Prince William County, Va. –– The political redistricting process in Prince William is a done deal for locally elected officials.
The county supervisors unanimously adopted a modified plan Tuesday night at will mandate magisterial districts for the next 10 years.
A major portion of the plan affected the Potomac Communities:
-The Dumfries Magisterial District was renamed to the Potomac Magisterial District.
-The River Oaks neighborhood remains in the Woodbridge District.
-Boundary lines were redrawn to include Freedom High School back in the Woodbridge District, after it was moved into to the Neabsco District.
-Occoquan was moved back into the Occoquan Magisterial District, after a previous plan had moved the small town into the Woodbridge District.
-The County Center development across from the Prince William County Government Center was moved back into the Neabsco District.
-The Saunders precinct was moved back into the Coles District.
Prior to adopting this redistricting plan that has seven magisterial districts and a target population of 57,429 residents in each district, county officials considered a map with eight districts. Popularity for the plan waned as residents learned it would cost at least $ 1 million to establish a new district.
And when it came to renaming the Dumfries Magisterial District to Potomac, which is located near the river itself, the elected of the leaders of the Town of Dumfries (which is independent from the magisterial district) all balked at the idea.
But supervisors and residents who live in the district liked the idea, and were urged in 2002 to change the name of the district.
“This was not some willy-nilly thing that was dreamt of by any member of this board, the urban development institute suggested that we start to connect as we start to develop the route 1 corridor, that we start to make the connection between the river front and other beautiful features that we have in the county and try to highlight those,” said Board Chairman Corey Stewart.
Stewart’s office also reached a consensus with the NAACP and the Human Rights Commission who last week protested a proposed movement of the River Oaks neighborhood into what is now the Potomac District.
Because the county is forbidden to ratify its own redistricting plan by the 1964 Voters Rights Act, the plan must now go to the U.S. Department for final approval.
By law, supervisors every 10 years must evaluate the magisterial districts to account for population change.
In the past 10 years, Prince William County’s population has grown by 43 percent, from 280,813 to 402,002, according to census data.
Recent Stories
Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors easily approved the fiscal year 2025 budget with a few changes on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to take effect on July 1.
School officials in Prince William County say Antisemitic symbols were found painted on the side of Coles Elementary and Benton Middle schools near Woodbridge.
Manassas City Council held a public hearing on the city’s budget, as residents once again are facing the prospect of paying more in taxes.
On April 22, 2024, at approximately 2:16 a.m., the Manassas City Police Department responded to a 911 call for shots fired in the 9100 block of Winterset Drive.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
