Manassas - Page 33 of 65 - Potomac Local News

City Learns Bank Tenant at Manassas Data Center Is Tax-Exempt, Sparking Revenue Concerns

Published May 14, 2025 at 4:05PM

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.

Your Next Tax Bill Won’t Go Up Quite as Much as It Could Have—But It’s Still Going Up

By Potomac Local News

Published May 13, 2025 at 3:04PM | Updated May 14, 2025 at 10:25AM

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.

Manassas GOP Calls for Action on Jail’s Immigration Policy Ahead of Meeting

By Potomac Local News

Published May 12, 2025 at 2:00PM

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.

Manassas Says Thanks: 15 Volunteers Honored for Making the City Shine

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 12, 2025 at 10:00AM

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.

New Workshop Series Aims to Help Prince William Entrepreneurs Lead Through Uncertainty

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 8:00AM

Congressmen Eugene Vindman and Suhas Subramanyam share insights on their first 100 days in office during a discussion hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in April 2025.

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.

Catch This Panel on the Future of News at Manassas Museum

By Potomac Local News

Published May 7, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated May 7, 2025 at 1:35PM

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.

City Officials Caught Off Guard as Bank Tenant Sidesteps Millions in Data Center Taxes

By Uriah Kiser

Published May 5, 2025 at 1:00PM

MANASSAS, Va. – A bank tenant inside a newly completed data center in Manassas has triggered a sweeping local tax exemption, upending financial expectations and leaving city officials blindsided.

At the April 30, 2025, Manassas City Council meeting, Commissioner of the Revenue Tim Demeria revealed that a tenant inside the new Brickyard data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, had filed paperwork identifying itself as a bank. Under Virginia Code §58.1-1202, banks are exempt from local Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes and the business personal property taxes that typically bring cities millions in revenue from data centers.

Osbourn High Shines in SkillsUSA and CyberPatriot Programs During School Board Spotlight

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:30AM

Students were honored for their medal-winning performances and commitment to public service and career development:

Others competed in Crime Scene Investigation and Job Interview events

BREAKING: Farm Brew LIVE Rebrands as NOVA LIVE

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Farm Brew LIVE, one of the region’s top spots for beer, food, and live music, has a new name and an expanded vision. Villagio Hospitality Group announced that the 10-acre entertainment campus in Manassas is now officially NOVA LIVE.

The rebrand reflects more than a name change. According to a press release from Visit Prince William, it signals a “new phase of growth and innovation,” including new dining options, enhanced entertainment, and even overnight accommodations on the way.

Manassas Police Chief Unveils New Vision for Department, Emphasizing Community Trust and Accountability

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen has announced a new mission, vision, and set of core values for the department, describing the changes as a foundation for how the city will be policed in the years ahead.

Keen said his recent role as Interim City Manager gave him a broader perspective on the city’s operations and allowed him to reflect on the direction of the police department. While Manassas has earned national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)—including flagship and gold standard status—Keen said it was time to reevaluate the department’s guiding principles.