Highlights: Dec. 7, 2021 BOCS Meeting

As always, the Dec. 7, 2021 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting featured thought-provoking questions, informative presentations, and heartfelt debate, all leading to a number of impactful actions. Highlights below; full video available online.

Parks, Recreation, Tourism & Historic Preservation 

• Took another significant step towards preserving the Thoroughfare Historic District, approving a second purchase agreement that secures the land that includes the Fletcher Allen Cemetery. Combined with the purchase approved on Nov. 9, this allows the County to develop plans for an interpretive park honoring the African American and Native American families who built a thriving community there after the Civil War.
• Directed Year-End Savings toward Capital Projects, including the Occoquan Greenway and BMX Track Improvements. Thanks to Chair Wheeler for her collaboration.

Environment & Sustainability

• Established a Sustainability Commission, part of our strategic efforts to act locally on the climate crisis. This follows our adoption of COG’s regional clean energy and climate action goals in Fall 2020, funding for an Office of Sustainability in the FY22 Budget, establishment of a Joint Environmental Taskforce with the schools, and the addition of sustainability into the County’s Strategic Plan. 

Transportation & Traffic Safety

• Authorized right-of-way acquisition process for the Summit School Road project; construction is expected to begin in summer 2023.
• Received a Joint Mobility Report, with updates on 123/Old Bridge Road, Old Bridge Road Sidewalks, PW Parkway/Old Bridge Road, PW Parkway/Minnieville Road, Old Bridge Road widening in key areas, Mill Street improvements including ADA ramps and Rolling Brook Drive speed tables.
• Supervisor Boddye requested a Traffic Safety Work Session, to include presentation by PWC DOT, Police, and Safe Routes to Schools.

General Governance 

• Increased required nonresidential property owner contributions into the Stormwater Management Fund Ordinance; ensuring that commercial property owners pay their fair share of this taxpayer-funded assistance.
• Approved a proposed redistricting map to be advertised ahead of the Special Redistricting Public Hearing on Dec. 21.
• Authorized additional state COVID-19 funding for Prince William County Service Authority utility relief. 

Development 

• Approved the 1-66 and Route 29 Technology Park in the Gainesville District.
• Approved Lomond Village, which includes affordable housing (5% of the units at 60% AMI, 5% at 80% AMI) and transit-oriented components. 

Criminal Justice

• Authorized a grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to continue supporting juvenile justice system improvements and reviewed findings of a Juvenile Justice Improvement Project Report.