PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools is asking families to notify the division whether their students will require bus transportation for the upcoming 2025–26 school year, a move aimed at improving routing efficiency and service reliability.
While some families may see this as an “opt-in” process similar to what neighboring Stafford County implemented earlier this year, PWCS says that is not the case.
In today’s Neighborhood Notes for June 18, we’ve got your scoop: Dumfries calls off its Juneteenth Celebration due to weather, Babur Lateef reflects on a values-driven campaign after falling short statewide, and Haymarket Mayor Tracylynn Pater stars in a new video series. Plus, Gregory Gorham grabs the GOP nomination in western Prince William, Fairfax launches a major solar project in Lorton, and Fredericksburg’s parks reopen just in time for one last sunny Picnic in the Park. Dive in for all the local updates and links!
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – After more than a decade of promises, delays, and renewed commitments, the long-awaited Potomac Shores Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station is finally inching toward full construction, with key infrastructure nearly complete and developers eyeing a construction start by the end of 2025.
At a June 5 meeting of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), officials confirmed that the parking garage and station access infrastructure—critical components of the overall project—are “just about to get wrapped up.” Construction of the station itself, which will be led by private developers with VRE now included in “intimate discussions,” could begin as early as late 2025, pending final documentation and approvals from CSX.
From a surprise visitor at a Fairfax motel to a fresh coworking spot in Spotsy, this week’s Neighborhood Notes is packed with local updates you won’t want to miss. We’ve got a brand-new Member Expo, a deeper look at Doves Landing Park plans, and a political tussle over new data centers. Dive in below!
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – All lanes of Interstate 95—both northbound and southbound—are shut down at Exit 130 (Route 3/Plank Road) following an incident involving downed power lines, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Officials say the closure is due to live power lines lying across the highway. “I-95 NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND: All lanes are closed at Exit 130 (Route 3) due to downed power lines,” VDOT said in a statement. “Expect major delays due to stopped traffic and use alternate routes.”
MANASSAS, Va. – Drivers near Round Elementary School will need to adjust their routes this summer.
Godwin Drive will be closed to traffic between Cedar Ridge Drive and Winged Elm Circle from June 16 through August 12 as crews work on a stream restoration and pond retrofit project near the school. All traffic will be detoured via Clover Hill Road and Hastings Drive, according to an announcement from the City of Manassas.
MANASSAS, Va. – A spirited discussion emerged at the June 5 Manassas City School Board work session as board members debated whether the district should allow teachers to assign zeroes to students who fail to turn in assignments.
The proposal, introduced by board member Sara Brescia, aims to revise the current grading policy, which uses a 50–100 scale and does not allow grades below 50%, even for missing work. Brescia argued that the lack of a true zero disincentivizes student effort.
MANASSAS, Va. – Senator Mark Warner visited the City of Manassas on Thursday, June 12, 2025, where he joined Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe, and City Council Members Ashley Hutson and Ralph Smith for a tour of RapidFlight, the city’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer. The visit highlighted RapidFlight’s role in national defense innovation and the city’s growing importance in advanced technology manufacturing.
The same day, Micron Technology, Inc. announced a major national investment plan totaling approximately $200 billion, including $150 billion in domestic memory manufacturing and $50 billion in research and development. The plan includes an expansion and modernization of Micron’s existing facility in Manassas, supported by a $275 million CHIPS Act direct funding award. Work at the Manassas site is expected to begin this year.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Signal Bay Waterpark is now targeting a July 4 reopening after delays caused by ongoing renovations.
In a Facebook update, Manassas Park officials expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and support, stating that preparations are underway for the installation of a new liner and water features.
