Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Manassas

$73M Approved Plan Includes New Dean School, Metz Middle School Upgrades

By Uriah Kiser

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Manassas City School Board approved the fiscal year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines significant facility and resource investments to improve the district’s educational environment.

The Board unanimously passed the $73 million plan. It includes several projects aimed at upgrading school facilities, addressing maintenance needs and creating more engaging spaces for learning. A notable addition is the installation of new bleachers at Metz Middle School.

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News

Prince William Wants More Authority to Address Speeding

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry with constituents at the new Dale City donation center. (Photo by Alan Gloss)

Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors and School Board members convened at the Kelly Leadership Building to address pressing legislative priorities for 2025. Among the key issues discussed was the urgent need for enhanced authority to mitigate speeding and improve roadway safety throughout the county.

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry emphasized the ongoing dangers on local roads, including Cardinal Drive, a corridor that has seen multiple fatalities in recent years. He highlighted the limitations of current state-level control over traffic measures, stating, “We need more authority to install speed cameras and implement other speed control measures in non-school and non-construction zones.” Angry also criticized the reliance on fatality thresholds before state agencies, such as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), prioritize action, calling for more proactive measures to save lives.

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Business

Dumfries Businesses Face Zoning Challenges, Call for Clearer Rules

By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

During the December 3, 2024, Dumfries Town Council meeting, frustrations surfaced over zoning challenges that have delayed the approval of a new banquet hall. Local business owners and council members called for greater clarity and consistency in the town’s zoning processes, citing delays caused by undefined regulations.

Maria Aguilera, an entrepreneur, expressed her concerns during the public hearing. “We applied to get an occupancy permit to have a banquet hall at 7650 Possum Point Drive, which was not denied, not approved, because the definition was not included,” Aguilera said. “We believe it’s a good opportunity for the community to have a place to celebrate their birthdays, weddings, and any celebration.”

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News

Dumfries Council Recaps 275th Anniversary, Bids Farewell to Outgoing Councilman

By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood at the opening of The Rose, a new gaming hotel and resort in Dumfries.

The Dumfries Town Council convened on Tuesday, December 3, to reflect on its achievements and challenges as it celebrates its 275th anniversary. The meeting highlighted the town’s growth and a controversial gala event to honor the historic milestone.

A gala celebrating Dumfries’ 275th anniversary in May at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, originally envisioned as a three-day extravaganza, became a financial debacle. Despite the council approving a $100,000 budget for the event, planners overspent by $28,000, resulting in a cost overrun of more than 130%.

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News

Woodbridge Supervisor Advocates for Permanent Housing Assistance Programs

By Uriah Kiser

On December 2, 2024, local and state officials gathered at the Kelly Leadership Building for the annual Joint Legislative Meeting. The discussion focused on the county’s legislative priorities, spotlighting affordable housing and immediate housing assistance for residents in crisis.

Affordable housing has taken center stage in Prince William County in recent weeks. During their November 19, 2024, meeting, the Board of County Supervisors discussed a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to increase the availability of affordable housing units and establish a Housing Trust Fund to support development efforts.

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News

Updated: Stafford Supervisors Special Meeting Canceled Amid Controversy; CRRL Announces New Trustee

By Uriah Kiser

A special Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, initially scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, has been canceled. Stafford County spokesman Andrew Spence stated that the cancellation was due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice.

“Chairman [Meg] Bohmke canceled the meeting originally scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice. At this time, there is no information about it being rescheduled,” Spence said.

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Manassas

Balancing Manassas History and Growth

By Uriah Kiser

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.

Episode Highlights:

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Reveals Multi-Year Celebration Leading Up to City’s 300th Anniversary

By Uriah Kiser
Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council has outlined an ambitious three-year celebration that will start with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and culminate with the city’s 300th anniversary two years later.

The plans, unveiled during the November 26 work session, will spotlight the nation’s founding, Revolutionary War heritage, and Fredericksburg’s integral role in American history.

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Manassas

Manassas City Council to Swear in New, Returning Members

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City Hall

The Manassas City Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and returning members on Monday, January 6, 2025,  Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The ceremony will feature the oath of office for Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Council Member Tom Osina, Council Member Mark Wolfe, and Council Member-Elect Ashley Hutson. Following the swearing-in, all participants will immediately take their seats on the dais to begin their new terms.

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Manassas Park

B&B Theatres to Open in Manassas Park, Replacing Scrapped Cinema Café Project

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Park’s downtown revitalization project is gaining momentum with the planned opening of a new B&B Theatres location. The luxury eight-screen cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities, will anchor the city’s redevelopment initiative and fill the void left by Cinema Café’s withdrawal in 2022.

Originally, Cinema Café, a Hampton Roads-based movie theater and dining chain, had announced plans to establish a combination movie house and restaurant in Manassas Park’s Park Central development. However, by September 2022, the company backed out of the deal, citing concerns over rising inflation. This decision temporarily left the city without a major tenant for its downtown revitalization efforts.

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