-

Stafford County lays out its vision for possible development at Boswell's Corner

By MEGHANN COTTER

Date published: 1/26/2007

Stafford officials hope Boswell's Corner will capture the people and jobs attached to the military base realignment that deadlines in 2011.

That's why they released a community vision to a room full of area property owners last night. It illustrates new office, hotel and retail opportunities, surrounded by landscaping and green space.

The proposal is just a concept, not a sure deal, since the county doesn't plan to acquire and develop real estate. But officials hope the private developers will rely on the proposal as they start using their property to meet the demands of population and job growth.

"This is the gateway to Stafford County from the north," said Jack Cavalier, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "This is the first thing you see so we want this to look good and be proud of it so that other people can say 'Hey this is Stafford County.'"

One area on the rendering, Quantico Corporate Center, is well under construction. It will offer more than 1 million square feet of office space when complete.

"The commercial growth is going to allow us to get beyond that bedroom community, so people can work here, live here, and play here," Cavalier said.

Some residents applauded the presentation and offered suggestions.

"This proposal has a lot of merit to it," said Nan Rollison of Widewater, adding that she hoped the vision would improve the way land is used in the county.

Other residents questioned the county's transportation and funding plans.

"If the roads aren't in place you're just creating a nightmare," said one property owner. "And nobody is going to want to come to Stafford and sit in traffic."

David Ogle, Fredericksburg administrator for VDOT, said his office recommends widening U.S. 1 through Boswell's Corner to six lanes with curb, gutter and sidewalks. But it is not currently included in any plans. It could, however, be added, he said. Or developers could take on the project when they started constructing new buildings.

But some felt the county was relying too heavily on the private sector to make its vision happen.

"It's not going to work to your liking if you expect the development community to fund everything," said resident Gary Rogers.

Last night's meeting, however, was just the county's first step in redevelopment efforts at Boswell's Corner. They plan to hold similar meetings later in the year on visions for the Courthouse and Falmouth areas.

To reach MEGHANN COTTER: 540/374-5434
Email: mcotter@freelancestar.com

Read more stories about Stafford
Date published: 1/26/2007