Residents filled the Prince William County Government Center on Tuesday night to oppose any new sewer lines in the Rural Crescent, an area of land between Quantico Marine Corps Base and Manassas National Battlefield.
Why it matters: The county’s planning department suggests running lines to the area where they banned today.
- This would allow for the creation of cluster subdivisions inside the rural area, where a large number of homes would be built together in an effort to preserve more land than a traditional subdivision.
- It’s one of several recommendations following a 2012 study of how to responsibly develop the rural area protected since 1998, the last large remaining large mass of rural land in the county.
Three Prince William County Supervisors on October 9 held a press conference at the government center to introduce a new ordinance aiming to halt any new development activity in the Rural Crescent.
- Last night, it failed in a 5-3 vote with only its supporters — Jeanine Lawson, Peter Candland, and Frank Principi — voting yes.
- “I believe our planning department staff is doing the right thing… but I don’t think they went far enough yet,” said Frank Principi, Woodbridge District Supervisor. “The Rural Crescent is the second-most important asset we have in Prince William County, next to Potomac and Occoquan rivers.”
Ongoing process: The Prince William County Planning Commission has yet to weigh in on the new Rural Crescent recommendations made by the Planning Department.
Leaders who voted against the new ordinance said the process has yet to play out.
- “My trust and integrity are at stake here,” said Occoquan District Supervisor Ruth Anderson, who voted against the ordinance. “I told constituents I want this process to play out…we shouldn’t even be having this discussion tonight.”
- The Planning Commission — whose eight members are appointed by the members of the Board of County Supervisors — is set to take up the Rural Crescent topic at a work session at 6 p.m. on October 23, at the county government center.
Many of the residents who spoke for the ordinance left the government center in a huff prior to the final vote.
- I heard many of them murmuring to themselves, saying “this was a waste of time,” and “they don’t care about what we think, anyway.”
Recent Stories
Stafford County Government and Stafford County Public Schools will hold a joint job fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rowser Building, 1739 Richmond Highway, Stafford.
MANASSAS, Va. — Trains will take center stage once again as Manassas hosts its 31st Annual Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded to a structure fire at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county.
OCCOQUAN, Va. — Two new historical markers have been installed in Occoquan, highlighting little-known aspects of the town’s early economic and environmental history.
Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7–11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
