DUMFRIES, Va. – The Dumfries Town Council reversed course and voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) that will allow a local business to host cultural, entertainment, and community events on its property along Washington Street.

The business, Outdoor Showplace, is located at 17715 Washington Street, directly across from Dumfries Town Hall. Known as the region’s largest fully custom landscape showroom, the two-acre property displays outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patios, water features, and more—giving customers the chance to walk through and experience sample backyard designs in a real-life setting.

With the newly approved permit, the business can now host various events, including plays, jazz nights, poetry readings, game nights, paint-and-sip events, and private celebrations such as birthday parties. The site will operate under strict conditions outlined in the permit:

• Events must end by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights

• All activities must comply with the town’s building, fire, and noise codes

• The venue must provide adequate off-street parking

According to town documents, Outdoor Showplace exceeds its required parking, with 13 spaces directly on-site and another 37 spaces—both paved and gravel—across the street at 17720 Washington Street, totaling 50.

The permit (CUP2025-001) was initially denied by the Council on June 17, 2025, amid concerns over parking and residential impact. However, the Council reconsidered after clarifying details and hearing from both the applicant and community members. On July 1, the Council voted 7-0 to rescind its earlier decision and approve the application.

“There’s nothing that really per se pushed for a hard no,” said Councilman Shaun Peete, who visited the property before the July vote. “It was more so taking into consideration the residents on the other side… to make sure that while we were to move in this direction, they would add additional parking spaces.”

Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson also cited safety concerns as her reason for initially voting no, but expressed support once those concerns were addressed.

“Now that it has been brought to our attention that everything is aligned as it needs to be, I fully support the CUP,” said Nickerson.

During the public comment period, resident Tyrone Brown urged the Council to support the permit, calling it a critical opportunity to support a long-standing local business.

“You’re dealing with someone’s livelihood,” Brown said. “How you treat your business owners that are here right now affects people who come in here.”

Outdoor Showplace is owned by Wali Hashimi, according to the CUP application. The business describes itself as a destination for contractors and homeowners to get ideas and inspiration for their outdoor living projects.

[Insert information from Town Manager Tangela Innis about the duration and renewal terms of the CUP here.]

The Dumfries Planning Commission recommended approval of the permit at its June 9 meeting.

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center marked two major milestones with a ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The practice is celebrating 10 years of serving patients across Virginia and five years at its Fredericksburg-area office, located on Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County. Founder Dr. Danielle VonDerLinden shared that her team has helped more than 16,000 patients over the past decade — totaling nearly 60,000 visits. “We think of our mission — exceeding our patients’ expectations when they choose us to be part of their health care team,” she said during the ceremony.

In a Facebook video, Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears praised the clinic for opening its Fredericksburg office in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic — and continuing to grow. “They are doing fantastic work helping our community with all needs, foot and ankle,” she said.

Virginia Delegate Bobby Orrock also attended the celebration, calling the practice a vital part of the area’s health care network.

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center has offices in both Fredericksburg and Lorton, serving patients across Northern and Central Virginia. The practice specializes in podiatric care, sports injuries, and mobile wound care for patients of all ages.

AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical giant, has chosen Virginia for its largest-ever single manufacturing investment—but officials have yet to say exactly where in the state the facility will be built.

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County is making it easier for local business owners, contractors, and developers to connect with experts—without leaving the job site or office.

On June 30, 2025, the Department of Development Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office launched a new Virtual Appointment Scheduling System. The system allows users to schedule meetings online, 24/7, and speak directly with county staff via Microsoft Teams at a time that works for them.

“We are continuously looking at our process and procedures to enhance customer services, accessibility, and convenience,” said Ginny Person, a county spokeswoman. “This latest service builds on previous efforts like SolarAPP+, our Inspection Timeframe Service, and new two-hour service email notifications.”

