Mt. Vernon, Va. –– Neighborhood improvement was the topic Saturday at the 24th Mt. Vernon Town Hall Meeting.
The doors at Mt. Vernon High School opened at 7:45 a.m. to exhibitors from businesses from around the region, as well as county agencies. Presentations from county leaders were scheduled to take place inside the school’s auditorium until 1 p.m.
Prior to the meeting, 70 residents previously formed committees and drafted guide plans for the future of the district for land use, public safety, parks and recreation and business development.
On top of Supervisor Gerry Hyland’s priorities list: Education.
“We can’t attract all of the businesses to Fairfax County unless we have a top-rate education system. All of the businesses in Tysons Corner with all those IT companies came here because they want their employees to have the top education,” said Hyland.
The challenge for politicians, he said, is finding a funding source for education. Seventy percent of the county’s public schools $2.3 billion 2011 budget comes from county taxpayers, he added.
He also talked revitalization of the U.S. 1 corridor, and how Metro’s Yellow line could play a role in sprucing up the neighborhood.
“Metro has to come down Route 1 because you have Ft. Belvoir between us and Prince William County. For us it would it would be a natural, because if you had rail coming down Route 1 you would have an opportunity for revitalization sooner rather than later,” said Hyland.
His comments follow discussion that in 2009 aimed at bringing Metro’s Blue line to Woodbridge.
If Metro rail were extended to the Potomac Communities it would benefit many federal and military workers at Ft. Belvoir – soon to be 19,300 stronger – after the military’s BRAC relocation is complete in September.
In addition to Metro, improving U.S. 1 has to be a priority, said officials.
“You can drive Route 1 south and not see any open area until you get beyond Quantico and the Stafford area. I equate what’s going on here to development of Texas, where I’m from, where you have metroplexes,” said Carr.
After BRAC, Ft. Belvoir will consist of it’s main post off U.S. 1, the Ft. Belvoir North Area west of Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, the newly constructed and massive Mark Center building off Seminary Road in Alexandria, and it will house about 1,000 employees at Rivana Station in Charlottesville.
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Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
