STAFFORD — Stafford County won’t see an expansive new courthouse as originally envisioned.
Instead of a $70 million full campus renovation, county leaders decided to renovate only the Circuit Court, bringing the price tag to $26 million.
County officials say “[The full renovation of the courthouse presented] challenges in meeting obligations, impacts of growth, and planning for the future led to a proposed change in funding strategy.”
Courtrooms will be retrofitted instead of being completely rebuilt or renovated. Prior to the decision to scale back plans for a new courthouse, the project was the most expensive in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan, leaving elected officials wrangling with how to pay for it.
A new courthouse was also the centerpiece of a plan to create a pedestrian-friendly Downtown Stafford.
The courthouse has long needed a renovation as county judges have actively been pushing for a renewal or rebuild of the courthouse since 2000.
This year, Circuit Court Judge Victoria Willis judge recused herself from a lawsuit filed against the county over Stafford’s revised cluster development ordinance that limited that restricted the areas of the county where new homes can be built lawsuit, recused herself from hearing the case because she threatened to sue the county if the Board of Supervisors didn’t include a courthouse renovation in its Capital Improvement Plan.
Rockhill District Supervisor Wendy Maurer this past summer reported to the Board that she had received a call from a judge who was threatening to sue the county. Maurer did not name the judge but said that it concerned her of the pending court cases against the county.
“I think we need to look into whether or not it’s appropriate to have our cases heard by the same people who are threatening to sue us,” Maurer said in July.
STAFFORD -- Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner has followed through with a promise to draft a policy that will allow transgender students to use the locker and bathrooms of their choice.
The policy will allow transgender students to use the locker rooms that correspond with their self-identified gender identity. They’ll need a confirmation letter from either a parent, health care provider, school staff member familiar with the student or other family members or friends to do so, according to the new policy.
The Stafford County School Board is set to hear the new policy on Tuesday night.
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STAFFORD — There are new delays in Stafford County’s effort to expand bike and walking trails in the county.
Leaders late last month once again approved an extension to allow staff to prolong to February 19 the study period for the planned bike and pedestrian trails throughout Stafford.
According to county officials, county staff members require additional time to draft an official plan, hold public hearings, and present the information to the Planning Commission, who will make the final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
A major piece of the proposal is a bike lane on Route 1 that would start at Courthouse Road and extend to Fredericksburg. There are also plans to expand the US Bike Route 1, a major bicycle route in Virginia, on Deacon Road and Brooke Road.
The plan is to extend the bike lane to Leeland Road and extend to Potomac Run Road. If officials follow through on the plans for these shared use paths, one could get to Shelton Shop and Mine Road from Courthouse Road by walking, biking, or running across the path.
Two public workshops at the end of August and conducted an online survey to gain input from residents.
The current bike and pedestrian facilities are located on Deacon Road, Courthouse Road and next to the Rappahannock River.
The idea of a more connected Stafford County started back in 1996 when the Board of Supervisors first proposed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilitates Plan as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Supervisors started talking about it again in 2016.
The effort to identify where the new trails will go is halfway completed, according to officials, as county staff had to gather information, prepare a draft of preparation, and reach out to the public to get their input. The county now just has to prepare a final draft of the trails, hold public hearings, and adopt the plan.
There is no date set for the Board of Supervisors to vote on the trails.
The approval of the time extension was approved by the Board, unanimously, as part of the consent agenda. There was no public discussion from the Board.
On July 10, the Board originally granted an extension of the first time limit to November 30, 2018.
STAFFORD — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors put new stricter rules in place for septic systems.
The new ordinance adopted on Nov. 7 requires inspection and enforcement to ensure that these systems are running smoothly.
Stafford County residents have experienced problems when using community septic systems which are located in common open space such as a neighborhood. They are usually maintained by a homeowners association.
Many of these failed systems were developed decades ago.
“The older systems, which were established 30 to 40 years ago would be referred to as a mass drain field,” said Jason Towery, director of utilities.
The issue was originally brought up by the Stafford County Planning Commission when subdivisions Canterbury Estates, Mussleman’s Mobile Home Park, Calvin Court Mobile Home Park, and Hope Springs Marina said septic systems around them were failing.
According to state law, the county cannot require a developer to hire a private utility company to install a septic system in a subdivision of fewer than 50 lots.
Most developers in Stafford, however, will build around 45 to 49 houses during each phase on construction to avoid paying a private utility company for their services. Hartwood Supervisor Gary Snellings said a new development is being built near the Rappahonack River and that the developer plans to build 49 houses during the first phase and seven during the second phase to avoid paying for a private utility company.
The developers who use the loophole in the law have used the mass drainfield system instead of a septic system built by a private utility company.
Since 2004, The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) requires that owners of alternative septic systems, ones that are built by private utility companies, to perform yearly maintenance of the system but were not allowed to require documentation of such maintenance until 2011. Since 2004, the VDH says that they’ve had about 40% compliance through voluntary testing.
