MANASSAS, Va. — The Manassas City Council voted on July 28 to allocate $985,456 from the airport fund to continue the design of a new air traffic control tower at Manassas Regional Airport, bringing the city one step closer to preparing the facility for future commercial service.

According to Airport Director Juan Rivera, the funding will bring the current 45% design plan to full completion.

“We have made it through the forty-five percent design stage, so the next step would be to take it to one hundred percent, and then included in this is also the bid and award phase,” Rivera told the council.

The proposed tower features a new base building with an air traffic control simulator and a redesigned parking layout. Rivera laid out the anticipated timeline for the project, saying, “The one hundred percent design should be completed in March of ’26. Bid the project in April ’26. Apply for BIL funding in June of ’26 and hopefully construction in September of ’26.”

Council members supported the investment, emphasizing the tower’s importance to the airport’s future.

Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna said, “I think out of everything that is happening at the airport, this is one of the most important items that we need to take care of. Even though the airport gives money to our general revenue every year… this is one step that we need to get closer.”

She added, “I hope everybody supports this.”

Councilwoman Theresa Ellis asked Rivera to confirm that the money was coming from airport revenues, not general taxpayer funds. “The airport fund is from revenue generated by airport operations and leasing of the facilities, correct?” Ellis asked.

“Yes ma’am,” Rivera responded.

The resolution passed with unanimous approval. Council members voiced support for continuing infrastructure improvements at the airport, which is the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia and has long-term plans to introduce commercial passenger flights.

The project is being funded entirely through the airport’s enterprise fund. Councilwoman Vasquez Luna noted, “This is a way to attract awards or funding for this.”

Councilwoman Ellis made the motion to approve the resolution. “Motion to approve resolution R-2026-62,” she said.

“Second,” said Councilwoman Vasquez Luna.

With the vote complete, Rivera thanked the council and noted the significance of the project’s progress.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to the long-term growth of the airport,” he said.

The air traffic control tower project comes as Manassas prepares to launch commercial airline service at its regional airport in 2026. The airport is being upgraded to accommodate aircraft like the Boeing 737-800, which is expected to be the primary commercial jet at Manassas Regional Airport.

The commercial launch was originally slated for 2025, following a franchise agreement with Avports Manassas, LLC. However, updated FAA demand forecasts and permitting challenges pushed the timeline to 2026.

The Town of Occoquan has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to help revitalize its downtown through the creation of a new public space—Mill Street Pocket Park.

The grant, announced Friday morning by Governor Glenn Youngkin, is part of a broader $5.4 million package awarded to 30 communities across the state. Funding comes through the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The initiative aims to strengthen local economies by supporting the transformation of underused spaces, growing small businesses, and revitalizing commercial districts.

Occoquan was the only locality in Northern Virginia to receive funding in this round.

“We’re pleased to share that we received notice last Friday that our grant application was selected for funding,” said Adam Linn, the town’s manager and chief of police. “While we have not yet received the official award documents or full details about the grant, we’re very excited about the opportunity.”

The $15,000 grant will support the town’s Mill Street Pocket Park Project, which aims to transform a deteriorating and underutilized structure at 172 Mill Street—formerly a pump house owned by the Prince William Service Authority—into an inviting public gathering space in the heart of downtown Occoquan.

“This community-driven placemaking initiative will breathe new life into a long-neglected former pump house… by restoring the structure, installing a large-scale public mural, and creating a surrounding pocket park designed for connection, reflection, and artistic engagement,” Linn said.

Governor Youngkin praised the grant recipients, saying the projects “will create jobs and strengthen these historic downtowns,” and described the revitalization effort as a way to bring prosperity to communities across the Commonwealth.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura added that the grants “enable Virginia to deliver targeted support for local economic development priorities.”

OCCOQUAN, Va. – In an effort to curb the spread of a harmful invasive species while offering a rare fishing opportunity in town limits, the Town of Occoquan will host the inaugural Snakehead Roundup on Sunday, August 3, from 8 to 11 p.m. at River Mill Park.

The nighttime fishing event, held in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, is designed to draw attention to the ecological threat posed by northern snakeheads — an aggressive, non-native fish that has become a persistent problem along the Occoquan River. The event is open to licensed anglers and will focus exclusively on the catch and removal of the invasive species.

“We’re excited to offer anglers a rare opportunity to fish in an area that is typically off-limits,” said Adam Linn, Town Manager and Chief of Police of Occoquan. “This event not only gives fishing enthusiasts a unique chance to test their skills but also reflects our commitment to managing invasive species in a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible way.”

