Supervisor Williams and County Administrator Hemstreet Share Local Updates with the Ashby Ponds Community

Supervisor Shawn Williams and Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet visited Ashby Ponds retirement community on Friday, June 28 to share information on area transportation changes and local development updates:

1)  Stoplight at Ashby Ponds Boulevard and Gloucester Parkway

Supervisor Williams shared that an item will be brought forth at an upcoming Board meeting to fund a signal warrant study at the intersection in front of Ashby Ponds.  He indicated that if approved, a stoplight would likely be erected but not turned on until completion of the Gloucester Parkway extension in 2016.  Additionally, flashing pedestrian signals would be added to the intersection for those crossing to and from Smith Switch Road.  Many Ashby Ponds residents have expressed concern in the past over the safety of this intersection.

2)  Ashburn Senior Center development

Supervisor Williams said that a senior center has always been in the plan for the five-acre, public use land off of Marblehead Drive, but never had funding.  Now, $8 million has been put forth toward building the Ashburn Senior Center, which should be completed in the summer of 2016.

3)  Gloucester Parkway extension

County Administrator Hemstreet indicated that the Gloucester Parkway extension is part of several major road improvements that will be coming to the area within the next six years.   “Transportation investment drives economic vitality and a better quality of life,” said Hemstreet.  “Typically, it also creates jobs.”

4)  Silver Line Metro

Phase I of the project should be completed in late 2013, but not open to the public for use until January 2014, according to Hemstreet.  This phase will bring the Silver Line out to Wheelie Avenue in Reston.  Phase II of the project, which will extend the Silver Line into Loudoun County, should see construction activity in about a year, said Hemstreet.

5)  Additional updates

Supervisor Williams shared that panhandlers will no longer be allowed to linger at intersections in the area; Ashby Ponds residents had expressed concern over this issue previously.  As a result of an audience question, Williams also indicated that he will ensure the clean up of nearby collection boxes where inappropriate items have been dumped.  Additionally, Supervisor Williams said that he would look into how stoplights on the Loudoun County Parkway between Ashby Ponds and Route 7 could be better synchronized.

About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 700 residents and has over 100 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.