Last night’s work session on proposed updates to Prince William County’s Land Use Chapter showed that the Board is united by many shared principles even if we sometimes differ on the best path to achieve them. We had a productive dialogue, finding consensus around the need to protect green and open space, increase housing diversity and affordability, and update planning designations to match market realities and spur economic development.
There was also wide support for recommendations that my colleagues and I each had for the districts we represent. In the Occoquan District, this included my advocacy for creating more walkable communities around County Center and Potomac Mills, along with the best ways to protect the environmentally-sensitive areas along the Occoquan Reservoir. I continue to fight for a future where we are less dependent on cars to get to where we need to go.
As was noted last night, updating the Comprehensive Plan is an iterative process that incorporates public feedback, the expertise of planning staff and consultants, and the guidance of elected officials to craft a shared vision for the future of our community. Add your voice to the conversation! I will be hosting a Virtual Listening Session on the Comp Plan updates for Occoquan District Residents on May 26 at 6:30 pm. Register now: https://occoq.org/complan_ls
Also, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to review the “Pathway to 2040” site that our Planning Department has put together: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/planning-office/pathway-to-2040
The interactive Land Use Map was published yesterday, which you can view here: https://pwcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=26b6f2a2dc3d4e2c8a17665055ae371a