The virtual system opens the door for up to 34 appointments per week across three service areas:

• Commercial Walk-Thru Plan Reviews with the Fire Marshal’s Office
• Early Assistance for Commercial Project Management, which helps users assess sites and feasibility
• Plan Intake Quality Control, offering guidance on development rules and the permit process

While appointment types and availability vary by project and department, the system is designed to make it easier to ask questions, get immediate answers, and move projects forward faster.

According to Person, the county doesn’t track the number of customer meetings, only overall project cases. But officials say the virtual model is designed to increase capacity over time. Feedback from businesses during pilot testing was positive, with users citing the flexibility and convenience of meeting virtually.

“Increased customer satisfaction is a high priority for the Department of Development Services,” said Person. The department has listed customer satisfaction as one of its key performance indicators for the upcoming fiscal year.

And while the service currently focuses on commercial projects, the county may expand to include residential development and other services in the future. “As we monitor customer experiences and feedback from the launch, we will investigate new service expansion options that may be possible,” Person said.

To learn more about the virtual appointment options or to schedule a session, visit PWCWorks, call 703-792-6930, or email [email protected].

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

The funding supports the launch of the Innovation District centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The 3,800-acre district is expected to accelerate growth in sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors while helping residents build careers without leaving the region.

According to a 2024 concept plan, the Innovation District will serve as a connector between local jurisdictions, research institutions, and private industry. “Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth,” the plan states.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe of Manassas said the partnership between Manassas, Prince William County, and George Mason University leverages the area’s existing strengths. “We’ve got a critical mass of technology and brain power, and frankly, money, that can come together and create a technology hub that will benefit everyone,” Wolfe said.

The district will be guided by the Innovation District Committee, a public-private partnership chaired by Amy Adams, executive director of George Mason’s Institute for BioHealth Innovation. While the committee will oversee funding, marketing, and outreach, land use decisions will remain with Manassas and Prince William County.

Several programs will roll out over the next 18 months, including a Fall 2025 launch of an International Life Science Soft Landing Program to attract global startups, a corporate mentorship initiative for senior engineering students, and a Winter 2026 launch of a Life Science Certificate Program and Young Professionals Network.

Founding partners include George Mason University, the City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, Prince William County, and private firms such as Micron, ATCC, and Employment Enterprises. Dominion Energy, IMEG, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are also backing the effort as SciTech Innovators.

The funding will also help pay for staffing, marketing, and accelerator programming to support start-ups and existing companies in navigating regulatory pathways, building strategic plans, and connecting with investors.

“The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry,” Adams said. “It gives students and employers new ways to create real-world impact.”

MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.

According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”

“This work gives the Army a clear path forward in understanding how hybrid-electric technologies can support real operational demands, while enabling entirely new logistics capabilities,” said Donn Yates, Vice President of Government Programs at Electra. “Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft redefines what’s possible for Army Aviation with its ability to operate from small, rugged sites, reduce fuel demand, and increase flexibility for the commander.”

Electra’s EL2 prototype aircraft has already demonstrated ultra-short takeoff and landing in under 150 feet. The EL9 is designed to operate in helicopter-sized spaces and deliver mobile power, while retaining the range and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. Over the next 18 months, Electra will carry out a six-part effort that includes trade studies, operational analysis, modeling, simulation, and flight testing.

The company has previously flown the NASA Administrator aboard the EL2—the first time a U.S. government agency head has flown in an electric aircraft. This marks the sixth contract the Army has awarded to Electra to support the development of its Ultra-STOL technology.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – The Town of Occoquan is celebrating both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning.

Julie Little, who has served as the town’s Events Director for the past eight years, is retiring. Town officials praised Little for her unwavering passion, dedication, and creativity, which helped grow beloved traditions like the Craft Festivals and bring new energy to Occoquan’s calendar of events.

“Julie’s ability to bring people together made Occoquan’s events truly special,” the town shared in a statement. “She went above and beyond in everything she did, and we are deeply grateful for her service and the joyful memories she created.”

