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Local population growth continues at a slower pace Date published: 3/31/2010
BY JONAS BEALS
Though population growth continues in the Fredericksburg region, the rate has slowed significantly during the recession. Stafford and Spotsylvania counties are now near the bottom of the 100 fastest-growing counties in the nation, based on newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Both counties have frequently been in the top half of that list during the past two decades, but now have annual growth rates below 2 percent. "At least it's not a reversal of positive growth," said Kevin Byrnes, director of regional planning for the George Washington Regional Commission. "It provides some optimism that the area will come out of the downturn pretty well." Byrnes said that the recent growth slowdown should serve as a reality check for planners who had predicted future growth based on annual rates of 6 to 8 percent from earlier in the decade. But he urged caution. "It leaves open the possibility that we'll see some resurgence of past trends, so we don't have to totally throw out the long-range planning we've been doing," Byrnes said. That slow growth has hit local governments in their wallets. Revenue derived from new houses, building permits and accompanying sales tax has dwindled, leading to budget cuts and layoffs. Despite the constricted cash flow, slower growth could be a blessing. "It will allow us to catch up on planning and infrastructure," Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello said. "Previous growth happened at such a rapid rate that it was difficult for us to keep up with the pace." Romanello said the sour economy is stunting job growth, which has led to fewer people relocating to the area. That could change because of decisions at the federal level. Romanello mentioned the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's plans to move 2,900 jobs to Marine Corps Base Quantico in the next few years. The move could boost population in the region, especially in Stafford and Prince William counties. State figures show that last year's population growth is focused in the urban areas of Northern Virginia--a trend that coincides with higher employment figures for that metro area. Eight of the 10 fastest-growing localities in Virginia last year were urban areas close to the federal government in Washington. Locally, the trend is also toward urban areas.
Date published: 3/31/2010
It's funny that slow growth has hit their wallets, but it more people move in that means more services, more people on the roads and more kids in schools. Double edged sword I guess. It really doesn't matter at this point, the character of the area had been ruined.
Numbers can be manipulated. Before you take too much pride in F-Burg numbers, look at the TYPE of housing you are seeing. F-Burg growth is mainly apartments and Town home/Condo's, whereas the majority of Stafford and Spotsy numbers are single family homes. Big difference.. Plus home ownership is different versus rentals. The good thing is that we see positive signs of growth/recovery and not just numbers that politicians can point to. I wonder if George Shultz and his cronies will claim this as well
"That slow growth has hit local governments in their wallets. Revenue derived from new houses, building permits and accompanying sales tax has dwindled, leading to budget cuts and layoffs"
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