The Staffordboro lot is so full, some drivers resort to parking illegally. file/THE FREE LANCE-STAR
Commuter parking banned at The Town Center at Aquia, formerly Aquia Towne Center
Date published: 4/24/2008
By KELLY HANNON
One of the few shopping centers in North Stafford that allowed ride-sharing commuters to park in its lot is ending the practice, effective this week.
The company managing the renamed "Town Center at Aquia" at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Garrisonville Road said it would be unsafe to allow commuter parking while construction is ongoing. Commuter parking will not be allowed after the work is done.
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust is converting the shopping center into a mixed-use development with offices, residential units, restaurants and retail stores.
"Please note that if you continue to park at this location, your vehicle will be towed at your expense," states a Ramco-Gershenson flier placed on commuter vehicles Friday.
The Michigan-based company allowed commuters to park at the shopping center just east of Interstate 95 as long as possible. It hoped to set aside commuter spaces throughout the reconstruction work at the center, said Ed Wizner, Ramco-Gershenson's vice president of development.
But after conferring with contractors last week, the company decided that was not possible.
"It's everything from safety reasons to liability," Wizner said.
Stray nails could cause flat tires, and what limited parking is available during the project needed to be saved for patrons of Rite Aid, Regal Cinemas, and tenants in a new office building.
About 100 commuters who met carpools and vanpools in the lot have been displaced. Formerly know as Aquia Towne Center, the shopping center had been a commuter parking location since it opened in the early 1990s.
"We truly appreciate everything [Ramco-Gershenson] have done," said Diana Utz, director of GWRideConnect, a free service that matches area residents with carpools, vanpools and buses.
Efforts are under way to find a replacement lot.
The Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has $150,000 in federal money to lease parking spaces on Garrisonville Road near I-95, but no retailer has agreed to host commuters yet.
Vanpool owner Tom Chirhart of Stafford used to pick up seven people at the Town Center. Now, they've shifted their meeting place to the Courthouse Road commuter lot.
They would prefer to stay in North Stafford, close to where everyone lives. But the two Virginia Department of Transportation commuter lots off Garrisonville Road are full by 6:30 a.m.
Why was parking not negotiated for us?(posted by
staffmom
, Apr. 24, 2008 3:08 pm)
If Mr. Milde was really out to serve the people of North Stafford, why did he not negotiate commuter parking as park of the deal? Thanks for letting me know where Scholarship moved--we have been looking for it. The one positive about having upscale shops is the tax dollars they will provide. Spend Captain Planet, spend! Just make certain you buy American so our unemployment rate has a chance to fall.
Finally...(posted by
Planet
, Apr. 24, 2008 1:21 pm)
Shopping centers are not meant to be commuter lots. And there are plenty of dollar stores and places to bargain shop here, what with Wal Mart, Target, etc. I can't wait to see some nice upscale retail stores and nice restaurants bring some class to Stafford. It's about time!
Yeah, and I love Big Lots(posted by
patrick4hp
, Apr. 24, 2008 9:25 am)
And I even liked Jamesway before that. Unfortunately, many of the shops are scrambling for space. The Scholorship is now above Domino's Pizza in Garrisonville. However, we may gain a Harris Tetter, or a Trader Joes, and may get bigger movie screens. Progress is good? Not always. But I do agree, if they are going to develop the place, we need to keep the cars safe. Just goes to show when a commuter's community becomes a business and communter's community. But Keep Big Lots in North Stafford!!!
Thanks Milde!(posted by
staffmom
, Apr. 24, 2008 7:58 am)
Just last week, Milde and Dudenefer were bragging about the wonderful new high end shopping experience they are bringing to North Stafford. Personally, I am more of a Target shopper and was pleased with the shops that the Towne Center once held. I also am aware of the issue my husband has in trying to park so he can commute to work. Mr. Milde, a good leader anticipates positive and negative consequences to their actions. How did you miss this one?
