When Potomac Local ran this story about the Dale City K Mart closing, it generated a bittersweet moment for me.
For as long as I can remember, I have complained about the entrance to Dale City. I’ve always wanted our community to look beautiful and inviting. I’ve long hoped it would become a place to drive to, not through.
That ancient K-Mart has been an eyesore in the 30 years I’ve lived here. The huge, cracked asphalt parking lot with the newspaper dispensers, clothing receptacles and litter is an embarrassment to the Neabsco District.
Don’t think I haven’t tried through the years to help improve the appearance. I once attempted to organize a cleanup in the wooded area adjacent to K-Mart, but was told it was “dangerous for volunteers because of the homeless population” and that the land owner would take care of it. Since that time, I have repeatedly made complaints to Neighborhood Services inside the offices of Prince William County Government. My complaints would be addressed, but the trash and litter always returns.
So, I’m excited to see the K-Mart is closing, but I know it wasn’t just the store that caused a problem. The plight of the homeless population encamped at that location is a big, contributing factor. What will happen to those people in the woods once redevelopment begins? Our plans for the future simply must address the current reality.
Neabsco residents need to get involved with the “What’s next?” Prince William County staff should soon be hosting visioning sessions to get input from residents regarding renovation in that area near the exit off Interstate 95. What do you want to see happen in the Neabsco District?
Neabsco Action Alliance was formed to protect and promote the best interests of the residents of the Neabsco District and Dale City in particular. Now that I am leaving the area, I am still hoping someone will assume the NAA leadership. We have great mentorship and partnership in place. We’ve educated ourselves in how the county operates and learned what is possible for Dale City residents.
The K-Mart property is owned by a Hylton company as is all the surrounding land, except the land that has been donated to the Americans in Wartime Museum (NMAW) The Hylton family built Dale City and has made enormous contributions to our community. Now it’s time the Hylton corporations work with Prince William County and Neabsco residents to create a new beginning for Dale City.
What do you say Neabsco residents? Are you tired of coming off the 95 exit and looking right to Stonebridge and left to K-Mart? Do you want something to be proud of? It’s up to you. If you want the same old thing, just stay home and complain, but if you have vision, if you can imagine a better future, now is the time to start rallying!
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
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.
