City leaders on Monday night authorized the city manager to install up to 10 cameras at problem intersections in the city where drivers are known to run red lights.

Officials have not said where or when the new cameras will be installed. “Our goal here is to reduce driver behavior at the most troubled intersections,” said Manassas Police Chief Douglas Keen said.

It’s likely one of the cameras will go up at Route 28 and Liberia Avenue. It has the highest crash rate in the city, said Keen.

The city will partner with private firm Conduent, which will install the cameras, as well as process summonses for red-light runners. When Conduent sees a violation, it sends a photo of the vehicle to the city police for review.

If police, in fact, see a violation, Conduent then uses license plate information captured in the photo to mail the driver a fine of up to $50. That fine will not include court costs, according to city documents.

Councilman Ralph Smith asked if photos will capture the driver of the car. Keen assured him that only the vehicle will appear in the photos.

Councilwoman Theresa Coates-Ellis asked about how many violations there are. Keen said at least one intersection has seen 100 violations in a 24-hour period.

Councilman Mark Wolfe asked if the new cameras would encourage drivers to stop suddenly at red lights, potentially causing crashes. Keen said that’s less of a concern, and that he’s more focused on the potential of reducing the number of red-light violations by 50% as they saw in nearby Fairfax City.

Content will pay to have the photo red equipment installed in the city, taking the burden off taxpayers. Virginia only allows traffic cameras to cite red-light violations, and to be installed on school buses to take photos of vehicles that refuse to stop when the bus lights are red and stop signs are out.

Unlike in Maryland, cameras in Virginia cannot be used to monitor speeding. The cameras also cannot be used to nab uninsured drivers, according to city documents.

The city council passed the resolution to bring the cameras to the city 5-1, with Councilman Ian Lovejoy voting no.

2nd Amendment rights advocates filled the Manassas City Council Chambers urging city leaders to send a message to Richmond lawmakers — protect their rights to bear arms.

“Extreme gun control bills in Richmond are attempts to intimidate Virginia citizens,” Kevin Leigh told city council members.

“I’m a law-abiding citizen, always have been,” added Tom Robinson, a city resident. “If these laws are passed, I could be a felon and that bothers me tremendously.”

They’re referring to Virginia Senate Bill 16, legislation from Falls Church Senator Dick Saslaw that makes selling, renting, trading, making, or transporting an assault rifle from another state into Virginia a felony.

The bill also aims to limit the number of rounds in a gun magazine to seven.

Stasia Jennings, who served in the Marines and Army Reserve said “she spent her entire adult life-supporting and defending the constitution” and wants the city council to join at least 20 other Virginia localities that have all adopted 2nd Amendment Sanctuary policies to:

1: Promise to defend the enshrined right in the U.S. Constitution to bear arms
2: Send a message to legislators in Richmond not to support Saslaw’s bill

Their comments come the day before leaders in neighboring Prince Willam County will take up a resolution introduced by Corey Stewart, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman, At-large, that would make the county a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary.

The Board is expected to vote Tuesday night, and it will be Stewart’s last meeting on the Board of County Supervisors after nearly 16 years on the job. The woman who will replace him in January, Ann Wheeler, has vowed to overturn the resolution if it passes.

Earlier this month, the Manassas City Council went the opposite direction of a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary and called on Richmond lawmakers to enact stricter gun measures.

Potomac Local asked subscribers whether or not Prince William and Stafford counties (Stafford leaders will take up a 2nd Amendment resolution on December 17) should enact 2nd Amendment policies. A total of 54% of respondents said no.

As both Manassas and Manassas Park talk about exiting the Prince William County Public Library System, changes are coming to the library residents of these cities use most.

Central Library, located at 8601 Mathis Avenue in Manassas, will close Jan. 15, 2020 for renovations. When it reopens in June, it will be the home to the Ruth E. Loyd Information Center (RELIC), a center devoted to genealogy and Prince William County history.

RELIC will move from the nearby Bull Run Library on Ashton Avenue to Central, where a reading room named for Loyd — who, in 1952, pushed for further development in Virginia’s public library systems.

“I will be losing some positions with the change at Central, and it’s kind of a win-win because it strengthens Central in its new format…” Prince William County Public Library Director Deborah Wright told the county’s Library Trustee Board at its December 5 meeting.

RELIC will take up about 3,000 square feet in the 22,000-square-foot Central Library. There was some surprise among the Trustee Board that Central had adequate space enough to accommodate the research center.

