Prince William County’s newest commuter garage opened with high hopes — but nearly six months later, it’s mostly sitting empty.

The $53.5 million Neabsco-Potomac Mills Commuter Garage opened in November 2024 with 1,400 parking spaces. Yet in April, its busiest month to date, the facility saw just 4,902 daily visits — about 11.7% of capacity. The county has already spent over $186,000 on maintenance, security, and utilities.

“This is exactly what happens when policy is disconnected from reality,” says Rob Hartwell, president of Hartwell Capitol Consulting, a firm that’s been advising governments, nonprofits, and businesses for more than 30 years.

Hartwell calls it “the garage for nobody” — a concrete monument to outdated planning assumptions and squandered federal dollars.

“Taxpayer money is precious. Before we build anything, we need to ask: will people actually use it? If not, we shouldn’t spend it.” said Hartwell.

A Smarter Way Forward

With a background in government relations, sustainability, transportation policy, and economic development, Hartwell has worked with Congress, federal agencies, and local governments across the country. His firm helps decision-makers cut through bureaucracy, use data to drive decisions, and prioritize real community needs.

Hartwell Capitol Consulting offers:

• Smart policy strategy and public affairs guidance
• Deep experience in transportation and infrastructure planning
• Support for sustainable, community-driven growth
• Tactical communications to build coalitions and get results

The firm’s mission is simple: Help clients influence public policy for the better — and avoid costly mistakes like this one.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Big Idea

If you’re planning a major infrastructure investment or public policy push, don’t go it alone. Hartwell Capitol Consulting can help you build the case, bring people to the table, and get it right the first time.

👉 Let’s work together for smarter growth.

15 Ridge Rd, Stafford, VA 22556
MLS# VAST2040140 | $375,000

Here’s your chance to own a charming one-level home in North Stafford’s peaceful Lake Arrowhead community—with no HOA to worry about!

This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch sits on a spacious lot that backs to trees and offers over 1,450 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. Thoughtfully designed for accessibility, the home includes handicap access through the garage, a walk-in jetted tub, and grab bars in key areas.

Step inside to find:

• Cozy gas log fireplace

• Updated systems: new roof and siding (2019), new heat pump (2020), encapsulated crawl space (2019), and Culligan water treatment system (2017)

• Attached 2-car garage with additional storage

• Luxury vinyl plank flooring, ceiling fans, and more

• Septic system pumped in June 2023 per Stafford County

The home has been loved by its original owner and is priced to reflect your personal updates. Whether you’re downsizing, buying your first home, or investing, this is an incredible opportunity.

✅ 2-10 Home Warranty included
✅ Seller prefers Verus Title in Fredericksburg
✅ Being sold as-is, with tons of potential

📍Directions: From I-95, take exit 143B (Garrisonville Rd/Route 610 West), left on Rockhill Church Rd, right on Van Horn Ln, slight left on Beech, right on Boundary Dr, right on W. Briar, and left on Ridge Rd. Home is on the left.

Don’t miss this one—schedule your tour today!

Listed by Mark Worrilow
Fathom Realty
Licensed in VA
📧 [email protected]
📞 (703) 244-8702
MLS#: 0225209736

👉 [Schedule a showing today!]

Just Listed in Potomac Shores: Immaculate Townhome with EV Charger and More!

This beautiful townhome at 1763 Hickory Woods Rd, Dumfries, VA 22026 is the total package—and then some. Immaculately kept and showing like new, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home should be at the very top of your list.

The entry-level bedroom with a full bath offers the flexibility you need—whether for guests, a home office, or a private retreat. Upstairs, the main level is a bright, modern open-concept space anchored by a massive 8-foot kitchen island, perfect for entertaining or everyday living. You’ll love the spacious living room, generous dining area (seats eight comfortably!), powder room, and access to the expanded composite deck ready for your summer cookouts.

Upstairs, two additional bedrooms share a full bath, and the owner’s suite is your peaceful escape with ample closet space and a soothing en suite bathroom.

