end of FY 09
GMU/NVCC:
· Additional $6.5 million bond proceeds for Manassas Campus Phase III building in FY 10; total cost is now $29 million
· Additional $1 million non-general funds for GMU performing arts center in FY 10
K-12 Education (all FY 10):
· $340 million reduction due to cap placed on state funding for support positions of one position per 4.03 instructional positions, which is purportedly consistent with statewide prevailing practices; more details to follow
· $27.5 million reduction due to elimination of school construction grants
· $55 million shift of lottery funds for school construction to other educational programs
Public Safety:
· 7% reductions in HB 599 funding for police departments, Commonwealth’s Attorneys and Sheriffs in FY 10
· 10% reductions for state funding for Clerks of the Circuit Court, Commissioners of the Revenue, Treasurers and Directors of Finance in FY 10
· Supplants GF support of $1.5 million for Clerks of the Circuit Court with Technology Trust Funds
· 5% to 7% reductions for local and regional jails
Registrar:
· Implements "any reason" absentee voting to reduce state costs associated with designing, printing, and distributing absentee voting applications
Medicaid:
· 30 cent increase in tax on pack of cigarettes for Medicaid; generates additional $148 million for Health Care Fund bringing total cigarette tax support for fund up to $315 million; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that cigarette smoking causes over $400 million per year in Medicaid expenses for Virginia
Additional information about the Governor's budget amendments is available by contacting Mr. Dana Fenton, PWC Legislative Affairs at 703.792.6600
North Woodbridge Charrette Deliverable
The recent North Woodbridge Charrette brought together diverse entities to discuss the future development of the North Woodbridge geographical region. The three day conference results have been published and are available via download below. The two documents contain the same data however the first document contains the high resolution graphics and is a larger file.
North Woodbridge Charrette Deliverable (High Resolution - 7 MB)
North Woodbridge Charrette Deliverable (Standard - 3 MB)
Woodbridge Magisterial District
2009 Budget Committee Appointees Needed
Are you financially savvy? Are you a number cruncher? Are you looking to get involved in your community? Supervisor Frank J. Principi is looking for residents to become involved with the Citizens Budget Committee. The committee is tasked with examining the County's revenues, expenditures and mandated costs and making recommendations for a sustainable budget to support those services. The Woodbridge Citizens Budget Committee job is to review the Prince William County budget presented to Board of Supervisors and make recommendations and observations to Supervisor Principi. If you are interested in more information you can log on to our website at http://www.NewWoodbridge.org/budget. Important documents such as the Financial Retreat Summary, CIP, and Finance Report will be displayed on the page. The Committee will meet bi-weekly between January and April. All interested residents should send their resumes to pldavis@pwcgov.org.
Senior Town Hall Meeting Questions and Answers
The Questions and Answers from the recent Senior Town Hall Meeting have been posted and may be downloaded here.
Neighborhoods Plan for Challenge of Vacancies, New Residents
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA . . . Many Prince William County communities have vacant homes and some have new residents moving into the once-vacant homes. These two trends pose unique challenges for neighborhoods eager to maintain or enhance appearance, safety and value. Both trends will require action plans that respond to these challenges.
Prince William County’s Neighborhood Leaders Group invites interested neighborhood leaders to attend a work session. Participants will identify needed resources, partnerships and develop action plans to offset the impact of vacant homes and to acclimate new residents to the expectations of the community and to property codes. The work session, sponsored by Prince William County’s Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Public Works, will focus on achievable, positive steps that can be taken by neighborhood leaders with support from Neighborhood Services. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at the James J. McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge from 7 until 8:30 p.m. in the Occoquan Conference Room.
For more information contact Neighborhood Services at 703-792-7018 or e-mail preilly@pwcgov.orgFare Increase, Service Change Take Effect Dec. 15
PRTC will implement a fare increase and its Fall Service Change on Monday, December 15.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, PRTC, operates commuter and local bus services in Prince William County, the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park. PRTC implements a Service Change twice each year to reflect changes in running times and update schedule brochures with new trips and bus stops.
Neighborhood Leaders Group Formed
Leaders from neighborhoods across the County have been brought together for the purpose of networking, learning and sharing successful strategies for solving community maintenance issues. After 4 meetings, the group expressed the desire to formalize. The Neighborhood Leaders Group has a mission statement, monthly meetings and has begun work on a strategic plan. A web page has been posted at (http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=010013001290005276). The webpage describes the accomplishments of the group to date.
Speakers have been brought in for code education on topics chosen by the group. The group has provided input on such initiatives as the new graffiti abatement process and I will continue to seek their ideas, advice and priorities for their neighborhoods. The meetings have made my efforts to prevent deterioration in the County’s neighborhoods more effective and efficient while fostering a supportive environment for the community volunteers.
If you have constituents who would like to join this group, please encourage them to contact me. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the group.
Financial Fallout: Economic problems put shelters at risk
The near future of local homeless shelters could be in jeopardy.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors received recommendations from its various departments last month with each department proposing a budget that included a 10 percent, 20 percent and 33 percent cut in funding.
Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association
Find out more about the Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) and register to receive information
about how they are helping to make our communities better
Read about the North Woodbridge Charrette
Thanks to our community members and local government and business leaders the North Woodbridge Charrette was a great success. Several articles were published locally including:
North Woodbridge focus of development session
County aims to beautify Woodbridge
Woodbridge leaders look for Main Street feel
Prince William County Strategic Plan 2009-2012
Prince William County is in the midst of developing its fifth strategic plan. Over the summer, the Board of County Supervisors drafted four goals for the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan. The goals focus on Economic Development and Transportation, Education, Public Safety and Human Services.
Prince William County Finance and Revenue
The Finance Department produces many informative publications. Below is a list of documents available by subject including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Revenue Reports, Investment Performance Reports, Economic Indicator newsletter and others. Click the link to view the Archived Finance and Revenue Publications.
Bond Investors Page
The Finance Department, per statutory requirement, produces an Official Statement in support of Prince William County’s bond issuances. These documents contain complete details of the bond issues, as well as comprehensive information about Prince William County, its citizens and its governance. Relevant documents can be found here.
The Prince William County Economic Indicators information for the 3rd Quarter 2008 are available here.
Upcoming Transit Projects to Improve Mobility
Supervisor Principi has held several meetings with officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Prince William County Transportation Department in an effort to get Woodbridge moving. There are three major projects in progress that he is closely monitoring.