The rear of the Central Library will be used for additional storage space, which is needed within the system, as new libraries, like the one in Montclair that opened in 2015, were built without enough adequate storage space, Wright told the Trustees.

The Trustees were asked to vote on the temporary closure of Central, and they passed the resolution unanimously. However, the Prince William County Government posted a press release to its website on Monday, Nov. 18 outlining the closure and planned renovations before the Trustees voted on the measure.

A new makerspace is likely to replace RELIC at Bull Run Libary. Traditionally, these collaborative spaces allow people to use high-tech tools like 3-D printers, or no-tech tools like soldering irons to creating objects or products.

Central Library is the closest to Manassas and Manassas Park and is the location most used by residents of those two cities. The current library agreement allows residents of those cities to use any Prince William Public Library Branch.

Central Library users are encouraged to use other branches during Central’s six-month closure.

Manassas City is looking into the possibility of opening a new library in the Wellington Shopping Center, at the intersection of Wellington and Dumfries roads and outsourcing the operation of the library to a private firm.

Potomac Local has learned that some who sit on the city council would like to renegotiate the existing shared-services agreement between the city and the county library, which expires on June 30, 2020.

The Manassas City Council has urged the General Assembly to support gun safety legislation including:

• Initiatives to improve enforcement of existing laws and defend against efforts to weaken them;
• “Red flag” legislation, while preserving due process, to properly allow an appropriate court to temporarily limit an individual’s access to firearms when they have deemed to be a threat to themselves or others;
• Eliminate potential background check loopholes by requiring background checks for all gun purchases through a Federal Firearms License
• Support laws to limit child access to firearms to reduce adolescent suicides and accidental adolescent shootings.

At a city council meeting on November 25, Councilman Mark Wolfe motioned for the resolution and Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky seconded it. All members except voted yes, except Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis, who abstained from the vote.

The vote comes after a city council a work session on November 21, when the council members were given the Resolution to support Virginia General Assembly action to Address Gun Violence in Virginia

Wolfe had drafted the initial resolution.

On October 28, Mark Wolfe spoke to the city council and the citizens about gun violence. “I am appalled at our lack of action and, as leaders, it is our job to incite action.”

Wolfe said He said that they don’t have the power to do anything locally, but they do have the power to make their voices heard.

A pair of bald eagles have nested in Manassas for years. 

Now, a documentary about the birds seeks to draw attention to the birds and the possible threat to their habitat as new houses and a hotel are going up on the city’s last piece of developable land: the Landing at Cannon Branch at Godwin Drive and Gateway Boulevard.

According to filmmaker Victor Rook, the eagles were first threatened in 2015 when a utility trench was built 300 feet away from their nest.

• The following year, two mixed-use warehouses were built in the field next to their nest. 
• “The eagles must now attempt to raise young while 18-wheelers zigzag around the back of the buildings just feet from the nest tree,” Rook wrote.

His film, “Who’s Protecting Our National Bird?” details the continued disturbance of the eagles’ feeding grounds, which is a pond a half-mile away from where the Landing at Cannon Branch is being built.

Manassas officials previously addressed these concerns in a press release about the eagles in 2016.

• “It was first released in July 2016 when construction began for the below-referenced property (which is near but not included within The Landing at Cannon Branch),” said Nicole Smith, Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Manassas. “Since then, the Eagles have continued to thrive and we’ve not been made aware of any issues related to their welfare,” Smith said.  

City officials provided me this statement:

There have been some questions regarding the work being done at 10659 and 10689 Gateway Drive adjacent to the City’s Cannon Branch Park near the eagle’s nest.  This property is owned by Southpoint Business Center, LLC.

The property owners have received approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services within the Department of the Interior to proceed with construction.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife Services has indicated that there is a window o

f opportunity between now and December 1 where building construction is permitted.  They further indicated that interior construction and minor outside construction can continue after December 1 without disturbing the nesting eagles.

The City of Manassas is very aware of the eagles nest located on City of Manassas parkland.  Where the nest is located is not part of the parcels under construction. City staff works closely with federal and state agencies to ensure the City follows all government policies and procedures; however, it is the responsibility of Fish and Wildlife to enforce federal guidelines relating to nesting eagles.  The property owner is aware of and working within all federal, state and local guidelines and permits.