Other standout features:

• EV charger already installed in your 2-car garage
• HOA amenities include pools, trails, clubhouse, and more
• Built in 2021 and still feels brand new
• Nearly 2,000 sq ft of finished living space
• Priced at $639,500

Potomac Shores living means resort-style amenities, top-rated schools, and a convenient location with easy access to I-95, commuter lots, and the upcoming VRE station.

📍MLS# VAPW2096446
🏡 Schedule your showing today—GPS directions are accurate!

This is a sponsored post. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact your local real estate professional.

Listed by Mark Worrilow
Fathom Realty
Licensed in VA
📧 [email protected]
📞 (703) 244-8702
MLS#: 0225209736

👉 [Schedule a showing today!]

Memorial Day 🇺🇸 is more than just the unofficial start of summer — it’s a time to come together as a community and honor those who gave it all for our freedom.

This year, Willing Warriors is pulling out all the stops to celebrate 10 incredible years of providing a “Home Away From Home” for our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. Since 2015, the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run has welcomed over 2,800 warriors and their loved ones, helping them relax, reconnect, and recharge — all thanks to the generosity of community members like YOU.

🎈 Join Us for the 10th Anniversary Celebration & Memorial Day Ceremony

📅 Monday, May 26, 2025
🕚 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, Haymarket, Virginia

What’s Happening:

• 🍔 Picnic on the Grounds with local food truck favorites
• 🏡 Tours of Our Beautiful Retreat Homes
• 🎲 Fun & Games for All Ages
• 🎤 Inspiring Remarks from Co-Founders Shirley and John Dominick
• 🧱 Memorial Brick Laying Ceremony honoring fallen heroes from WWII to today
• 🎺 Taps & Moment of Silence — a powerful tribute to those we’ll never forget

This family-friendly event is your chance to experience the magic of the Warrior Retreat, meet the incredible people behind the mission, and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

🌟 About Willing Warriors

Willing Warriors is a community-supported nonprofit that provides cost-free, six-day retreat stays and life-changing programs for recovering warriors and their families. From canine therapy and fishing trips to five-star meals by professional chefs, every experience at the Warrior Retreat is designed to heal both body and soul. Nestled on 37 peaceful acres at the foot of the Bull Run Mountains, this special place exists because of supporters like YOU.

💻 Learn more at willingwarriors.org

When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror, it’s natural to feel nervous. But knowing your rights — and separating fact from fiction — can make all the difference. We sat down with Bradley Marshall, a shareholder attorney at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian in Manassas, to clear up five common myths people believe during traffic stops.

Myth #1: If you’re innocent, you should explain everything right away.

Reality: Talking too much can hurt your case.
According to Marshall, “Rarely are you going to talk yourself out of a situation. More often, you talk yourself into trouble.” It’s better to remain respectful but silent — and save the explanations for your attorney.

Myth #2: They have to read you your Miranda rights immediately.

Reality: Miranda rights only apply when you’re in custody and being interrogated.
Marshall explains that unless you’re officially detained (not free to leave) and being questioned, officers aren’t required to “Mirandize” you.

Myth #3: Staying silent makes you look guilty.

Reality: Exercising your right to remain silent can never be used against you in court.
Invoking your rights is not an admission of guilt. “You are simply protecting yourself — and the Constitution gives you that protection,” Marshall said.

Myth #4: If police ask to search your car, you have to let them.

Reality: You have the right to refuse consent to a search.
Marshall advises: “Respectfully decline consent. If they have probable cause, they’ll act accordingly — but don’t volunteer your rights away.”

Myth #5: If you’re polite, you don’t need a lawyer.

Reality: Even polite people can face serious consequences without legal help.

Being courteous matters, but so does protecting your future. “You don’t need to go through it alone,” Marshall said. “At the very least, consult an attorney before making any big decisions.”

Protect yourself. Know your rights.

If you’ve been pulled over, charged, or have questions about your situation, contact Bradley Marshall at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian for a free consultation.

Call 703-369-4738
Visit vfnlaw.com