The Future
The Future of Prince George County
What Does Our Future Look Like
According to the 2020 Census, Prince George County is the 5th fastest growing county in the Commonwealth.
Growth is coming. The question is how will we deal with it.
In order for Prince George to thrive, we must manage this growth in a way that benefits the County and accommodates the needs of all our citizens.
CONTROLLED GROWTH
Prince George County has historically been a rural farming community. Over the last two decades there has been a steady shift toward a more suburban community. Populations from surrounding Counties and Cities have been easing into Prince George. Coupled with growth on Fort Lee and military families moving into the area, many of whom deciding to retire in the area, we have seen a steady level of growth. By all estimates this growth is going to continue. Now is the time for Prince George County to create clear plans for how to handle this growth.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan is meant to guide the County for the next twenty years. Currently the County is putting the final touches on the Prince George County Comprehensive Plan 2045. (Add a button to the Comprehensive Plan website)
The County is divided into two parts, the Planning Area and the Rural Conservation Area. The Comprehensive Plan lays out how these areas will be used to best benefit the citizen of Prince George County.
INCENTIVE ZONES
Prince George County currently has several designated incentive zones, an Enterprise zone and a Tourism Zone. These Zones offer prospective businesses to locate or expand within them, providing advantages and incentivizes to allow economic development goals.
Fort Lee comprises a federally designated Opportunity Zone. This designation provides tax incentives that provide an avenue for investors.
Incentive zones offer a range of economic incentives to prospective businesses. The County should ensure the incentives offered are aligned with the County’s current priorities.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
South Point Industrial Park is the only Enterprise Zone located in the County. Businesses located in the Enterprise Zone can take advantage of local and state incentives. Local incentives are administered through Prince George County, and state incentives are administered through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In the past, local governments gave heavy incentives to businesses to draw them into areas, only for those businesses to leave after the incentive grace periods ended. Local governments are now looking to incentive programs which give long term benefits to both parties, without placing heavy cost burdens on the County.
TOURISM ZONE
A Tourism Zone is a designed geographic area of a city or county identified for increased growth in tourism related businesses. While Prince George County has one designed tourism zone located near interstate 95, Exit 45, on South Crater Rd, there are tourism related business spread throughout the County.
In addition to the Tourism Zone there many historical, natural and recreational assets on which to grow its tourism sector. These assets attract visitors and provide cultural experiences for residents. Visitors to the County spend money in local shops, restaurants, and accommodations, stimulating the local economy. Increasing tourism is one of the most effective ways to increase economic potential with lower impact, helping the County retain its present character. Historic landmarks and festivals draw visitors to the County.
COMMERICAL ZONE
The Tourism Zone is part of three Commercial Business Zones within the County. The second is the Puddledock Rd / Crossings areas. The third is located on County Dr.
The County Dr zone includes the 16-acre Walton School tract. The zone starts at Courthouse Rd and County Dr and stretches to Prince George Dr and County Dr. While the core of the Commercial Business Zone is centered between Courthouse Rd and West Quaker Rd, it includes the West Bound side of County Dr encompassing the Food Lion Distribution Center. This area has been set aside for commercial development. It is hoped the Petersburg Casino will draw in businesses to the area.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
In addition to historic tourism, the County should increase the capitalization of its extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. With access to the James and Appomattox Rivers, the County offers fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation at locations like the Appomattox River Regional Park and James River National Wildlife Refuge. Improving natural infrastructure and promote conservation, while increasing public access, can help to make the County a destination for eco-tourism.
The County has invested in sports tourism activities which draw large numbers of participants, parents, and spectators to the County. It has several sports complexes with easy access from I-295. The largest of these complexes, JEJ Moore Athletic Complex, is located on 52 acres with walking trails, fields for hosting various sporting events, modern amenities and seating for 600 spectators, as well as paved parking lot. This investment allows the County to host regional tournaments that draw visitors from Virginia and beyond, supporting local businesses by increasing demand for lodging, dining and other services.
SCOTT'S PARK MASTER PLAN
There is a master plan to expand the 290-acre Scott’s Park property with additional ball fields, hiking trails and land for a new school to replace Beasley Elementary School.
AGRICULTURE & AGRITOURISM
Agriculture remains an important sector in Prince George County’s economic makeup, with a focus on crop production and agribusiness.
While we must prepare for future Commercial and Residential growth, the County still has an active agriculture community. Growth cannot come at the expense of those who make their living in agriculture.
Agriculture, Industry and Population must find a way to coexist in this Community.
Public Schools
I attended Prince George County Public Schools. Public Schools play an important role in our Community. We must prepare our children for their futures. Whether their focus is on trade schools or college, we need to provide our public schools with the resources to help students reach their goals.
Spending
It takes money to run a County. There are services that must be funded, such as, public safety, schools, infrastructure, and government services. These services are necessary for our Community.
This does not mean handing over a blank check to each department. There must be accountability in spending. Budgets should be kept reasonable, and mindful of how taxpayer's money is spent.
Small Businesses
There was a time not that long ago, when Prince George had numerous small Mom and Pop businesses spread throughout the County. There needs to be an effort to encourage a return of small businesses to the area. Unlike franchise/chain businesses, small businesses add local charm to areas without being intrusive. At the same time, they generate jobs and tax revenue for the County. There are thousands of tourist dollars passing through the County along the Rt.10 corridor daily and it's all going to surrounding counties and cities. We should be encouraging local businesses that could benefit from the 5 and Dime program.
Youth Activities
The County needs places for our kids to play. Parks, sport fields and safe places for them to just hang out to socialize with their friends. I want to work with the School Board to bring back the After School Activities buses. There are kids who would like to be involved with sports, music, and other after school activities, but lack transportation. Having children engaged in these activities is good for the community.
SouthPoint Business Park
We need to bring businesses to the SouthPoint Industrial Park, that provide good paying jobs, have contracts that benefit the County and not just the business and, bring a good tax base to the County.
Our County has a large senior citizen community. Prince George is a popular retirement location for military personal. The County offers several programs to help our senior citizens. I would like to see these programs grow to provide our senior community the services and care they need.
RUOK
A free, friendly and confidential daily telephone calling system to help ensure the well-being and safety of our senior citizens and/or disabled individuals that have no one to check on them daily.
For further information contact, 804-481-3919
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver uses technology to assist those caring for citizens with Alzheimer’s, Related Mental Dysfuction Disorders (ARMD), Down Syndrome, Autism and others who may wander.
For further information, contact Lt. Robert Vaughan at 804-733-2690 Ext: 3009
