The Haymarket Town Council revisited the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street during a work session on March 31, continuing its review of a special use permit (SUP) application submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul. The application seeks approval to establish a permanent place of worship in the old Pace West school building for the local Muslim community.

It would share the space with federal contractor QBE.

The council members and town staff discussed key concerns raised at an earlier March 3 public hearing, including occupancy limits, parking availability, traffic circulation, and pedestrian safety.

The town staff presented updated findings following site visits and discussions with the applicant and property owner. Based on a walkthrough conducted earlier that day, a parking plan estimates that approximately 198 to 201 marked spaces could be striped on existing pavement.

However, staff noted that some of those spaces, particularly those in areas with tight drive aisles or those that are blocked by trailers, may not be usable. The landlord has not restriped the lot since taking ownership in 2013, and the faded lines have led to confusion about the current parking capacity.

In addition to parking, council members discussed the building’s occupancy classification. According to guidance from the Prince William County Building Department, occupancy for assembly use over 49 people would require additional safety upgrades, including more exit doors and possibly a fire alarm or sprinkler system. Final occupancy limits would depend on a review of the tenant’s layout and code compliance.

The lack of a current site plan was a significant point of debate. The property owner previously submitted a site plan with proposed improvements, but it was never bonded and has since expired. Several council members expressed concern over approving an SUP without an updated and accurate site plan showing existing conditions and proposed changes, including marked parking spaces and loading zones.

Also under review was the possibility of requiring police presence during high-traffic times, such as Friday prayers and Ramadan. Staff noted that other religious institutions on Washington Street already rely on police assistance for traffic management during peak hours.

The applicant confirmed the center may also host occasional youth events, typically on weekends and with limited attendance. A detailed prayer schedule with projected start times varying throughout the year was submitted.

While the proposal has drawn strong community support—more than 70 emails were submitted in favor, and dozens of residents spoke during the March 3 public hearing—concerns remain over its potential impact on parking, traffic congestion on Route 55, and neighboring businesses.

The proposed Islamic Center would serve residents who currently travel 20 to 30 minutes to the nearest mosque, providing a closer, dedicated space for daily and Friday prayers.

The council is expected to revisit the application at its next meeting on April 7, where a vote could take place.

Publisher’s note: We removed an earlier story with incorrect information about the March 31, 2025, Haymarket Town Council meeting.

Got something to share? Let me know.
I live by email, and, like you, I pay close attention to what lands in my inbox. I especially enjoy the messages that begin with, “Hey, Uriah,” — because I never know where they’re going next.

“Here’s a picture I took of a new restaurant — do you know when it’s going to open?”
“Here’s a photo of a crash — is everyone OK?”

Whether it’s breaking news, a community event, or something interesting you spotted around town, I want to hear from you.

The Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library have launched a special membership drive for the month of April.

The Friends is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization established in 1972 to raise funds to enhance the services of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, focus public attention on the library, and support the library in developing services and facilities for the region.

To celebrate the drive, the Friends are offering membership rewards to anyone who joins or renews in April. Memberships come in multiple levels, each offering different perks. Friends of the Library are also eligible to become members of the Virginia Credit Union and Topside Federal Credit Union.

Learn more or join at crrlfriends.org/join-us

Upcoming Book Sale
The Friends will host a multi-day sale at the Friends of the Library Center & Bookshop, located at 125 Olde Greenwich Drive, Suite 150, Fredericksburg, 22408.

Sale schedule:

• Friday, April 4, 5 to 9 p.m. – Preview Night for Friends members only (non-members may join at the door)
• Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, April 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Half-price day
• Tuesday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Half-price in the bookshop, $3 in the warehouse
• Wednesday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Half-price in the bookshop, $3 in the warehouse

The shop will be closed April 1–3 and before 5 p.m. on April 4 to prepare for the sale.

Proceeds support professional development for library staff and popular community programs like Music on the Steps, the Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest, and the Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show.

More information is available at facebook.com/CRRLFriends

Easter Events Around Town

Coles District Easter Egg Hunt
Supervisor Yesli Vega will host the Annual Coles District Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. at Kyle R. Wilson Elementary, 5710 Liberty Hill Court, Woodbridge.

The event includes games, snacks, activities, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office will also be on site providing free child ID services. No registration is required to attend.

