In December of 2018, ULI completed the Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) titled A New Riverfront for North Woodbridge. The client, Prince William County, was seeking additional input on an effort to implement a commuter “fast ferry” service between North Woodbridge and areas further north along the river. Sites include the Occoquan Marina, the Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, and the Department of Homeland Security Campus County Supervisor Frank Principi sponsored the panel with a focus on implementing the ferry. As the TAP continued and more stakeholders were included in the process, it became clear that the recommendations would also need to cover how the community would support to a fast ferry service, and how to compliment the ongoing North Woodbridge Small Area plan.

At the end of the TAP, panelists provided recommendations including transportation, infrastructure, and land use questions the client has posed. Panelists felt the key to ferr-oriented development required ensuring both the infrastructure and frequency of transit service gave developers the confidence to invest, while increasing capacity of the ferry and connecting it to inland destinations the ferry could not reach. By breaking the area into three distinct urban communities, the panel felt each could serve alternative uses for both residents and those traveling through to use the ferry. The panel’s specific recommendations were phased out in 1-5, 5-15, and 15+ year phases. Additionally, potential funding strategies including both local government, a potential Business Improvement District, and local businesses we shared.

In October 2019, the panel chair and two panelists returned to Woodbridge in order to present to the Fast Ferry Task Force, including Supervisor Principi, county staff, regional transportation experts, local developers, and residents. The group summarized their findings, and answered questions from stakeholders. In the following weeks, planners completed its Local Area Plan while incorporating recommendations from the ULI TAP report which was approved by the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors. ULI Is proud to work with stakeholders throughout the process, and eager to see how recommendations from the panel are implemented.

Click HERE to see the Comprehensive Plan amendment.

Click HERE to see the Presentation.