As the town wishes Little well in her next chapter, it also welcomes new creative energy to its arts community with the grand opening of Laura D Jones Fine Art at 125 Mill St, Suite #10. Laura is a contemporary visual artist whose work spans realism, impressionism, and abstract styles. Her gallery offers original artwork for sale and features a scenic studio space along the river, where she teaches art classes and accepts commissions.

You can learn more at lauradjonesart.com or stop by the gallery in person to explore her vibrant new addition to Occoquan’s creative scene.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Brew Republic Bierwerks, a longtime fixture in the Stonebridge Town Center, will permanently close its doors after nearly nine years in business.

According to a message shared by the brewery, its landlord has terminated the lease, and with the high costs of relocating and ongoing challenges in the restaurant and brewery industries, the owners have decided not to reopen elsewhere. “This isn’t the opportunity-rich environment breweries had experienced in 2016 when we opened,” they wrote.

The brewery will host a farewell celebration from July 25 to 27, inviting patrons to join them for “food, fun, alcohol, and A LOT of beer” before their final day of public service on Sunday, July 27. Specials and events are planned in the weeks leading up to the closing weekend.

Brew Republic cited a shift in landlord relations following the 2023 sale of the shopping center as a key factor in the decision.

Despite the closure, the owners expressed pride in their role as a community gathering place, noting weddings, retirements, and even a presidential inauguration beer among their many memories. They plan to sell the remaining beer and other items before closing.

On Saturday, over 200 people stood in line to check out a new habit: Habit Burger launched its first of three soft openings before opening the new Chancellor’s Crossing store on Wednesday.

The California-based company’s char-grilled burgers are the star of a menu that also features chicken, sandwiches, and unusual side dishes. The new Spotsylvania location is the company’s fifth in Virginia, joining Richmond, Chantilly, Virginia Beach, and Ashburn.

During Saturday’s soft opening, the first 200 guests received a free burger, fries, and a drink. On Monday and Tuesday, the first 200 guests were treated to free meals with expanded menu choices as the kitchen staff practiced for full service.

Local residents standing in line were grateful for cloud cover to offset the high humidity. Celine, one of the first to leave the restaurant holding her to-go bags, shared her excitement about having a Habit Burger nearby. Having been to other locations, she said the chain stands apart from others: “It’s less greasy, and it has more variety… they’re more creative with their burgers, and if you’re vegan, you can eat here too.” She also praised their selection of healthy options and recommended the tempura fried green beans.

Jim, who works at the nearby Publix and lives just minutes away, came to try out the new spot. He said he’d been priced out of other burger chains. “I went there one day and got cheeseburger, fries, and drink. It was 21 bucks. I’m like, not again. Never again.” Jim added that the growing development in Chancellor’s Crossing has helped bring more choices to the area, and residents appreciate having more options closer to their homes.

General Manager Morgan Libert greeted guests at the door, handing out flyers and keeping the line moving. “When I run out of flyers, we’re done,” he said. “We’ll repeat this on Monday and on Tuesday, and then the grand opening is Wednesday.”

David Gneckow, Habit Burger’s Opening Coordinator, said the company chose the Spotsylvania area based on several factors. “We don’t want to go in an area where people can’t afford us, because we’re not the cheapest one. But we are the one that’s cooking it fresh, that gives you the most diversity and the most variety.” He pointed out the kitchen’s lack of a freezer and emphasized the company’s commitment to freshness and service. “I can teach them fries, but I’ll never teach them to be a nice person.”

Habit Burger was recognized in the 2024 USA Today’s 10 Best awards. In addition to “Best Fast Food Burger,” the chain won “Best Fast Food Sides” for the tempura green beans.

Habit Burger’s grand opening was Wednesday, June 18. They are open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 5916 Plank Road in Spotsylvania.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg stands at a financial and commercial turning point. While city leaders report modest gains in key revenue streams like meals and sales taxes, local businesses are facing mounting pressure from rising commercial rents, fewer customers, and growing uncertainty.

At a June 10, 2025, City Council meeting, Finance Director Amanda Sicks reported that meals tax collections are up 4.6% compared to the prior year, and sales tax is flat but stable.

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