The population in Woodbridge is growing rapidly, but the base of our economy continues to be mostly limited to retail and commercial services. Besides Potomac Hospital, some professional and industrial buildings, the district has many strip malls, auto dealerships, and gas stations. Much of this commercial development occurred without a coordinated community design strategy.
New Woodbridge will use properly planned, intelligently designed and superior developments to improve the economic base and community. Using smart growth principles such as varied housing options, a mix of land uses, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, preserved open space, and collaboration between the community and local business we will create a foundation for our future development and revitalization.
We have already seen the results of these efforts with new developments based on the defining principles listed above. Examples include the Belmont Bay community in North Woodbridge, Rivergate on the Occoquan River, and Potomac Town Center, which is being built north of US Route 1.
These new neighborhoods will help to craft a distinct character, in addition to providing new amenities for all Woodbridge residents. New developments, in conjunction with our existing neighborhoods, will help to expand economic opportunity by creating new jobs while increasing the use of public transportation, and reducing traffic and congestion in Woodbridge.