MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving ahead with the next phase of its $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center, and residents are invited to help shape what comes next.
Community Conversations Set for June
The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will host two Community Conversations on Tuesday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the Manassas Community Center, 8750 Sudley Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available.
City officials will present details about the property at 9018 Mathis Avenue and ask residents for their ideas on its future. Both meetings will cover the same information, giving people the flexibility to attend the date that works best for them.
Why This Property Matters
In July 2024, the city completed its $16 million purchase of the 14-acre shopping center from Four Taylor’s LLC. The property includes 21 commercial tenants, such as Advance Auto Parts and Pitkins Hardware.
City officials say the purchase is part of a long-term plan to revitalize the Mathis Avenue corridor and make it a more walkable, welcoming place to live and do business. A commercial real estate firm hired by the EDA manages the property, with revenues and expenses tracked separately as operations stabilize.
City leaders say these meetings are the first step in a larger planning process. The feedback gathered will help guide future decisions about how the property could be redeveloped to meet community needs.
“We are committed to working with our residents, business owners, and community partners to shape a shared vision for this important property,” the city said in a statement announcing the meetings.
Mixed Public Opinion
Public reaction to the city’s purchase has been mixed. According to a June 2024 Potomac Local News survey, 31% of respondents supported the move, citing opportunities for strategic redevelopment and long-term economic benefits. Others raised concerns about the cost and the city’s role as a commercial landlord.
City officials say they hope the upcoming meetings will help address those concerns and keep the process transparent as planning continues.
DOSWELL, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) lineworkers are among hundreds of utility professionals heading to Meadow Event Park this weekend for the 21st annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S.
According to the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, which hosts the event, this year’s rodeo will feature more than 350 competitors from 12 states — including teams from as far away as Hawaii — making it the biggest turnout in event history. NOVEC crews will join linemen from across the region to showcase their safety skills, speed, and teamwork in events that simulate real-life challenges, including pole-top rescues and equipment operations.
“Gaff-n-Go is a great way to highlight the talent and dedication of our NOVEC crews,” the cooperative said in a statement. “It’s a chance for their families and the public to see the level of expertise that goes into restoring power during storms and emergencies.”
Events begin Friday, May 16, with a special recognition of May 17 as Electric Utility Lineworker Day in Virginia. Saturday’s main competitions kick off after a tribute to the military, featuring U.S. Navy Vice Admiral (Ret.) Ted Carter. The event is free and open to the public, with family-friendly activities, interactive displays, and a barbecue competition all scheduled as part of the weekend.
For more information, visit gaff-n-go.com.
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is a not-for-profit electric utility headquartered in Manassas. Serving more than 175,000 customers across six counties—including Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Clarke—as well as the City of Manassas Park, NOVEC is one of the largest electric cooperatives in the nation.
NOVEC provides reliable, affordable electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, operating with a commitment to customer service, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. As a member-owned cooperative, NOVEC returns excess revenues to its customers in the form of capital credit refunds. For more information, visit novec.com.
MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Animal Shelter is hopping with excitement as three two-month-old bunnies are now ready to find their forever homes.
According to shelter staff, these energetic, curious female rabbits are looking for families ready to commit to proper rabbit care. “Bunnies make wonderful companions, but they have specific care needs that are different from other pets like cats or dogs,” the shelter shared. “We always recommend doing a little homework first to ensure their new families are prepared to give them the best life possible.”
Rabbit care includes daily fresh hay, safe spaces to exercise, regular grooming, and proper vet visits. Bunnies can live eight to twelve years or longer and need plenty of social interaction and playtime.
Those interested in adopting or learning more can contact the shelter at 703-257-2420 or check out all adoptable pets on the Manassas City Animal Shelter’s Petfinder page.
Make your next date night unforgettable with a taste of Italy right here in Manassas.
Looking for a romantic Italian escape without leaving Prince William County? Step into SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine—a charming culinary gem in Manassas offering a warm, intimate setting and a menu bursting with traditional and Mediterranean flavors. With over 20 years of chef-driven expertise, this locally owned favorite is ideal for couples seeking a memorable night out over wine, pasta, and candlelight.
Three-Course Menu Suggestion
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MANASSAS, Va. – City leaders say they were surprised to learn that the first tenant of the newly opened Brickyard Data Center on Godwin Drive won’t contribute to the city’s business personal property tax base as expected.
The data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, opened earlier this year. Officials had projected millions in tax revenue from computer equipment expected to fill the site. But when tax paperwork arrived on April 14, 2025, city officials learned the first tenant is a bank—an industry that is exempt from paying business personal property taxes under Virginia law.
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MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas leaders agreed Monday night to keep the city’s tax rate steady for the upcoming fiscal year, despite calls from some on the City Council to lower it and give homeowners a break.
While the tax rate isn’t changing, rising property values mean most homeowners will still see bigger tax bills when they arrive later this year.
