Woodbridge, Va. — Almost a precursor of things to come, a project map depicting a wider U.S. 1 shows the Holly Acres Mobile Home Park being flooded and made into a retention pond sitting in a flood plain.
Holly Acres, located along Marumsco Creek in Woodbridge off U.S. 1, flooded last week not from a man-made event but did so after rains from Tropical Storm Lee inundated the region and putting the neighborhood and surrounding businesses under 10 feet of water. Nearly 100 people were forced from their homes and into a Red Cross shelter at the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center.
The map, produced by the Virginia Department of Transportation in March, is featured on the transportation agency’s website for a $236 million project to widen highway from four to six lanes. But residents now reeling after their homes were condemned, they already know what their neighborhood looks like underwater.
“We want a new home. We need help from [Prince William County officials], we need help finding a new home,” said Patricia Ochoa
Ochoa and 30 to 40 other families have until Friday to find a new place to live as the Red Cross shelter they are in will close permanently. Several funds have been set up for the victims, but on Tuesday they demanded county officials keep the shelter open longer.
“We requested an extension for keeping the shelter open, all the people who lose everything will get some economic assistance, help them find a home,” said Ricardo Juarez with Mexicans Without Borders. “We’re not asking for one week or two weeks, we are asking [for officials to keep it open] until they get a new home.”
County officials say they are doing all they can to help the victims, but apparently Prince William Board Chair Corey Stewart says the federal government should step in and do more.
Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell declared a state of emergency after the flood waters receded, but it’s not enough to prompt an automatic federal response.
“…To my knowledge he has not yet made a request through FEMA for a federal major disaster or emergency declaration,” Connolly stated in a letter to Stewart and county officials. “Given this set of facts, it would be appropriate for Prince William County to ask Governor McDonnell to request a federal major disaster or emergency declaration,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11, Fairfax, Prince William).
Connolly also offered his help in drafting a letter to the governor asking for federal assistance for the county.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include: Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
? A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?
?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
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:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