Easter Bunny Visits Potomac Mills
The Easter Bunny arrives at Potomac Mills on Friday, April 4, and will be available for visits and photos through April 19.

The Bunny Photo Experience is open daily, and reservations are encouraged. A special Caring Bunny event for children with special needs and their families will take place Sunday, April 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Potomac Mills is located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge.
Learn more and make reservations at simon.com/mall/potomac-mills

Live Theater in Manassas: All My Sons Opens April 5
The ARTfactory in Historic Downtown Manassas will present Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, opening Saturday, April 5 and running through April 13 at the Wind River Theatre.

Set in the aftermath of World War II, the play follows a businessman whose past decisions threaten to tear his family apart. This classic drama explores themes of truth, guilt, and the cost of the American dream.

Performance schedule:

• Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Note: The performance includes a simulated gunshot.
Tickets and information at virginiaartfactory.org

Top Stories in the Past 24 Hours

• Page Views: 10,819
• Unique Devices: 9,159

Top 10 most-read articles:

1. Buc-ee’s submits plans for 120-pump travel center in Stafford County – 6,480 views
2. Police blotter: Father, son drown in river; indecent exposures and assaults reported – 1,096 views
3. Home page – 607 views
4. Burger hoax, puppy yoga, and community conversations: This week’s Local Buzz – 298 views
5. GameStop employee stabs customer at Potomac Mills (Oct. 2023) – 225 views

That’s it for today’s Publisher’s Post. Keep checking back at PotomacLocal.com for more stories that inform and connect our community.

As Fredericksburg city officials weigh budget cuts, tax increases, and federal funding uncertainties, one possible source of future financial relief came up during a joint City Council and School Board budget work session: a data center under development in Celebrate Virginia South.

Councilman Jon Gerlach (At-Large) asked whether the city could receive advance personal property tax payments from Stack Infrastructure, the company behind the project. The goal: explore whether Fredericksburg could tap into future revenue sooner to help offset current budget pressures.

City Manager Tim Baroody said such relief is unlikely in the near term.

“It’s a long shot… but we may have clarity by the end of the year,” Baroody said during the April 1 meeting.

The city is negotiating a water services agreement with Stack Infrastructure, which is expected to continue through the end of 2025. Even if the agreement moves forward on schedule, Baroody said any infrastructure-related prepayments would not translate into operational revenue for the city for several more fiscal years.

Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley added that while early payments are not off the table, they would require a highly specific and favorable alignment of circumstances.

Josh Summits, Fredericksburg’s Director of Economic Development, is reviewing how other Virginia localities structure data center agreements, including options for revenue-sharing and the timing of tax collections.

The conversation surfaced amid a challenging fiscal outlook. The city has proposed a 3-cent real estate tax rate increase to maintain essential services and fund public schools. At the same time, city and school officials are navigating a $1.5 million funding gap and the threat of reduced or eliminated federal grant support.

The Fredericksburg City Council approved the Stack Infrastructure project in early March. At the time, questions were raised over whether Dominion Energy would prioritize this data center’s power needs over those of new residential or commercial developments in the region.

Despite the uncertainty, council members and school leaders pledged to continue working together to meet the needs of Fredericksburg’s residents.

A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.

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Manassas is preparing to tap into $700,000 in state funding to clean up petroleum-contaminated soil beneath the former Manassas Ice and Fuel Company, Inc. (MIFCO) site. This will pave the way for a second public parking garage and a long-sought hotel development in the heart of downtown.

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Winners Church will host its annual Free Community Easter Love Meal on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m., in front of the Bank of America at 4001 Graham Park Road in Dumfries.

The event will feature free hot meals from the food truck vendor District Bites. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Father, 6-year-old son drown in Rappahannock River

A spring break outing turned tragic when a father and his 6-year-old son drowned in the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Welcome back, and welcome aboard!

We’re excited to welcome back Whitlock Wealth as one of our featured advertisers. You’ll see their Instant Ad on our site and in our newsletters—offering timely financial advice and practical tips to help you build a more secure future.

We’re also pleased to introduce our newest advertiser, Bradley Marshall, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney with VFN Law. If you’re stopped or arrested, how you respond matters. Staying calm and knowing your rights is critical—but having the right attorney is just as important. That’s where Bradley Marshall comes in, ready to defend your rights when it matters most.

