Potomac Local News

Published July 20, 2026 at 8:50AM

As Northern Virginia grapples with housing costs and limited options for families, aging residents, and multigenerational households, the Manassas City Council is moving forward with rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align with state law while addressing local realities.

An ADU is a small secondary living space on the same property as a single-family home. Think of it as a converted garage apartment, a finished basement unit, or a modest backyard cottage — complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

Fredericksburg

Lobster, Pasta and Chef Ype Were Big Hits at Fredericksburg’s Silver Diner

By Mike Salmon

Published July 20, 2026 at 8:13AM

Chef Ype von Hengst (far left) and Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine (far right) join other local leaders and dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Silver Diner’s one-year anniversary at its Central Park location on July 26, 2026. (Photo: Mike Salmon)

It was a lobster fest at the Silver Diner in Fredericksburg on July 16, 2026, led by a well-known chef and founder in the Silver Diner world, Ype von Hengst.

He knew the exact portions by memory — except for the fresh tarragon that he threw in there for taste. “I hate measuring,” he said as he shook the pans over a gas flame in front of a large audience that had eyes on the lobster.

Obituaries

Community Mourns Beloved Montclair Waitress Peggy Curry

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 20, 2026 at 8:07AM

Peggy Curry, left, the dedicated front-of-house manager who died while working at Montclair Family Restaurant on July 11, 2026, pictured with owner Francesco Leone. Curry was a beloved community figure and seven-time Best of Prince William award winner known for her kindness and warmth.

Peggy Curry, 69, of Woodbridge, passed away July 11, 2026. She was a longtime waitress at Montclair Family Restaurant, a beloved local spot outside Dumfries where she served customers for more than 30 years.

Known affectionately as “Mom” to staff and regulars, Curry was the face of the restaurant at 17001 Dumfries Road. Many families she served as children now bring their own kids there, and the community rallied around her in the past when she faced health challenges.

Prince William

Prince William County Sees Two Traffic Deaths Days Apart

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 20, 2026 at 8:01AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

On July 18 at about 10:53 p.m., a 36-year-old man identified as Michael Hall was riding eastbound on Old Bridge Road near Colby Drive when he lost control of his 2014 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle while navigating a right curve. He crossed into the median, struck a metal sign and guardrail, and was transported to a hospital where he later died. Speed is believed to be a factor, according to police.

Earlier, on July 10 at 6:31 a.m., 78-year-old John Gregory Grace of Occoquan was struck by a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee while crossing the Gordon Boulevard entry and exit lanes at the Occoquan Commuter Lot at 1325 Old Bridge Road. Grace, who was not in a designated crosswalk, died from his injuries. The driver, Arlen Yessenia Vivas Perez, 42, of Woodbridge, remained at the scene and was later charged with disregarding a stop sign.

Prince William

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

By Uriah Kiser

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.