[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1551-E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAKE RIDGE OCCOQUAN COLES CIVIC 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 40th 
Anniversary of the Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association, LOCCA.
  The builders of the Lake Ridge Planned Community began development in 
the mid 1960s. The developers of Lake Ridge envisioned a community 
where people could live, work, shop and play. However, early residents 
desired a way to shape the vision for their community. They recognized 
a need for an organization that was capable of influencing planning and 
development decisions in Lake Ridge.
  On July 6, 1970, the residents established the Lake Ridge Communities 
Civic Association, LRCCA, as a non-political, nonpartisan organization 
that gave citizens an organized community voice. The LRCCA hosted bake 
sales, dances and other fund-raising activities to support local civic 
projects and to foster a newfound sense of community in Lake Ridge.
  In 1978, the organization matured into the Lake Ridge Occoquan Civic 
Association, LOCA, in response to growing concerns over unchecked 
growth and development in Prince William County. The membership created 
the Planning, Environment, Land-Use and Transportation Committee, PELT, 
to evaluate new development in the area. The organization encouraged 
quality development with appropriate infrastructure investments, 
compatible architecture, signage and landscaping and promoted the use 
of green community designs complete with sidewalks and trails. In 1997, 
the membership rewrote the bylaws to refocus the group and formally 
include the Coles Magisterial District within its jurisdiction, 
creating the Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association, LOCCA.
  The influence of this community organization on quality development 
standards in Prince William County cannot be understated. For four 
decades, dedicated members have sacrificed their time and contributed 
their considerable talents to the responsible stewardship of their 
community. Their work has not gone unnoticed. This was the first civic 
association to be awarded the Virginia Green Award, and it was 
recognized as one of the most influential civic associations in the 
Commonwealth of Virginia when it was honored with the Virginia 
Citizen's Planning Association Award.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
membership of the Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association for the 
tireless advocacy efforts and congratulating them on their 40th 
Anniversary. I extend my personal appreciation to the past and current 
members of LOCCA for improving and safeguarding the quality of life of 
countless Prince William County residents.

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