In-N-Out in Fredericksburg? Not So Fast…

An April Fools’ prank had burger fans doing double takes. A banner reading “Opening Soon” with the In-N-Out Burger logo was spotted at the former Hardee’s on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg.

The sign was convincing enough to create a stir, but it was all in good fun.

“Yes, most certainly an amazing April Fools joke. That one got just a few ppl in town yesterday, one of the better ones I’ve seen,” texted Fredericksburg Economic Development Director Josh Summits.

Storms in the Forecast

Heads up: We’ve got an unsettled weather pattern moving through the region starting Thursday afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms likely, especially across northern and western areas. Some storms could be severe, with strong winds and the potential for hail. A cold front will move through Thursday night into Friday morning, pushing the storm threat south of I-66 by Friday night.

The weekend brings a mix of warm and cool temperatures, depending on where you are. Expect 80s in the southwest and 60s in the northeast on Saturday. More showers and thunderstorms are likely Sunday, especially as another cold front moves through, followed by a noticeable drop in temps Sunday night.

PRTC Meeting Canceled

The PRTC Board of Commissioners (OmniRide) meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025, at 7 p.m., has been canceled due to limited action items and the overlap with multiple jurisdictional budget meetings set for the same evening. 

All public comments submitted for the April 3 meeting will be compiled and shared with the Commissioners this week, the agency told us.

The next meeting of the PRTC Board of Commissioners is scheduled for May 1 at 7 p.m.

Puppy Yoga Returns to Fredericksburg

Join Old Dominion Humane Society for Puppy Yoga on Friday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at their Fredericksburg facility (3602 Lafayette Blvd). Enjoy 30 minutes of puppy mingling followed by a beginner-friendly yoga session.

Cost is $20 per person or $35 per pair—no registration needed.
Proceeds help support rescue efforts.
More info: olddominionhumanesociety.org

You’re Invited: Community Conversations with Delegate Michelle Maldonado

Join Delegate Michelle Maldonado on Thursday, April 3, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Manassas Park Community Center (99 Adams Street) for a conversation on federal layoffs and their trickle-down impact on local families and businesses. Food will be provided.

RSVP: forms.gle/cfYUGRAR3zKKBKrN7
Contact: Sujan@michelle4va.com

RACSB Wants to Hear From You

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is preparing its next strategic plan and wants community feedback to guide future behavioral health and developmental disability services.

Complete the survey by April 18: surveymonkey.com/r/QPXPVQ7
Prefer a paper copy? Email bwilliams@rappahannockareacsb.org

Dad Jokes, Big Heart — A Local Tribute with Laughs

To honor the legacy of Patrick King, creative marketing icon and community champion, Imagine has released a digital book: “Dad Jokes on the Road” by CEO Rebecca Barnes. Priced at just $7, it’s packed with road-trip jokes and serves as a fundraiser for the Patrick King Arts Scholarship.

All proceeds benefit Give Back Prince William, and buyers will receive credit toward a print edition coming later this year.

Buy now: imaginedc.net/dad-jokes-on-the-road

Most-Read Stories in March

Here are the top stories that captured your attention last month:

1. Crash Closes Route 17 in Stafford County
2. Bridge Repairs Begin on Route 28
3. Girlfriends Taphouse Opens in North Stafford
4. Two Restaurants Proposed for Sudley Manor Square
5. All Fredericksburg City Public Schools Closed Due to Safety Concerns
6. VDOT Announces Road Work for March 9–15
7. Prince William County Budget Debate

Thank You, Members

To our paying members and loyal readers—thank you. Your support helps keep local news alive and thriving in our community. If you’re not yet a member, please consider joining us today.

Become a member: https://potomaclocal.memberful.com/join

Thanks for reading today’s Publisher’s Post. Visit PotomacLocalNews.com daily for the latest local stories, events, and updates that matter to you.

Uriah Kiser 
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News

The Texas-based travel center giant Buc-ee’s is moving ahead with plans to build its first Virginia location in Stafford County. It has submitted formal requests to rezone nearly 35 acres of land to pave the way for a massive fuel and retail complex off Interstate 95.

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