In an about-face, the Dumfries Town Council voted to approve a conditional use permit clearing the way for a new gaming parlor to open in the town.
The Town Council voted 5-3 Tuesday night in favor of allowing the Rosie’s, a pari-mutuel off-track betting parlor, to open in Triangle Shopping Center, located in the heart of town.
None of the details about the facility has changed. It will still have 150 gaming terminals, a bar, food, and will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
What did change? The council agreed to remove one of the conditions for the permit that required Colonial Downs Group, owner of Rosie’s chain of Virginia gaming parlors, to give $100,000 for transportation improvements for Route 1.
That requirement was a sticking point earlier this month when the council originally voted not to issue the permit for the gaming parlor. Councilman Charles Brewer said it isn’t fair to require such a fee for a business that isn’t building a new building, or one that will not have an adverse impact on traffic in the town.
Rosie’s is slated to open inside an existing 18,000 square-foot space inside Triangle Shopping Center, next to a Prince William County Public Library neighborhood branch.
After Town Mayor Derrick Wood urged the council to reconsider its vote Tuesday, and after the $100,000 requirement was stricken from the list of conditions, Brewer changed his vote.
Brewer told the audience that he moved to the Tripoli Heights neighborhood in 1983, 19 years before he was elected to the town council. Colonial Downs wanted to build a racetrack on land that is, today, the Potomac Landfill, a construction debris scrap yard.
“There were a lot of people who came into Dumfries from outside of the town talking about the evils pari-mutuel betting would bring to Dumfries. I would have rather had a racetrack than a landfill in my backyard,” said Brewer.
Prior to the vote, Colonial Downs paraded a group of its employees who traveled to Dumfries form their homes in the Richmond area, all in an effort to tout Rosie’s as a good employer.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of folks looking for entry-level work, and management,” said one employee who started as a cashier and now works as a manager. “There are a lot of misconceptions about a gaming emporium.”
There was local political might from the Richmond area, too, as New Kent County Board of Supervisors At-large member Patricia Page spoke on behalf of Colonial Downs, which operates a racetrack there. She listed the number of charitable causes the gambling firm sponsors on a regular basis. “Of all of the growing pains we’ve had in New Kent County, Colonial Downs isn’t one of them,” she said.
Those who support the project in Dumfries say the gaming parlor will attract other new businesses to the town, helping to make it a destination rather than a pass-by place on a map.
Opponents, of which there were few, included Councilwoman Cydny Neville. A school teacher by day, she said she doesn’t like the fact that the gaming parlor will open next to a library.
Colonial Downs invested heavily during the November 2019 General Election, plastering the town with signs urging town residents to vote yes to a referendum that would allow the gaming parlor to open in the town.
A total of 468 people voted for the measure, causing it to pass with more than 60% of the vote, according to the Virginia Department of Elections results.
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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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