Located on a large storm retention pond on Cannon Branch, just off Prince William Parkway, it is the city’s only “waterfront” property.

The Bald Eagle was removed from the list of Threatened and Endangered Species on August 9, 2007, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and they are now flourishing. 

• However, some protections still remain. 
• According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website, “Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Permits are available for some activities and actions that involve or impact bald and golden eagles.”

Apparently, that’s not enough for some bald-eagle lovers.

Rook’s press release points out that after being removed from the endangered list, construction buffers that previously existed have been downgraded to guidelines. Rook’ also claims that no Eagle Take Permit was issued during the constriction process, despite a federal requirement to get one.

• Rook explained his motivations for making the film.
• “I had never seen a bald eagle in the wild until I was 51. That’s over half a century. Though eagles are making a comeback, they still face challenges with habitat loss…” Rook states.

Buchanan Partners, who is developing the Landing at Cannon Branch, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. 

Residents expressed their ideas about what to do with a historic home, Annaburg Manor. 

• The former nursing home was purchased by the city earlier this year, and now officials need to do something with not only the 127-year-old house that sits on the site but also the surrounding land.

Members of the city council have speculated it could become a park due to its location close to downtown.

Late last month, the city took suggestions from city residents, and asked them what they think should be done with the property. 

Some of the suggestions included turning the home into a bed and breakfast, or a hotel such as the Cavalier in Virginia Beach. 

• According to Manassas City Director of Community Development Liz Via-Gossman, “The City would assess the feasibility of a privately run commercial option if proposed.  The city would not run a commercial operation.”

Some other suggestions included contacting HGTV about a show that restores old houses to see if they would restore Annaburg Manor.

• “The community has a deep passion for the house and the grounds,” Via-Gossman said.

Other suggestions included community gardens, children’s teaching gardens, chess tables, splash pads, a venue for weddings, an expansion of the Manassas Museum, and more office space. 

Next steps: According to Via-Gossman, “In the spring, we will hire a consultant to help us with a master plan for the house and grounds.  Note that no funds have been appropriated for anything other than stabilizing the house and maintaining the grounds as open space.  Any improvements are years away.”

The property is now open to the public, but the house remains closed.

Background: The city purchased the nearly four-acre property from the Prince William Hospital Corporation in July for $846,000. 

It was built as a summer home in 1892 by the Prussian entrepreneur Robert Portner, who operated a brewery in Alexandria.

City leaders envision a large retailer to be the anchor of its long-talked-about City Center development.

 A joint public hearing held on November 6 was the first step in amending the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and officials hoping this clears the way to landing their dream store. 

• “…a retail anchor is needed, along with a total footprint of 100,000 square feet of successful retail,” city manager Laslo Palko to me.
• The city is also pinning its hopes on City Center becoming a new gathering place for residents, similar to the way Manassas has transformed its downtown. 

According to Mr. Palko, an anchor tenant is a business that attracts people and more restaurants and retail to be built around it.  

• Palko adds the city expects a new four-story office building, public parking to support retail stores, and a place downtown events such as concerts, farmers markets, beer fests is what’s needed to attract a crowd. 
• A new city library, a hotel, and a sports complex could also be right for the area, he told me.

City Center is located next to city hall, and that building is in need of significant repairs.

• I’m told the city could also build a new government center along with developing City Center. 

The development could come by way of help from the private sector. 

• Palko said an expected proposal for a public-private partnership for downtown is expected in the next few weeks.
• The city will issue a request for proposals for private firms that want to invest in City Center, and the city’s Governing Body is expected to vote on them by late January or early February 2020.

The City Center is mostly vacant- right now, it has a bank and a bridal shop, with the rest of the retail space vacant. 

• Palko credits that to a parking shortage, lack of a retail anchor, and issues with the previous owner. 
• But, Palko says, “The steps we are taking now will dramatically transform the downtown and allow for a successful retail strategy.”

A Virginia Railway Express parking garage with 550 parking spaces is expected to be completed by 2022. 

• The garage is still in the design phase and is being funded by money from the Interstate 66 E-ZPass Express Lanes Outside the Beltway Project.
• The new parking deck must be opened by the time the new toll lanes on I-66 open in 2022.
• “That’s a huge win for the city, and given our current debt load we really can’t afford to borrow money at this point,” Shuemaker said. 

A series of town hall meetings on City Center is expected, in English and Spanish, is expected early next year. 

• “…we need to have the citizen input on a project this big,” Shuemaker said.

