MANASSAS — At a Tuesday morning meeting at the Manassas Chamber of Commerce, a trio of mayors from towns in Prince William County related their plans and successes in bringing new economic opportunities to their respective towns.
Mayors David Leake of Haymarket, Earnie Porta of Occoquan, Derrick Wood of Dumfries all discussed their recent experiences as part of the CC’s “Meet the Mayors” event. The trio discussed clearing out blighted and unused areas of their towns to make way for new projects and business opportunities.
Leake discussed taking advantage of tourism dollars by attracting Hilton a Hilton Garden Inn to the town. Its corporate offices based in McLean, Hilton is expected to build a The new 110 room hotel that will come complete with a restaurant and bar. The new hotel is expected to attract at least 900 900,000 visitors a year and bring in and about $110 million in revenue to the town over 12 years. Â
But just attracting new businesses was only one aspect as Leake also discussed saving money by housing the town’s police department and municipal offices all in one building, spending $150,000 on exterior renovations instead of spending an anticipated $1.1 million quoted cost for a new town hall.
Porta discussed how revenue from businesses has been the biggest source of revenue for the Town of Occoquan. Various revenue streams such as meals taxes from restaurants, real-estate, and BPOL (Business Professional Occupation License) taxes have all been large contributions to the town’s coffers.
Porta also discussed a large development project that is slated to start in September. The at the old dry docks that run from the town hall down to Mill Street. It will be redeveloped into one large structure, a new housing complex that will hold 88 one and two-bedroom homes, at least five new stores, and a parking garage. The permitting process is expected to begin in September.Â
Wood discussed the ongoing and potential in continued growth in Dumfries, and his hopes of turning the town into “a destination that people would drive to rather than drive through.” One part of the initiative involves the Route 1 Widening Project, partially funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) with the hope that it will allow for new opportunities to come into the town.
According to Wood, the population of Dumfries is expected to grow by 30% over the next 5 to ten years. Another potential source of revenue for the town would a gaming tax. Colonial Downs is looking to open an off-track betting site in the town that would allow bettors to play the horses without having to come to the track itself.Â
The referendum will be on the ballot in November.
Mayor Wood also discussed trying to save revenue, he discussed having taken the option of buying a building for the new town hall for $7 million instead of building a completely new building which would have cost $11 million. Wood also discussed that a DMV Select would soon be opening in that very building next Monday.Â
Town officials have yet to provide any information to Potomac Local on how much the new DMV office will cost taxpayers.
The meeting ended with a short question and answer session before the event wrapped up.Â
Mayor Kevin Brown, of Quantico, the fourth town in Prince William County, was also slated to attend but did not show up.
Editors note: This post has been corrected.
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Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Meet Daphne, a sweet 2-year-old pup with a personality that’s as fun as it is adorable! Daphne came to the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter as a stray, and while she was a bit reserved at first, she’s now blossomed into a lively, energetic, and curious girl who loves attention.
This lovable dog walks wonderfully on a leash and enjoys exploring the outdoors. She’s eager to learn new things and thrives on positive interactions with people. While Daphne is quiet and calm in her kennel, her excitement is evident every time someone walks by—she’s always ready for a chance to play and explore outside.
If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
Do you have an upcoming event to share? Submitting it to our community events calendar is easy and free! Just fill out our event submission form at this link. Include all the essential details, and we’ll help spread the word about your event to our readers.
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.
