The Fredericksburg City Council is finalizing plans to reduce the speed in the downtown business district from 25 mph to 20 mph.
If passed, this change would affect roads going through the downtown business district which includes Caroline, Sophia, William streets, and Lafayette Boulevard. Those streets are among the most well-traveled in the city and have a high volume of pedestrians.
Before the speed reduction's passage, Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Gerlach expressed concerns he'd received from constituents about traffic safety and what other solutions Fredericksburg would be exploring in near future. Gerlach was in favor of the speed reduction and voted for its passage.
City Manager Timothy Baroody responded to Gerlach that regular talks are being held about creating safe environments around Fredericksburg. Possibilities such as reversing one-way traffic into two-way traffic and creating additional bump-out structures to reduce speed not just downtown but throughout the city are on the table.
Baroody also informed the council that the Fredericksburg City Police Department has increased the number of speeding citations, issuing nearly 1,000 since October 2021.
Ward 1 Councilmember Jason Graham also spoke on the issue and offered other potential options that could be used on top of speed reductions that could improve public safety.
"The number of accidents and fatalities are increasing, not just in Fredericksburg but around the country," said Graham. "The citations are good, but they're not enough. I hope we take this as an intermediate step, there are other options we can pursue such as designing the streets for the speed we want. We've got a lot of options that are not just for safety but for economic development."
Economic development and public safety are key concerns of the city council that have intertwined with each other over the years as Fredericksburg continues to grow.
According to police spokeswoman Sarah Morris, the reduction in the speed limit has been a regular conversation over the last several years and was helped along by a grant that was gained by the city's Parks, Recreation, and Events Department which it received in 2018.
The grant was used in part to develop plans and shape policies to better manage public safety in the downtown area as a public venue that is quickly emerging. Morris says that the speed reduction falls in line with plans the city has had to improve safety as events such as the construction of Riverside Park and the rebuilding of the Chatham Bridge have proceeded.
"Fredericksburg's historic Downtown is buzzing with new investment and activity, and the City wishes to proactively maintain safety," says Morris. "This new initiative will be complementary to the study soon to be underway that will evaluate "one way" to "two way" street conversions. The City is also analyzing additional traffic calming measures in efforts to create multimodal harmony with the traveling public."
The Fredericksburg City Council will make its final decision on the matter at their meeting on May 1. If approved, the new ordinance would go into effect on July 1, 2022.
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With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we called some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives to ask about their visions for 2025.
Senator Mark Warner (D) said:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes major decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding, drawn from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.
Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The staff has recommended approval of the proposal, stating that it aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports commercial development in suburban areas. Additionally, the clinic’s location and intended use are consistent with the existing development pattern along Garrisonville Road.
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.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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