The Fredericksburg City Council recently heard an update on the ongoing Community Health Assessment from Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Oleg Benga Obasanyo.
Obasanyo’s presentation focused on the progress made since the last health assessment and the priorities identified for improving the well-being of the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. The three main priorities—mental health, affordable housing, and access to healthcare—remain focal points for improvement.
At the Fredericksburg City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, residents of the Mayfield community voiced growing concerns over safety and environmental risks linked to CSX railroad operations in their area.
Representing the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, Sabrina Johnson highlighted the relocation of a critical safety device, known as a derail device, near the Mayfield neighborhood. The device had been involved in a recent derailment in Cobblestone Square on July 19, 2024.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) will visit the site of a recent train derailment in Fredericksburg on August 14, 2024. The visit will occur from 8 to 9 a.m. at the VRE parking lot, specifically at the gravel lot behind VRE parking lots G & H. The entrance to the lot is located at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street. Spanberger will then travel to the Railway Yard Gate at 1400 Railroad Avenue. Members of the Fredericksburg City Council are expected to attend.
A CSX train derailed on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries were reported.
Friends of the Rappahannock and the Rappahannock Group of the Sierra Club will host an educational event on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, focusing on the data center’s impact on the community. The event will occur from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.
The event will feature a one-hour presentation delivered by staff members from both organizations. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in a Q&A session to address any inquiries or concerns.
The City’s general property re-assessment is complete. New assessment values are effective July 1, 2024. Property owners can appeal their assessments. The City Council is considering adjusting the property tax rate from $0.89 to $0.78 per $100 valuation.
Brenda Wood, the city treasurer, explained the purpose of the ordinance, stating, “The state provides the authority for a city treasurer to do this. The ordinance is for imposing a collection fee on delinquent taxes to cover administrative costs, attorney, or collection agency fees.” The ordinance sets forth a collection agency fee of up to 20% of the taxes owed and establishes a timeline for addressing delinquent status if appeals are filed in a timely manner.
During the council session, Ward 2 Councilor Gerlach expressed his support, citing his extensive experience defending individuals in debt over the past 40 years. “This is not uncommon for municipalities,” Gerlach remarked.
At a recent meeting of the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, Ward 3 Councilman Timothy Duffy commended the James Monroe High School boys basketball team for their remarkable performance in the semi-finals.
The team’s impressive 91-67 victory over visiting Booker T. Washington has set them up for an important matchup against Lake Taylor at Norfolk State University on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 8 p.m., with a chance to advance to the state championship game, reports the Fredericksburg Free Press.
hyperbole: “This Sunday, Fredericksburg bids farewell to 2023, and with it to the leadership of Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. For over 15 years (eleven as Mayor and four on City Council), Mayor Greenlaw has helped guide a growing city that’s striving to hold onto its small-town charm. As a lifelong resident, her work and efforts have touched upon local healthcare, homeless assistance, education, businesses development and the arts.”
Voters chose At-large Council member Kerry Devine to replace Greenlaw, who did not seek re-election. Devine ran unopposed.
