Potomac Local News

Prince William County Mulls Ending By-Right Data Center Development – A Move That Could Save Jiffy Lube Live

Published July 20, 2026 at 7:56AM

“The Prince William County Planning Commission voted earlier this week to recommend that the county stop allowing data centers to build ‘by right,’ or without county approval – a move that could keep Jiffy Lube Live and other key areas from being swallowed up by computer server farms,” Prince William Times reported. The commission voted 5-2 to recommend shrinking the data center opportunity zone overlay district from about 9,700 acres to 3,500 acres, requiring special use permits for new projects and removing sites like Jiffy Lube Live and planned school land from by-right development.

This proposal, advanced by local leaders including Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson and Supervisor Tom Gordy, addresses long-standing concerns over skyrocketing land values and data center proliferation in Northern Virginia, with 148 facilities already built, under construction, or planned in the county. Supervisors are expected to consider the zoning text amendment in September.

Stafford

Stafford County Pools Now Open Following Woodlands Closure

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 20, 2026 at 7:50AM

Woodlands Pool

Stafford County Government reported that Curtis Pool and Woodlands Pool are both open as of Sunday, July 19. The county had closed Woodlands Pool on July 16 after a glass item broke and entered the pool, but it has since reopened following cleaning and safety inspections.

Stafford County Parks and Recreation continues to prioritize patron safety while managing summer recreation programs, with updates provided for any rescheduled rentals or lessons. This ensures local families in Northern Virginia have access to public pools during the warm season.

Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Shoot Down Two Proposed Lines for Nokesville to Bristow Transmission Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 20, 2026 at 7:44AM

Gordy

InsideNova reported that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution eliminating the “blue” and “light blue” routes for Dominion Energy’s Nokesville to Bristow 230 kilovolt transmission line project across county property. The board stated it does not support granting Dominion access to county easements for Routes 5 and 12.

The decision, praised by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, protects areas like Broad Run Linear Park’s tree preserve and reflects strong community advocacy from neighborhoods including Braemar and Victory Lakes. Dominion Energy confirmed the blue route’s elimination, with the State Corporation Commission set to make the final call and a community meeting scheduled for July 23 at Patriot High School.

Virginia

Virginia Loses More Jobs Than Any Other State, Ranks 48th in Growth

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 20, 2026 at 7:42AM

Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“Over the past year, Virginia has lost more jobs than any other state,” Cardinal News reported. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the Commonwealth shed 51,400 jobs from May 2025 to May 2026, with heavy losses in federal positions and professional services, placing it 48th nationally for job growth.

Northern Virginia communities, heavily tied to federal contracting, face heightened risks as manufacturing declines accelerate and a gap widens with neighboring North Carolina, despite Virginia’s solid CNBC business climate ranking.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Council Boosts Downtown Noise Enforcement and Plans 2027 Legislative Push

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 17, 2026 at 10:36AM

Fredericksburg City Council addressed ongoing resident complaints about excessive vehicle noise in the downtown area during its recent meeting, reaffirming enforcement efforts and outlining plans for future state-level action.

Council members noted persistent issues with loud vehicles, particularly during pleasant weather when residents and visitors are dining outdoors or strolling the streets. The city has advocated for years for legislation enabling automated enforcement technology.

Prince William

Prince William County Outdoor Pools and Waterparks Closed Due to Code Red Air Quality Alert

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 17, 2026 at 10:30AM

Prince William County Parks & Recreation reported that due to the Code Red air quality alert, all county-operated outdoor pools and waterparks are closed today, though the sprayground at Catharpin Regional Park will remain open. Tonight’s Fridays at 5 Concert with Leroy Burks & The Voodoo Whiskey Band has been rescheduled to Friday, August 14.

Residents in Northern Virginia should continue monitoring local air quality conditions, as additional updates on closings and events will be shared as they become available.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Fatal Crash Investigation, Assaults in Area

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 17, 2026 at 9:52AM | Updated July 20, 2026 at 7:58AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Other incidents include the strong-arm robbery of a 12-year-old boy’s e-bike in Woodbridge and multiple public intoxication arrests in Stafford, including one involving a felon with a firearm.

This daily police blotter summarizes notable incidents reported by local agencies.

Traffic

Drivers Get 30-Day Warning at New Manassas Red Light Camera Spot

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 17, 2026 at 9:47AM

Manassas officials will begin a 30-day warning period today at the intersection of Liberia Avenue and Wellington Road as part of the city’s photo red light enforcement program.

Traffic safety studies showed enough violations and crashes at the spot to add cameras there. The warning period runs through Aug. 16, after which active enforcement starts and citations can be issued. A Manassas City Police officer reviews every potential violation before any ticket goes out.

Traffic

Route 1 Intersection Improvements Completed in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 17, 2026 at 9:47AM

The City of Fredericksburg announced that construction is complete on safety and traffic flow enhancements at two key Route 1 intersections, at Fall Hill Avenue and at Hanson Avenue/Princess Anne Street. Improvements include new crosswalks with pedestrian signals, extended turn lanes, raised medians, and updated traffic signals, with all vehicle lanes now open.

The projects, which began in December 2024, enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians in the historic city along a major Northern Virginia corridor, with final cleanup underway and additional paving planned for 2027.