The Planning Commission is currently reviewing two separate applications for developments on both sides of Tanyard Hill Road at the intersection of Old Bridge Road. This area was highlighted as a priority area during the 2008 Occoquan District Community Visioning Meetings.

Supervisor May wants your input so that he can better understand the community's vision about this key intersection in the Occoquan District. Planning Commissioner Hosen, who represents the Occoquan District on the Planning Commission, will be sharing information, answering questions, and taking comments at the March 28 Occoquan District Land Use Advisory Committee (ODLUAC) meeting to be held at 7 p.m. at Occoquan Elementary School. Citizens will have ample opportunity to freely ask questions and provide feedback. We hope you can attend.

For more information contact Commissioner Hosen at 703-499-4954 or email khosen@comcast.net

On February 9th, Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi and I co-hosted a Town Hall to receive feedback from affected commuters following the reduction in available commuter parking spaces at Potomac Mills Mall.  The Town Hall was well-attended and county staff has been working since then to help alleviate the parking shortage for commuters in Eastern Prince William County.

As a follow-up to the initial Town Hall, another Town Hall is scheduled for March 23 at the Ferlazzo Building Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.  The purpose of this follow up meeting is to update the community on the county's efforts to find short-term and long-term commuter parking options, and also receive additional feedback from commuters. We welcome you and your family to attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at 703-792-4643 or Supervisor Principi's office at 703-792-4646.

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Bands 4 Buck$ Concert and Susan G. Komen Fundraiser on March 19th at the Old Towne Sports Pub (8971 Center Street, Manassas). There is no cover charge and the pub will feature food and drink specials. The first band will take the stage at noon and the concert will continue with five additional bands playing until 7 p.m. All money raised from donations and raffle ticket sales will go to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

You are invited to attend a public hearing to consider the adoption of a final redistricting plan on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Chambers at McCoart.

For more information on redistricting, please visit PWC Redistricting Information.

The Prince William County Police Department wants to remind of simple steps you  can take to protect your property.

When it comes to safety and security, always remember:

• Lock your vehicle, even if you are expecting to be away for only a few minutes.
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle.
• Never hide a second key in your car. Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.
• Do not leave your purse, wallet or other valuables in the vehicle when it is unattended. If you must keep belongings in your vehicle, make sure it is not in plain view. Even if you have CDs, change, or other small items in your vehicle do not display them.Don't make your vehicle a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving items in plain sight.
• If the weather is warm, do not leave your windows down, not even a small amount.
• Don't leave the registration or title in your vehicle. A car thief will use these to sell your stolen car. File the title at your home or office, and carry the registration in your purse or wallet.
• Engrave expensive accessories. Engrave personal I.D. numbers on car stereos, cellular phones, etc., so the thief will have difficulty disposing of them. Do the same for your vehicle.
• Invest in a visible steering wheel lock. It prevents the steering wheel from being turned.
• Be particularly observant to any suspicious activity or persons.

Please remember to report ALL suspicious activity immediately by calling the Prince William County Police Department at 703-792-6500. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Neighborhood Watch is a free service sponsored by the Prince William County Police Department and operated by members of our community. To form a new Neighborhood Watch a minimum level of interest must be established.

As a Neighborhood Watch member, you will be asked to:

• Look out for your neighbors. The Neighborhood Watch program is all about getting to know one another and watching out for each other. During the course of your daily activities remain alert of any activity occurring in your neighborhood.
• Report any unusual or suspicious persons, vehicles or activities. You will never be asked to involve yourself by investigating suspicious activity but you will be expected to phone the police when something doesn't look right to you.
• Make your home as burglar resistant as possible. Good locks, closed windows and lights on at night are your best defense. Additional home security information is available from the Police Departments Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792- 7240.
• Explain to your children, new neighbor, friends and others the purpose of the Neighborhood Watch Program and its benefits.

If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your community, please contact the Prince William County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.

Optimist International is seeking members devoted to voluntary, constructive service to your community to join the Charter Club of Occoquan and Lake Ridge. Anyone interested in joining may contact Sam Shankar at 703-590-5061 or by email at khsanshankar@hotmail.com