Author: Christopher Hirons

Follow me on Twitter for more local government coverage @ByHirons. Student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University– the nation's leading communications school.

Features

Widewater State Park development continues

By Christopher Hirons
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STAFFORD — State officials are moving ahead with development at Widewater State Park.

Around since 2006, the park makes up most of a peninsula between the Potomac River and Aquia Creek. State Senator Scott Surovell (D-36, Fairfax, Stafford, Woodbridge) said that it was important to fund new staff positions at the park. The fight for funding was also led, in the past by former Delegate, now Stafford County Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer.

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News

‘FredEx’ project will expand I-95 toll lane network in Stafford County

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors met with Transurban to discuss the expansion of Interstate 95 E-ZPass Express Lanes.

The E-ZPass lanes will be extended to milepost 134, just prior to Route 17, extending it from where it ends now at exit 143, Garrisonville Road. Transurban, operators of the E-ZPass lanes on I-95 and 495 in Virginia, plans to provide all funding for the new project so none of the money, $277 million, will come from Virginia or Stafford County.

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News

With 16 lawsuits pending, Stafford School Board members urge Chairman to step aside during redistricting discussions

By Christopher Hirons
Egan

STAFFORD — The Stafford County School Board Chairman was asked to pass the gavel during a discussion on residential development and student redistricting.

During the Tuesday, August 12 meeting, School Board Member Irene Egan identified a possible conflict of interest with Chairman Patricia Healy, and asked Healy to step aside as chairman when the Board discusses redistricting.

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News

With 2 mixed-use projects stalled, Stafford looks ahead, envisions new downtown center

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — The Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, August 14 to discuss the idea of a “Downtown Stafford.”

Such a development centered around the county’s iconic courthouse could provide an identity for the Stafford community. It’s location would be across the street from the courthouse and across from the County Government Center.

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Business

Burritos, beer, and Goodwill: Garrisonville Road business corridor expands

By Christopher Hirons

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News

This neighborhood along I-95 is one of Virginia’s most affordable

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD COUNTY — If you’re thinking of moving to Stafford County Aquia Harbour would be a good choice as the neighborhood was ranked the seventh most affordable place to live in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A new study from financial technology company SmartAsset ranks the most affordable places to live in Virginia. This is SmartAsset’s fourth annual study on the most affordable places in America. These communities are ranked on an affordability index weighing property taxes, homeowners’ insurance fees and mortgage payments relative to income.

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News

Stafford judge recuses herself following cluster development case, new courthouse push

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — A legal battle between a private land developer and the Stafford County Government continues despite the fact a local judge recused herself from hearing any case involving the local government.

Circuit Judge Victoria Willis made the comments following a lawsuit filed by developer Robert Gollahon, who is suing the Stafford County Government after its Board of Supervisors in April passed an ordinance that automatically disqualified proposals for numerous “cluster subdivisions” totaling more than 300 homes that would have been built in rural areas of the county.

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News

Stafford schools officials buck trailer classrooms as overcrowding gets worse

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — Stafford officials say they don’t want trailer classrooms to become the status quo at county schools.

The School Board failed to pass the Board of Supervisors’ appropriation of $99,500 for the purchase and furnishing of a modular trailer classroom unit for Hartwood Elementary School.

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News

Kizner becomes Stafford’s fourth schools superintendent in nine and a half years

By Christopher Hirons
Kinzer

STAFFORD — Stafford County Public Schools will be welcoming a new face and leader to its school system.

Dr. Scott R. Kizner’s four-year contract with the school board was unanimously approved by the school board during Tuesday’s meeting.

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News

Stafford School Board faces tough elementary redistricting decision

By Christopher Hirons

STAFFORD — Leaders on the Stafford County School Board face a tough political decision if they want the funds to buy a shuttered Christian school.

The School Board earlier this year requested the Board of Supervisors, which funds the schools, give $10 million to buy the old Fredericksburg Christian School building off Garrisonville Road in North Stafford, and include the cost of renovations in this year’s Capital Improvement Plan.

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