The council voted 5-1 to hold the real estate tax rate at $1.26 per $100 of assessed value, the same rate residents paid last year. That rate, combined with increased property assessments across the city, is expected to raise the average annual tax bill by about $406, according to city budget documents.
Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis cast the lone “no” vote, pushing for at least a 7-cent rate cut to keep bills flat. Councilwomen Sonia Vasquez Luna and Ashley Hutson also voiced interest in a smaller cut but ultimately voted to keep the rate unchanged.
“I just want to make sure that you feel heard,” Vasquez Luna told residents during the meeting. “We all want to reduce the financial burden on families. But high-quality services come at a cost.”
Council members supporting the flat rate pointed to growing costs for schools, police, fire services, and city workers. The adopted budget includes:
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$1.5 million more for Manassas City Public Schools to help cover teacher and staff pay raises.
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Funding for five new public safety positions, including three firefighters.
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3% pay raises for city employees.
Vice Mayor Mark D. Wolfe defended the decision, noting that Manassas still has lower average tax bills and utility rates than most of Northern Virginia, even with the increase.
“You can’t have a great community with shrinking resources,” Wolfe said. “This budget invests in public safety, education, infrastructure, and quality of life.”
The council also unanimously approved keeping the personal property tax rate at $3.60 per $100, applying the same rate to data center computer equipment for the first time. Council members noted that this move brings Manassas in line with Prince William County’s rates but keeps small business equipment taxed at a lower $2.15 per $100.
Several residents urged the council to cut more, pointing to the strain of inflation and rising living costs. Others raised concerns about the city’s long-term reliance on new development and data centers to balance its budget.
The city will hold a public hearing on the full budget June 2, with a final vote scheduled for June 9.
MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Republican Committee is calling on residents to fill the room at the next Prince William-Manassas Regional Jail Board meeting, pushing for the jail to renew its 287(g) immigration enforcement partnership with federal authorities.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Adult Detention Center, 9320 Lee Avenue in Manassas.
In a message to supporters this week, the GOP group warned that seating is limited and advised attendees to arrive early to avoid being turned away. That advice follows complaints from residents at the board’s last meeting who said they were denied entry even though they saw empty seats inside.
In response to questions from Potomac Local News, Sheriff Glen Hill confirmed there will be no changes to the seating or meeting format. However, he added that he is open to speaking with board members to gather their feedback on how to handle future crowding concerns.
The city’s Republican committee says the jail’s decision to end the 287(g) program in 2020 amounts to a “sanctuary” policy, a claim they say was confirmed by Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office. The group is calling for full cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to process all undocumented immigrants charged with crimes.
As previously reported by Potomac Local News, debate over 287(g) has resurfaced in recent months, with supporters urging the board to bring the program back, while others have raised concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and public trust in law enforcement.
The GOP’s message also warned that the jail’s current policy could put state and federal funding at risk, citing warnings from the White House and the Governor.
Residents who are unable to attend in person are encouraged to submit written comments to [email protected].
The 287(g) program is a partnership between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows trained local jail officers to assist in identifying, processing, and detaining individuals who may be in the country illegally and are charged with criminal offenses.
Authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the program enables selected local officials to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision, typically limited to actions taken within local jails. Participation in the program requires a formal agreement between the local agency and ICE, along with specialized training for the officers involved.
MANASSAS, Va. – Fifteen residents were named Outstanding Volunteers by the City of Manassas during a recognition dinner and reception held Tuesday, April 29, at the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts. One award was given posthumously. The honorees were chosen from among more than 450 individuals who regularly give their time to support the city.
According to a city press release, these volunteers were celebrated for their work across historic preservation, emergency response, civic boards, and community outreach. From guiding museum tours to running community holiday events and supporting zoning appeals, each has made a lasting mark on the city.
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MANASSAS, Va. – Leadership Prince William is launching a new Business Leadership Workshop Series designed to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the region.
According to a press release from the nonprofit organization, the new series is sponsored by Prince William County Economic Development and will offer workshops led by experienced professionals from a range of industries. The first session, titled “Leading Through Uncertain Times,” will be held on Thursday, May 14, with a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in Manassas.
Dr. Robert Schneider from OmniRide will serve as the presenter, with Dr. Sabrina Ricks of SMR Workplace Development facilitating the sessions. The goal of the workshop is to help local professionals assess their organizational capacity and leadership style, while exploring ways to stabilize and grow their businesses during challenging times.
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A panel of local journalists and media experts will take center stage at the Manassas Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to explore how nonstop news, citizen reporting, and social media are reshaping the world of journalism.
The event, titled "News Reboot: When News Went Live," is hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100 as part of its annual membership meeting. It runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and features a catered buffet dinner alongside a discussion on how the news industry is evolving—and what that means for civic trust and public accountability.