Rock Hill Supervisor Wendy Maurer appeared frustrated with the lack of compliance and authority that the VDH has over the septic system inspections.
“My job isn’t to tell the VDH what to do,” Maurer said. “Although it appears I’m giving them 50 percent of their funding. My job is to protect my citizens.”
An HOA could hire a company to maintain the septic systems and drain fields. State law says that an HOA is supposed to have a licensed operator to operate the septic systems. It’s also up to the HOA to ensure that operations are running properly.
The county has started to refer engineers to the affected communities.
FREDERICKSBURG — Baseball is coming to Fredericksburg.
“Let’s play ball!’ Mayor Katherine Greenlaw said as she donned a baseball cap to approve the Potomac Nationals move to the city from Woodbridge, its neighbor to the north.
City Officials unanimously approved an agreement with the Potomac Nationals and team owner Art Silber to bring the Minor League team to Fredericksburg. The council also agreed to allow the $35 million stadium to be built and funded by the team with public backing.
The P-Nats proposed a stadium resolution that would be privately funded by team owner Art Silber, with financial component from the city of Fredericksburg and Mary Washington Healthcare, the current investor.
City taxpayers will be on the hook for an annual $1.05 million payment to the Silber family. City economic development director Bill Freehling says the city’s financial support should help the family secure bank loan to build the stadium.
In exchange, the city will enjoy use of the stadium for concerts half of the year when not in use by the team, branding through advertising at the stadium, and a box suite to entertain guests.
“We believe we will be able to make it up through revenues generated by the stadium,” said Freehling.
Mary Washington will not have naming rights to the stadium but will also benefit from advertising there, added Freehling.
The deal differs from last year’s failed effort in Prince William County when officials in that county were exploring the sale of bonds to back the stadium that would have been built between Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Wegmans grocery store at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center.
The county is now exploring the option of building a parking garage on that site.
The stadium in Fredericksburg will be located on Celebrate Virginia South, near Wegmans grocery store and the Fredericksburg Expo Center.
“I am very excited for this,” Councilman Matthew Kelly said. “This idea started in a booth at 2400 Diner in Downtown Fredericksburg.”
“This property has been worth the wait,” Councilwoman Kerry Devine said. “Let’s play ball.”
The club will not be able to relocate during its 30-year contract. This wasn’t the case in Prince William County, where officials were concerned that, despite any county investment, Minor League Baseball could order the team to relocate to another city despite assurances from Silber he wouldn’t support such a move.
The team has agreed with CVAS Stadium LLC (an affiliate of the Silver Cos.) to build the stadium and the required parking lot being built near the Fredericksburg Expo Center.
The P-Nats are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Many players stop by and play for the team while on their way to the Major Leagues.
The P-Nats have played in the newly renamed Northwest Federal Field at Richard G. Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge for 34 years and failed minor league playing field standards in 2011.
The current plan for seating in the stadium is along the first and third baselines and around home plate. The stadium would be constructed so that crowd noise and sound from the stadium’s public address system will be directed toward centerfield away from any surrounding neighborhoods that are located around the stadium.
The team and the city’s plan to have the stadium ready to play ball by Opening Day 2020.
The council also met to discuss amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan to move the Potomac Nationals to the city.
The city amended their current comprehensive plan to bring the P-Nats to Fredericksburg. The current Comprehensive Plan calls for a Minor League Baseball stadium in Celebrate Virginia South, but it does not mention significant public support and use of the facility.
The first amendment to the comprehensive plan includes transportation. The amendment includes a realignment of Celebrate Virginia South. The changes include the creation of a network of a collection of streets tied into the proposed interstate interchange.
The second amendment includes a need to have an empty portion of the Carl D. Silver Parkway right-of-way realigned.
The current general development plan shows a future extension of the parkway that would extend right through the middle of the stadium property. The proposed realignment would curve around the stadium and would allow a potential Intersection with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard.
Both amendments were approved unanimously by the council.
Fredericksburg originally tried to acquire the Hagerstown Suns in 2013, but the deal ultimately fell through because the team and the city could not agree on who would build the parking lot.
Minor League Baseball is expected to approve the relocation of the team to Fredericksburg.
NORTH STAFFORD -- A new car wash could soon be built next to North Stafford High School.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 16 heard the case for a conditional use permit to that would allow owner Donn Hart to open Patriot’s Crossing Car Wash on Garrisonville Road near the school.
The issue seen with the soon-to-be car wash’s location is the proximity to North Stafford High School.
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FREDERICKSBURG — The Fredericksburg City Council met Tuesday to discuss three issues that have arisen with the Potomac Nationals move from Woodbridge to the city.
The P-Nats proposed a stadium resolution that would be privately funded by team owner Art Silber and Mary Washington Healthcare, the current investor. The stadium would be located on Celebrate Virginia South, near Wegmans grocery store and the Fredericksburg Expo Center.
