Experiencing frustration at Potomac Mills

Davon Gray
Published: May 18, 2008

As I often like to do, it is time to respond to your thoughts. 

This week I want to take a moment to insert a couple of comments that were made about a recent article I did on the transportation situation at Potomac Mills.

It seems that many of you had a similar experience a few weeks ago when the parking situation was suddenly changed back to what was originally intended for the Potomac Mills area. 

Here is the response from one of the readers named Chavon:

“Thank you for this article. I have been frustrated all day because of my ordeal at the Potomac Mills commuter lot this morning.”

“After circling around for what seemed like hours, I ended up parking on the opposite side of the mall. As I was walking over, one of the lovely mall security officers told me that my vehicle would be towed.
At this point, I was too frustrated to go back and move my car and look for another non-existing parking space. Needless to say, my fingers are crossed.”

“With the increase in overall traffic in this region, you would think there would be more/better options for those who are willing to carpool into work. In addition, I am very disappointed in the county for not reacting to this in a better fashion. As you stated, it would be better to increase our taxes for useful projects like additional commuter lots, roads, ramps, etc., as oppose to immigration reform. Not
everyone has to be at work at the crack of dawn, which is why the Potomac Mills lot is/was the perfect place for those who go into work a little later.”

My response:

Thanks Chavon. I believe that Potomac Mills is still the perfect place for commuter/slug parking.  It is convenient to everything.  Not to mention, I normally go in the mall to do a little shopping [the bookstore or for a snack] after getting off from work. Indeed, one of the biggest challenges our county faces is matching the growth over the last 10-15 years with the current infrastructure or lack thereof. 

You can see Prince William County and indeed all of Northern Virginia is facing this very real problem.

It is the blessing of a very transient, relative middle income community with the curse of few transportation options to accommodate it.

Next is a comment from a reader with more insight than most of us. 

Take a look below:

“As a regular Potomac News reader, I saw your piece titled “Parking is the new challenge” in the April 28 paper. I thank you for addressing this important issue, as you are certainly correct that the slug
system is gaining in popularity as gas prices shoot up. I think this method of commuting is remarkable in its grassroots origins and incredible success.”

“With that said, as General Manager of Potomac Mills, I do want to mention that we have not restricted the number of spaces to a smaller number than had been committed previously. In fact, at this time, we are far exceeding our contractual obligation with the county in the number of commuter parking spaces being utilized.”

“We have recently taken a more active stance to ensure that our customers and employees have adequate parking spaces.”

“It is incumbent upon the mall to provide adequate parking for customers and employees to facilitate the success of our retailers, and we look forward to working with the county to develop long-term commuter parking solutions.”

David Gott

General Manager

Potomac Mills

My Response:

Just as an FYI for everyone reading this, Potomac Mills has placed a blue line to indicate the barriers of where to park. I talked with Mr. Gott and he informed me that daily enforcement of the blue line will start around mid-June, so beware!

Thank you everyone who sent me emails about this issue and please, keep’em coming!!

Davon Gray works in Washington, D.C., and resides in Woodbridge. He can be reached at .