Linn said the idea for the event came from ongoing issues with illegal fishing on both public and private property in town, often taking place at night when snakeheads are most active. With much of the riverfront privately owned and areas like the town dock and River Mill Park closed to fishing due to past misuse, the Snakehead Roundup is intended to redirect that interest into a structured, legal, and safe event.

“People are coming onto private property and fishing without permission — even onto Fairfax Water land, where we have a memorandum of understanding to patrol,” Linn said. “While it’s good they’re targeting an invasive species, it’s still trespassing and creates liability issues. This event offers a better way.”

Participants will be permitted to fish from the river wall at River Mill Park, the area below the park including under the pedestrian footbridge, and even from kayaks — though boating will be restricted west of the footbridge to prevent line entanglements. Snakeheads, which can grow up to three feet long and prey on native fish, must be humanely killed and may not be released back into the water. No spearfishing is allowed.

So far, about 18 people have registered for the event, though Linn said the town can accommodate as many as 60 participants, depending on spacing and fishing techniques. Those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance through the town’s website but may also register on-site. All participants age 16 and older must hold a valid Virginia fishing license.

Town staff and police officers will be on hand to guide participants, enforce safety protocols, and monitor compliance. A designated waste disposal station will be provided, and all attendees are expected to pack out their trash.

The event has also drawn the interest of researchers. A Ph.D. student from George Mason University is expected to attend and collect samples for environmental study, and the Occoquan Historical Society will be on-site to support the event.

While snakehead isn’t currently on the menu at any local restaurants, Linn — who once tried the fish at a Vietnamese restaurant in Falls Church — said it’s surprisingly tasty. “It wasn’t a bad fish,” he said.

MANASSAS, Va. – Following a contentious public hearing and rising backlash from residents, the Manassas City Council voted Monday night to delay a final decision on a proposal that would more than double the salaries of the mayor and council members. A vote is now set for September 8.

But the most notable update came today, Tuesday, when Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger released a public statement on Facebook opposing the proposed raise to the mayor’s salary—her own.

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MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas Education Association is calling on the city’s school board to adopt a Safe Zone policy to protect immigrant students and their families from potential immigration enforcement actions on school grounds.

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DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Town Council heard from a group of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and development experts during its July 1, 2025, meeting — each vying for a seat on the town’s newly created Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The EDA, formally established in April by ordinance, will operate as an independent legal entity tasked with helping the town attract new businesses, support existing ones, and guide redevelopment along key corridors such as Main Street and the Quantico Creek waterfront. While the Council retains appointment power and oversight, the authority’s independence will allow it to pursue economic growth strategies more flexibly than town government alone.

The July 1 meeting marked the first time candidates publicly introduced themselves and their vision for Dumfries’ future. Eight individuals appeared in person, while three submitted written statements due to last-minute emergencies. Council members agreed to delay appointments until the next meeting on August 6, giving the remaining candidates a chance to present in person.

“It’s one thing to see names on paper,” said Mayor Derrick Wood. “It’s another to hear from you directly.”

Who’s Applying

Dr. Sean Antonio Spence
An Army Corps of Engineers veteran, Spence has led major infrastructure projects around the world and now teaches strategy and finance at George Mason University. He emphasized a data-driven approach to long-term economic planning.

“The creation of this EDA signals that Dumfries is taking control of its future.”

Ebony Lofton
A Dumfries resident for over a decade, Lofton brings nearly 15 years in commercial finance and public sector lending. She previously ran for both mayor and town council and currently serves as treasurer of Northern Virginia Food Rescue.

“I understand the challenges of starting and sustaining a business — and the importance of local economic growth in building strong communities.”

Nathan Daly
CEO of Preparedness Planning, Daly specializes in critical infrastructure protection and anti-displacement strategies. He described his work as a proactive buffer against gentrification.

“We have to make sure the people here now still belong here when the growth arrives.”

Andrew Sloss
An attorney and former economic development executive, Sloss has worked for firms including Alvarez & Marsal and Ernst & Young. He stressed balancing investment with community benefit.

“Growth is good, but the key is making sure that growth is inclusive and strategic.”

Tyrone Brown
A former Dumfries councilmember, Brown recently retired from the federal government, where he oversaw small business contracting and procurement. He called for renewed focus and structure.

“We’ve got to start planning intentionally — and building the partnerships to get us there.”

Benjamin Geppi-Garbra
Managing Director at Satig LLC, Geppi-Garbra has two decades of experience structuring infrastructure and renewable energy deals across global markets.

“I bring international capital expertise and a deep personal commitment to the town.”

Kenneth [last name not stated]
A business analyst and software strategist, Kenneth spoke about transforming Dumfries into a destination community and even proposed launching a town radio station to improve economic visibility.

