News - Page 11 of 1914 - Potomac Local News

Manassas Drone Company RapidFlight to Host Senator Warner

Published June 12, 2025 at 7:30AM

Virginia Senators Tim Kaine (D) and Mark Warner (D) [Photo: Germanna Community College]

The visit, scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at RapidFlight’s headquarters, 9635 Center Street, will include a live interview with the senator and a Q&A session open to guests. The event is free and hosted in coordination with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, city leaders, and RapidFlight executives.

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger confirmed the visit during her June 11 virtual address to the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, where she provided a wide-ranging update on city projects, economic development, and veteran initiatives.

Data Center Noise Still Shakes Homes in Great Oak, County Slow to Act

By Potomac Local News

Published June 11, 2025 at 2:30PM

Protesters gathered outside an Amazon data center near Manassas.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County leaders are facing mounting pressure to address noise generated by data centers, as residents—many from the Great Oak subdivision—delivered passionate testimony during the Board of County Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

The board’s discussion centered on a long-delayed draft noise ordinance aimed at controlling the low-frequency hum emitted by industrial cooling systems at massive data facilities, including nearby Amazon Web Services (AWS) sites.

Residents Allege Timbering Violations, Hostile Developer Actions Near Proposed Stafford Data Center Site

By Potomac Local News

Published June 11, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated June 11, 2025 at 2:56PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Residents living near a proposed data center site in Stafford County are raising alarms about logging activity they say violates local zoning laws, environmental protections, and community trust.

The controversy, first reported by FXBG Advance, centers on a parcel of land associated with the GWV data center project, owned by Augustine South Associates, LLC. Residents say the developer began clear-cutting trees on a portion of the 1,042-acre site beginning June 4, 2025—despite zoning that prohibits forestry activity and a proffer mandating tree preservation buffers.

Budget Plan in Manassas Park Would Cut Taxes, Raise Utility Rates

By Potomac Local News

Published June 11, 2025 at 11:15AM

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The Manassas Park Governing Body has signaled support for a balanced approach to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget that includes modest property tax relief and gradual increases in utility rates aimed at long-term sustainability.

Compromise on Budget Strategy

Manassas City Council Unanimously Adopts $512 Million Budget

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published June 11, 2025 at 9:00AM

Manassas City Council approved its fiscal year 2026 budget Monday night.

At the Monday night meeting, Manassas City Council unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, totaling more than $512 million and following months of meetings.

The budget will take effect on July 1; though the real estate tax rate will remain flat at $1.07 per $100 of assessed value, property assessments are increasing an average of 8%. The average increase for a homeowner’s tax bill is expected to be about $406 starting July 1.

Cheer Them On: Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Hits Prince William

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published June 9, 2025 at 2:30PM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Get ready to show your support as police officers and Special Olympians take part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Prince William County.

The event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Participants will gather at the Charlie T. Deane Central District Station, located at 5036 Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge, to kick off the six-mile run. The torch, symbolizing the start of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Richmond, begins its journey in Arlington and is carried by law enforcement and Special Olympians across the state.

No More Long Stays: Occoquan Clamps Down on Dock Use

By Potomac Local News

Published June 9, 2025 at 7:30AM

Occoquan riverwalk. [Photo: Occoquan Town Government Facebook page]

The council unanimously agreed to limit overnight stays at the town dock to three consecutive nights. Anyone wishing to stay longer must now obtain a special permit from Town Hall. The change follows an incident where an inoperable boat was docked for several days, during which the owner left fuel containers on-site while making repairs—raising safety alarms.

To further protect the public space, councilmembers directed staff to:

Manassas City Schools Custodian Wins RISE Award

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published June 2, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated June 6, 2025 at 10:15AM

Luis Riveron-Wong (middle) recently won the RISE Award. [Courtesy of Manassas City Public Schools]

“I felt happy, excited, grateful, valued and above all blessed,” Riveron-Wong said of winning the award. “Being recognized with this award has a very big and important meaning because it shows that I’m on the right path, that I’m doing things well and that my work is valued and appreciated by others.”

The RISE, or the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, Award is given to support staff who “go above and beyond in their service to students, staff and the broader school community,” an MCPS release stated. Nominees from each MCPS school, central office and the Transportation Department are evaluated in five areas: work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, support from colleagues and community members and enhancement of the public image of classified employees.

Prince William Finds Success with Panhandling Campaign, Will Continue in Summer

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published June 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

The amount of panhandlers recorded between June 1, 2024 and April 15, 2025 in Prince William County. [Courtesy of Prince William County]

This update on both the public campaign and outreach into the community follows more than a year of discussion at the Board level. In February 2024, a team was developed to find strategies to reduce panhandling in the county; the team determined public safety and the need for social services were a top priority.

Panhandling, according to county staff, is “someone that is out on the corner and on the median, and they are asking for money.” County staff does not consider those selling items on the side of the road as panhandlers.

Taste of Old Country Brings European Bistro Charm

By Potomac Local News

Published May 29, 2025 at 2:53PM

At Taste of Old Country, guests are treated to more than just a meal—they’re invited into an experience that combines European bistro charm with a curated gourmet market. Located at 10427 Balls Ford Road, near Manassas, this hidden gem offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere perfect for everything from casual lunches to lively evening wine tastings.

A Dining Room Draped in Greenery