Happy Friday, Manassas!
As the Regional Editor for Manassas, I’ll be starting a series where I preview each Manassas City Council meeting so you know what’s going on, what to listen for, and how to talk about it later.
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Manassas City Council
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As we get closer to the start of early voting for the Fall 2024 election, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.
To help voters make an informed decision, we are launching a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city.
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Manassas City Hall has reopened after significant renovations.
The building, which had remained unchanged since 1987, now features upgraded windows, an HVAC system, plumbing, an elevator, and reconfigured office space. The renovation project, initiated in 2014, cost $15.9 million and included a new roof and generator installed in 2021.
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This one’s for the people who really care about local news.
Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.
Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
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Manassas Town Council press release: Theresa Coates Ellis, Patron Manassas City Council Member of Manassas Bee Festival (June 22); Patricia Kouttab, Owner of Kerbobble Toys; Sherry Day, building owner of 9216 Center St.; Mark Olsen, Chair and Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director, Historic Manassas Inc., proudly announce the launch to create a new wall mural at an entrance to Historic Manassas on the wall of Kerbobble Toys celebrating the Bee City USA designation for the City of Manassas.
On May 2021, the Manassas City Council voted unanimously to become a Bee City USA, initiated by Council Member Coates Ellis, a trained master gardener and beekeeper. With that designation, the City must hold public awareness activities to plant native and to save our pollinators, including bees. The 4th annual Manassas Bee Festival fulfills this requirement with a free family fun and educational event held on Saturday, June 22nd from 10am to 2pm.
On Monday, May 20, 2024, the Manassas City Council will hold a joint meeting with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss the pending purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center. The City and the EDA are entering into a cooperation agreement for the acquisition and future redevelopment of the property
Tonight’s meeting will focus on finalizing the details of this cooperation agreement, ensuring both the city and EDA are aligned on the purchase and future plans for the Manassas Shopping Center. Overall, Mathis Avenue, on which the shopping center sits, has long been slated for redevelopment.
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Longtime Manassas business owner Xiao Yin (pronounced Shee-ow Yin) “Tang” Byrom has announced her candidacy for the Republican ticket for Mayor of Manassas. She will challenge incumbent Michelle Davis-Younger, the Democratic Party nominee.
Highlighting her priorities, Yin emphasized two key initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing needs of Manassas residents. First, she stressed the importance of tackling turnover in key roles within the city.
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During the council session Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Interim City Manager Douglass Keen suggested a proactive approach, recommending an incremental increase to allow for flexibility in adjusting the rate before final approval. Council members engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the potential impacts of the proposed rate.
Council member Pamela Sebeksy expressed concerns about future financial stability, citing declining revenue from gas taxes and the need to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Others, like Council member Theresa Coates Ellis, advocated for maintaining a flat tax rate, while Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna emphasized the importance of raising taxes to safeguard against future uncertainties, such as another pandemic.