The Park joins Manassas City, as both are exploring the option of opening its own libraries.

In June 2019, the Park voted to let the current Prince William County Library agreement expire and to negotiate a new one.

• The current agreement between the two cities and the Prince William County Public Library ends July 1. 
• “We value the service provided by the Prince William Library System leadership and employees to our residents and our decision has nothing to do with the great service and hard work and dedication of their staff,” Palko said. “We are currently negotiating a partnership model vs. a one-system model [with Prince William County].

Why it matters: For years, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park have labored under a shared-services agreement that allowed residents of both cities to use county libraries.

• Both cities paid the county for use of Prince William’s libraries, and the current agreement is set to expire July 1.

Despite both cities pulling out of the agreement, the library system says it remains focused on serving the community.

• “The Prince William Public Library System continues our commitment to offer quality experiences and services to the greater Prince William community,” Prince William County Public Library spokeswoman Rachel Johnson told me. 

Manassas Park plans to open a library starting next year, with limited services at first but increased services are their financial position improves. 

• While Manassas Park does boast a large community center, we don’t yet know where the city might open its new library.

Palko said the city will explore the use of private vendors to help manage the library, but it will ultimately be under the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

• Neighboring Manassas City is also looking to open its own library in the city, under a new agreement with a private operator.

Manassas Park is in debt, and this largely factored into their decision to pull out of the agreement with Prince William County’s library system.

• “We have controlled or reduced spending across the board to deal with our high annual debt payments from debt incurred in the 2000’s,” said Palko. 
• Palko explained that the city will be able to start spending more again starting in 2023.
• “But until then we will need to find cost savings measures to get us to that point. The City does not have a Rainy Day fund right now,” Palko said, explaining that “with a recession likely prior to 2023, “we need to take all measures to prepare ourselves.”
• That includes reduced library spending.

Palko cited rising costs as one reason the city is pulling out of the county library agreement.

• “The County charge for the Library service increased from $450K to $530K this past year. This is a fixed expenditure that the City has no control over.” Palko said.

Central Library, located on Mathis Avenue in Manassas, is the oldest library in Prince William County’s Library System, and is, currently, the library branch most used by residents from both cities

• Palko also said that Manassas Park wants their own library in their jurisdiction and eventually downtown Manassas Park, across from City Hall in City Center.

While the city says it plans to officially break up with the county library system, there still may be opportunities for the city to continue working with the county’s libraries. 

• “Our goal is to actually remain within the PWC Library system in some form, and the City is currently in negotiations,” Manassas Park Mayor Jeanette Rishell told me. 
• She admits the city doesn’t yet know what form that will take.

How much money will the city save by pulling out of the county agreement?

• Palko said that is yet to be determined.

A new ABC permit allows those attending the city’s monthly First Friday events to walk around and visit the shops downtown with cups of alcohol in hand.

• The booze must have been purchased at a participating restaurant in and cup with the restaurant’s logo.
• The very first First Friday on with alcohol held in September drew about 7,000 visitors.
• That’s about 6,000 more visitors than an average First Friday event.

Why it matters: That record-breaking attendance is what is driving up the cost of security

In October 2019, the cost was $1,180 for four officers from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

• In September 2018, the cost for three police officers from 5-10 p.m. was $600.
• Back in 2017, Prince said that there were five officers detailed to First Friday from 5:30
  p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• “The ABC permit or Sip and Shop has only extended the hours for the detailed officers and road closures,” said city spokeswoman Patty Prince.

The security at First Friday entails “detailed officers on foot patrol in the event area”, according to Prince.

• Security has been provided at First Friday since its inception, Prince said.
• HMI pays those fees, she added.

According to HMI’s (Historic Manassas, Inc.) website: “First Friday events provide a fun way to interact with the community while experiencing Downtown Manassas.

• Participating First Friday locations agree to stay open until 9 p.m. and often provide a fun game, special discount, or activity that fits the shared theme for the month.”

HMI gets the majority – 58% – of its funding from the city, with an annual budget of about $475,000.

• Monies made during HMI events, like its annual Beers, Bands & BBQ, for instance, is invested back into the organization, said Board of Directors member Andrew Harrover.
• Harrover isn’t worried about the effect the increased costs will have for HMI.
• “We’re currently doing a fundraiser to help.  Also, many of those kinds of events take place when it’s warmer so we have time to figure it out.” Harrover said.