Other candidates who submitted written statements:

• Gordon Wilson

• Sharae Harris

• Flavio Garcia

Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson and Councilman Shaun Peete both emphasized the importance of hearing from all candidates before making selections. The town clerk confirmed efforts will be made to bring the remaining candidates forward at the August 6 meeting.

About the EDA

The Dumfries Town Council voted to create the Economic Development Authority on April 15, 2025, following a public hearing in which no residents spoke. The measure passed 6–1, with Councilman Peete casting the lone dissenting vote.

At the time, Chair Pro Tem Selonia Miles raised questions about the authority’s independence and accountability. Town Attorney Sandra Robinson explained that while the EDA operates as a separate legal entity under Virginia law, its board members are appointed by and report to the Council. Removal of members is governed by state code.

“The General Assembly has determined by empowering them in this way that these are not unchecked powers,” Robinson told the council in April.

With appointments likely to be finalized next month, the EDA will soon begin its work in earnest — setting goals, identifying priority projects, and potentially leveraging new partnerships to accelerate development in Virginia’s oldest chartered town.

DUMFRIES, Va. – The Dumfries Town Council reversed course and voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) that will allow a local business to host cultural, entertainment, and community events on its property along Washington Street.

The business, Outdoor Showplace, is located at 17715 Washington Street, directly across from Dumfries Town Hall. Billed as the region’s largest fully custom landscape showroom, the two-acre property displays outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patios, water features, and more—giving customers the chance to walk through and experience sample backyard designs in a real-life setting.

With the newly approved permit, the business can now host various events, including plays, jazz nights, poetry readings, game nights, paint-and-sip events, and private celebrations such as birthday parties. The site will operate under strict conditions outlined in the permit:

• Events must end by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights

• All activities must comply with the town’s building, fire, and noise codes

• The venue must provide adequate off-street parking

According to town documents, Outdoor Showplace exceeds its required parking capacity, with 13 spaces directly on-site and an additional 37 spaces—both paved and gravel—located across the street at 17720 Washington Street, totaling 50.

The permit (CUP2025-001) was initially denied by the Council on June 17, 2025, amid concerns over parking and residential impact. However, the Council reconsidered after clarifying details and hearing from both the applicant and community members. On July 1, the Council voted 7-0 to rescind its earlier decision and approve the application.

“There’s nothing that really per se pushed for a hard no,” said Councilman Shaun Peete, who visited the property before the July vote. “It was more so taking into consideration the residents on the other side… to make sure that while we were to move in this direction, they would add additional parking spaces.”

Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson also cited safety concerns as her reason for initially voting no, but expressed support once those concerns were addressed.

“Now that it has been brought to our attention that everything is aligned as it needs to be, I fully support the CUP,” said Nickerson.

During the public comment period, resident Tyrone Brown urged the Council to support the permit, calling it a critical opportunity to support a long-standing local business.

“You’re dealing with someone’s livelihood,” Brown said. “How you treat your business owners that are here right now affects people who come in here.”

Outdoor Showplace is owned by Wali Hashimi, as stated in the CUP application. The business describes itself as a destination for contractors and homeowners to get ideas and inspiration for their outdoor living projects.

According to Town Manager Tangela Innis, the CUP remains valid “as long as the use continues at the location on the CUP application.” However, she noted that the permit can be revoked if any of its conditions are violated, including the required event end times or compliance with town regulations such as parking.

The Dumfries Planning Commission recommended approval of the permit at its meeting on June 9.

GAINESIVILLE Va. – The Oak Valley Homeowners Association is sharply criticizing a Virginia Court of Appeals decision that upholds the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ approval of a controversial land use amendment—despite what residents say was a deliberate disregard for public input.

The July 22, 2025, ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Oak Valley HOA and neighboring property owners challenging the Board’s 2022 vote to adopt the Prince William Digital Gateway Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA). The amendment clears the way for thousands of acres in the county’s Rural Crescent to be developed into one of the largest data center corridors in the world, adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The court ruled that while residents had legal standing to bring the challenge, Virginia law does not require local elected officials to consider or respond to citizen input during a public hearing. The ruling cites state code—specifically Virginia Code §§ 15.2‑2204 and 15.2‑2229—which requires that a public hearing be held, but does not dictate what governing bodies must do with the input received.

“This ruling sends a clear and chilling message: under current law, elected officials in Virginia are not required to listen to the people they serve,” said Mac Haddow, President of the Oak Valley Homeowners Association. “It confirms that a public hearing can be a performative exercise — a box to check — rather than a meaningful forum for citizen participation.”

