Despite strenuous opposition from over 100 Occoquan residents and well-spoken appeals from many, including Mayor Porta and James Phelps, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to rezone Tanyard Hill Road for commercial development.

Specifically, developer Ken Thompson will now be permitted to build a 32,500 square foot office building on an old windy road with dire traffic, drainage and erosion problems. The motion passed 5-3, under the unwavering support of Chairman Corey Stewart.

In favor of rezoning:

- Corey Stewart
- Wally Covington
- Peter Candland
- John Jenkins
- Maureen Caddigan

Opposed to rezoning:

- Michael May
- Martin Nohe
- Frank Principi

It is the official position of the Town of Occoquan and OccoquanWaterfront that the planned commercial development is flawed and will only exacerbate the existing traffic and flooding problems in town. The impact will be most keenly felt in November, 2015 – when the Prince William County Board of Supervisors is up for reelection.

Calling all Occoquan residents: Please attend the Board of County Supervisors meeting on January 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the McCoart Administration Building to oppose the Oaks III rezoning request.  The Chairman of the Board, Corey Stewart, has flipped. He now supports the developer and is pressuring other members of the board to do so as well.

Please consider emailing the members of the Board of Supervisors to respectfully request that they support the Town of Occoquan in opposing the rezoning request and the accompanying negative storm water and traffic impact that will result.

Santa will visit with children during boat rides on the Miss Rivershore on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18.  Rides with Santa will leave from the Town Dock on Saturday at 10:00, 11:00, noon, and 1:00, and on Sunday at 11:00, noon, and 1:00. Telephone Rivershore Charters at 703-498-4348 for availability and prices.

Occoquan 5th Flight from Paul Thompson on Vimeo.

Wedged along the side of Occoquan Road, Bistro L’Hermitage is the apex of fine dining in Occoquan. The low-slung, cozy French restaurant serves up flavorful dishes in memorable style. The menu is constantly changing but the simple flavors are always delicious.

Bistro L’Hermitage is the closest you’ll come to Top Chef without traveling 20 miles north to DC and you don’t have to take my word for it. Nowadays, even veteran restauranteur Tom Sietsema from the Washington Post ventures into Prince William to dine. Mr. Sietsema labeled Bistro L’Hermitage an Editor’s Pick in his October 18th review.

If you find yourself lucky enough to dine at Bistro L’Hermitage, remember to say hi to Youssef!

Visit Occoquan on Saturday, November 12, for a new event: Art on the Block from 2-6 p.m. See more than 60 artists exhibiting their works in four galleries on one block. There will be a reception at each of the galleries with many artists on hand to talk about their work. The four participating galleries are:

• The Artists’ Undertaking
• The Loft Gallery
• Art A La Cart
• Kelly’s Artbox

Things are heating up on the $1 Billion dollar project to improve traffic on Routes 95 & 395. VDOT is currently holding “HOT lane forums” throughout the construction area.

The VA Mega Project will add a 3rd lane to the existing HOV lanes in the center portion of the highway. Also, High Occupancy Toll technology (EZ Pass transponders) will automatically bill drivers that do not meet the minimum standard: three or more people in their car, including carpools, motorcycles and transit vehicles.

An overhead sign will show the current toll price for the upcoming segment. VDOT expects tolls to be between 10 cents to about $1 per mile, depending on traffic, with the average trip costing $5 to $6.

The 2011 Occoquan Fall Craft Fair will take place in Historic Occoquan, Saturday September 24th (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and Sunday, September 25th (10:00 AM until 5:00 PM) rain or shine. Per the semi-annual tradition, it will feature lots of greasy food and crafts from a wide array of local artists and vendors. The official craft show website has complete vendor details.

You can park in nearby commuter lots and take a shuttle to Occoquan for $4/person (kids free). If you don’t mind a little traffic, there is parking to be found in the neighborhoods surrounding the fair.

Hopefully the beautiful September weather will hold out and it will be a fantastic weekend!

I had to posting this video just for fun so you can learn more about Occoquan through the eyes of a Cyberdyne computer programmed to destroy to the world.

Will Occoquan Riverfront Park finally become a reality? The Prince William County FY 2012-2017 Capital Improvement Plan calls for a radical revitalization. According to the document:

Occoquan Riverfront Park will be developed on a portion of two parcels of land owned by Fairfax County Water Authority and located at 415 Mill Street and 460 Mill Street in the Town of Occoquan. The site was previously utilized as a water treatment plant and has been decommissioned by Fairfax Water. Fairfax Water will assist in development of the site by selective demolition of existing facilities. The area will be developed into a small community park with a playground, a spray ground, a small amphitheater, and possibly some indoor space appropriate for community based programming.

Where is the money coming from? Debt financing approved by voters during the 2006 bond referendum provides $1,500,000 for this project. Construction  of the park is scheduled for completion in 2013.

The 2011 Occoquan Spring Craft Fair will take place in Historic Occoquan, this weekend, June 4th & 5th. Per the semi-annual tradition, it will feature an assortment of deep-fried delicacies and for-sale craft items from a wide array of local artists. The official craft show website has more details about participating vendors.

You can park in nearby commuter lots and take a shuttle to Occoquan for $4/person (kids free). The weather looks like its going to be great again this year, stop by and check it out!

The 10th Annual Occoquan River Spring Clean-Up with take place on Saturday, April 9 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Join your neighbors and Friends of the Occoquan volunteers in sprucing up the shoreline in town! Meet at Town Hall wearing sturdy shoes. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.

The signs on Route 123 and at Old Bridge Road say it all: The Occoquan Farmer’s Market will return again in 2011. The market, which features locally grown produce will be open for business on Saturday mornings late April through early November (excludes craft show weekends). The vendors include a crabcake dealer, baked goods, produce, pork, indian spices, pies, crepes and more!

Check out http://occoquanfarmersmarket.org/ for more details.

According to the 2010 census figures, the resident population of Occoquan soared by 23% during the 10 year period from 2000 to 2010. I say that in jest because it grew from 759 to 934 people. Yes, you have 175 new neighbors. Most, I assume, live in the Occoquan Reach development on Occoquan Road.

According to Mayor Porta, the astounding population growth does not put Occoquan in any new categories under state law that might require additional regulations or oversight.