Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

Neighborhood Notes: Canceled Juneteenth Celebration, Lateef Reflects on Loss, Haymarket’s Mayor Goes On-Air

Published June 18, 2025 at 7:47AM

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

After a Decade of Delays, Potomac Shores VRE Station Nears Construction Start

By Potomac Local News

Published June 17, 2025 at 8:00AM

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.

Neighborhood Notes

Notes: New Member Expo, Alligator Drama, and Big Park Plans

By Potomac Local News

Published June 17, 2025 at 7:00AM

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!

Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS: I-95 Closed at Route 3 in Fredericksburg Due to Downed Power Lines

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 12:10PM

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

Godwin Drive Closing for Summer Detour Near Round Elementary

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 11:15AM

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

Manassas School Board Debates Grading Policy Over Zeroes and Student Accountability

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated June 16, 2025 at 11:20AM

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

Micron, RapidFlight Mark Manassas as Rising Tech Hub

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 7:30AM

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.

Neighborhood Notes

Neighborhood Notes: Big Crowds at ‘No Kings,’ Base Names, Duck Race Winners

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 7:00AM

Manassas Park

Signal Bay Waterpark Aims for July 4 Reopening

By Potomac Local News

Published June 16, 2025 at 1:15AM

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.

Prince William

Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Risk Continue Tonight

By Potomac Local News

Published June 15, 2025 at 8:57PM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Residents in Prince William County, including Woodbridge, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, are being urged to remain alert as thunderstorms with heavy rainfall continue to move through the region Sunday night, creating dangerous flash flooding conditions.

Doppler radar indicated that between 1.5 and 3.5 inches of rain have already fallen across the area, with another half to 1.5 inches possible. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 10:15 p.m. for parts of Northern Virginia, including areas along the I-95 corridor. Flooding is either underway or expected to begin soon, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas, as well as along small creeks and streams.