Haddow pointed to a November 1–2, 2022, public hearing that lasted nearly 14 hours and drew more than 240 speakers. The Board of County Supervisors began the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and voted just before 9 a.m. the following morning to approve the CPA. The vote came with no discussion and was taken using a resolution that had been drafted before the hearing began.

“They didn’t spend a minute. They just immediately went to a vote,” Haddow said. “The chair at the time refused to allow any comments to be made or questions asked.”

The Board’s decision followed months of heated public debate, which included a recommendation against the CPA from the Prince William County Planning Commission. Nonetheless, the Board moved forward with the plan, which was championed by then-Board Chair Ann Wheeler and multiple data center developers with business interests in the corridor.

The Oak Valley neighborhood is located near the intersection of Catharpin Road and Heritage Farms Drive in Gainesville. The community includes 254 homes and is managed by Sequoia Management. It sits just outside the area targeted for development, bordering conservation lands and the historic battlefield. With homes averaging close to $1 million, residents there have voiced concern about environmental impacts, rising noise levels, and threats to the area’s rural character.

While the appellate court decision applies specifically to the CPA, a separate case—Oak Valley HOA et al. v. Prince William Board of County Supervisors et al.—is still pending in Prince William County Circuit Court. That lawsuit challenges the validity of a subsequent rezoning vote that took place on December 12, 2023.

In that case, Haddow and others allege that the county failed to properly publish a required public notice in The Washington Post ahead of the meeting, as required by state law. Haddow said he obtained a November 30, 2023, email from County Attorney Michelle Robel acknowledging the publication error and recommending the county re-advertise and hold a new hearing. According to Haddow, the email also stated that the data center developers were “willing to accept the risk” of litigation if the vote proceeded.

Despite that claim, records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that the county has paid nearly $1 million to outside legal counsel since the litigation began, said Haddow.

“The county is using taxpayer money to fight its own citizens,” Haddow said. “All we’re asking for is to rehear it—just re-advertise, hold the hearing, and vote again.”

Oak Valley HOA now plans to take the issue to the Virginia General Assembly. The group is advocating for new legislation that would require governing bodies to consider and document public input before making land use decisions that fundamentally alter communities.

“The citizens of Prince William County were given just days to review a finalized proposal, while developers had open access to county staff and Board members for months,” Haddow said. “This is not a level playing field. It’s manifestly unfair.”

Oak Valley and its partners say they will continue to press for policy changes that make public hearings more than just a procedural formality.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has determined that Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is among five Northern Virginia school divisions found to be in violation of Title IX, a federal civil rights law, due to policies allowing students to access restrooms and participate in sports based on gender identity.

In a press release, Youngkin said the school divisions—Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, and the City of Alexandria—“have been violating federal law, deliberately neglecting their responsibility to protect students’ safety, privacy and dignity, and ignoring parents’ rights.”

“Commonsense is back, with biological boys and girls in their own locker rooms and bathrooms, and boys out of girls sports,” Youngkin stated.

The federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR) claims the school divisions’ policies have contributed to unsafe and uncomfortable conditions for students, including female students avoiding restrooms and witnessing inappropriate behavior in locker rooms. The department has issued a proposed Resolution Agreement requiring school divisions to reverse policies allowing restroom and locker room access based on gender identity and instead use biology-based definitions of “male” and “female.”

OCR has given school systems 10 days to voluntarily agree to the changes or face potential enforcement action from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Prince William County Public Schools responded Friday, stating it had only recently received the proposed Resolution Agreement and would “conduct a thorough review of the document and respond appropriately through the proper channels.”

“PWCS remains firmly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students and staff,” the division said in a statement posted to its website. “Our policies and practices are guided by our core values and by applicable federal and state laws.”

The school division said it continues to uphold its nondiscrimination policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

“PWCS will continue to work collaboratively with OCR and all stakeholders to ensure compliance with Title IX and to support the well-being and dignity of every student,” the statement concluded.

The PWCS policy under scrutiny, Regulation 738-5, allows students to use restrooms and locker rooms corresponding with their gender identity. It defines “transgender” broadly and includes recognition of nonbinary identities.

Youngkin credited the federal government’s actions as a victory for parental rights and student protection, also praising former President Donald Trump and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for their roles in shaping the federal Title IX policy direction.

Attorney General Jason Miyares added, “Concerned parents have the right to speak their minds and demand accountability from their local schools, and our daughters should have the same opportunities as our sons. The safety, privacy, and dignity of every student in Virginia is an absolute non-negotiable.”

PWCS has not indicated whether it intends to challenge or comply with the federal directive.