The city’s Planning Commission amended their current comprehensive plan to bring the P-Nats to Fredericksburg. The current Comprehensive Plan calls for a Minor League Baseball stadium in Celebrate Virginia South, but it does not mention significant public support and use of the facility.
The original letter of intent was agreed upon by the city and club owner Art Silber in July. The city will contribute $1.05 million each year to the team for 30 years.
The amendments to the comprehensive plan include the city’s right to use the stadium during the off-season (starting about September 1).
The second amendment to the comprehensive plan includes transportation. The amendment includes a realignment of Celebrate Virginia South. The changes include the creation of a network of a collection of streets tied into the proposed interstate interchange.
The third amendment includes a need to have an empty portion of the Carl D. Silver Parkway right-of-way realigned. The current general development plan shows a future extension of the parkway that would extend right through the middle of the stadium property. The proposed realignment would curve around the stadium and would allow a potential Intersection with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard.
No action took place on the proposed amendments. Instead, the city will hold another public hearing about the proposed amendments and an update on the stadium process and take action on the amendments to the comprehensive plan on Tuesday, November 13.
The current plan for seating in the stadium is along the first and third baselines and around home plate. The stadium would be constructed so that crowd noise and sound from the stadium’s public address system will be directed toward centerfield away from any surrounding neighborhoods that are located around the stadium.
The stadium could also be a future venue for music concerts.
The Potomac Nationals are currently in the midst of the 120-day study period in order for the stadium to be built. Not only are they seeking approval from the city they also need approval from Minor League Baseball and the Carolina League.
The city calls for a shared parking agreement between the Expo Center and the proposed stadium.
The team and the city’s plan to have the stadium ready to play ball by Opening Day 2020.
Fredericksburg originally tried to acquire the Hagerstown Suns in 2013 but the deal ultimately fell through because the team and the city could not agree on who would build the parking lot.
Team Coverage
FREDERICKSBURG — A heated Congressional midterm race in Virginia’s First District between incumbent Rob Wittman (R) and challenger Vangie Williams (D) took part in a debate at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg on Monday night.
Both candidates answered controversial questions that came from moderators or the audience who wrote questions on index cards before the debate started.
Both Wittman and Williams alternated who would answer questions first. Each candidate was given two minutes to answer each question. The candidate that answered the question first was allowed to rebuttal the claims made against them.
There was no easy or warm-up question. The debate started controversially as moderator and Political Science Professor Dr. Steven Farnsworth asked about the Affordable Care Act.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) or more widely known as “Obamacare” enacted by Congress in 2010 and signed into law by President Obama. The ACA was the largest expansion of Medicare and Medicaid since both programs passed in 1965. Obamacare allowed more access to health care for people who previously couldn’t afford it.
“As I talk with the people across the first district they do not want a government take over [of healthcare],” Wittman said.
“Congressman Wittman has been in office for 11 years and his party has been in control for the most part,” Williams claimed. “They have done nothing.”
Illegal Immigration has become a hot topic over the past few years with the Trump Administration wishing to “build the wall” and Democrats strongly opposing the wall.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has become a hot topic and poker piece for both Republicans and Democrats during the budget process earlier this year.
DACA is an American immigration policy that allows some individuals who were brought to the United States illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit in the U.S.
“If an immigrant comes to America they must do so legally,” Williams said, drawing a few groans from her supporters.
“Our current immigration system is broken […] We are a country of laws,” Wittman said.
With the debate taking place at a college a question, the candidates were asked about the issue of student loan debt.
About 44.5 million former and current college students have some form of student loan debt. They owe about $1.5 trillion in debt. The average college student that graduated from college in 2016 owes $28,446 in student loans.
“The debt crisis has gotten out of control,” Williams said. “There are no incentives for colleges to help their students out. We [Congress] are going to find a way to help pay off student debt.”
“We have to emphasize Career and Technical Education. (CTE)” Wittman said. “Both should be equally represented, CTE and college education.”
Williams’ tagline of the night was “We Deserve Better” when she was referring to her statements against Wittman.
Following the debate, Wittman stayed at the debate center an hour after the event to talk to anyone who wanted to continue the conversation about current issues.
Williams stayed for about 10 minutes for photos then left and was spotted at a nearby restaurant with a small group of her supporters.
Wittman was first elected during a special election in December 2007 after the death of former Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. Wittman was reelected in 2016 for his fifth full term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Wittman has also served on the Monnstrass Town Council, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, and Virginia House of Delegates.
Williams has never run for political office but is a longtime resident of King George County. Williams is a strategic planner and a mother of six daughters. Williams currently works full-time for a government contractor as a Strategic Planner/Senior Project Control Principal.
STAFFORD -- Residents are speaking out after, a transgender student at Stafford Middle School was barred from using both boys and girls locker rooms during a lockdown drill in which a child was forced to sit in the bleachers alone.
It happened last week during a drill, which is common within Stafford County Public Schools. Two drills have taken place already this school year.
Students in the entire building participate in these simulated drills so that they will know what to do if a school shooting were to occur.
