Fredericksburg

Barbara Saunders, a retired Fredericksburg public school teacher living on Pony Drive, opened her latest property tax bill with a familiar sense of dread.

At $4,980 already, her real estate taxes are set to climb again under the City of Fredericksburg’s proposed FY2027 budget. In a written letter read aloud at the April 21 City Council meeting, the senior citizen described the cumulative impact: a 0.4-cent increase last year, followed by the proposed 0.5-cent hike this year, for a total 0.9-cent jump over two years.


Stafford

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit (CUP) on April 21, 2026, for a drive-through restaurant and retail space in the Cardinal Forest subdivision, despite objections from nearby residents over traffic, child safety, and proximity to neighborhood amenities.

The 1.2-acre undeveloped site is located at the intersection of Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive in the Hartwood Election District. Plans call for a one-story building with a Chipotle restaurant featuring a pickup window, additional retail space, 43 parking spaces, sidewalks along Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive, and an interparcel connection to the future Tractor Supply store on the adjacent parcel. The project is projected to generate 1,534 daily vehicle trips.


Manassas

Manassas City Council received the final conceptual master plan for the redevelopment of the Mathis Shopping Center during a work session, outlining a vision centered on parks and open space, affordable housing, and mixed-use development to transform the site into a livable neighborhood.

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Event

Join the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert to honor the 250th Anniversary of the USA! The music in this choral concert captures the heart and soul of the American spirit through patriotic tunes and songs from the heartland. Joining the chorus are dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts and accompaniment from the talented members of Legacy Brass.

This family friendly and FREE event is perfect for young and old. Kids, parents, and grandparents will be familiar with many of the songs in this inspirational program. There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m.


News

Stafford County Public Schools Principal Dr. Michael Sidebotham has been named to Virginia’s inaugural class of Principals of Distinction. Also in this roundup: Virginia home sales rise for the strongest first quarter since 2022, Dumfries moves forward with a new community center, Stafford’s 50th Arts Festival, a full weekend of events in Manassas Park, plus updates on a fatal crash arrest and an ICE operation in the area.


Manassas

City officials learned of the change the same day it was announced during a City Council work session. The city was notified the same day of a 250% fuel adjustment rate increase effective in April that will appear on May bills.

For a typical home using 2,400 to 2,500 kilowatt-hours, the increase will total about $50. A typical townhome will see an increase of about $30. A business using 10,000 kWh would see roughly $240 more.


Fredericksburg

In response to booming data center growth and population increases in the Fredericksburg area, Dominion Energy has launched a power line upgrade project along Falls Run near the canal crossing and Friends of the Rappahannock headquarters.

Passersby on the road can easily spot the cleared space beneath the power lines, now equipped with temporary roads and a temporary bridge. Dominion crews are steadily advancing on the initiative known internally as “Project TL29.” A major component involves replacing aging power lines installed in the 1950s.


Health

Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved rezoning, proffer amendments, and a conditional use permit for a new HCA freestanding emergency room on Warrenton Road during its April 21, 2026, regular meeting. The project will bring 24/7 emergency services to residents in southern Stafford County and the Old Forge area.

The facility, planned for approximately 3.2 acres in the George Washington Election District on the south side of Warrington Road (bordered by Banks Ford Parkway and McCourt Loop), involves rezoning from M1 (light industrial) to B2 (urban commercial). It includes amendments to existing proffers on the site and a conditional use permit for hospital use. The one-story, 30-foot-tall building will total about 11,000 square feet.


Prince William

Prince William County supervisors faced a clear choice on April 21: deliver the deeper residential tax relief promised to residents after years of data-center growth, or route nearly every new dollar from the industry into the county’s revenue-sharing agreement with Prince William County Public Schools.

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Stafford

“Stafford County is dedicated to protecting our natural resources and promoting sustainability,” Tour Stafford Virginia announced. “We look forward to welcoming you to Stafford and sharing our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of our county.”

“Eco-tourism is more than just a trend; it’s a way of traveling that ensures the places we love will be around for years to come.”