On December 2, 2024, local and state officials gathered at the Kelly Leadership Building for the annual Joint Legislative Meeting. The discussion focused on the county's legislative priorities, spotlighting affordable housing and immediate housing assistance for residents in crisis.
Affordable housing has taken center stage in Prince William County in recent weeks. During their November 19, 2024, meeting, the Board of County Supervisors discussed a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to increase the availability of affordable housing units and establish a Housing Trust Fund to support development efforts.
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A special Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, initially scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, has been canceled. Stafford County spokesman Andrew Spence stated that the cancellation was due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice.
“Chairman [Meg] Bohmke canceled the meeting originally scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice. At this time, there is no information about it being rescheduled,” Spence said.
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction: Host Uriah Kiser sets the stage for a discussion of the North Star Branding Study’s findings and their implications for Manassas’ future. The podcast also teases other local stories, including an insurance scam and City Council updates.
- Conversation with Theresa Coates Ellis:
- North Star Branding Study: Theresa discusses the study’s insights, including the city’s brand awareness and challenges in balancing its historical identity with modern growth.
- Balancing History and Growth: Discussion on preserving Manassas’ Civil War legacy while fostering tech and business opportunities.
- Community Concerns: Addressing high taxes, overdevelopment, and the need for workforce readiness in tech industries.
- Future Vision for Manassas: Theresa shares her vision for redeveloping key areas and fostering investment to make Manassas a thriving community.
- Local News Highlights:
- Insurance Scam Story: A troubling case of predatory towing in Prince William County, with police investigation updates and tips for residents to avoid similar scams.
- City Council Swearing-In Ceremony: Details about the January 2025 ceremony, reflections on a contentious election season, and hopes for a collaborative future.
- Closing Thoughts: Uriah reflects on the power of local journalism, encourages community engagement, and invites listeners to share their thoughts on the podcast and local news stories.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the North Star Branding Study results and its role in shaping Manassas’ identity.
- Understand how Manassas balances historic preservation with modern economic development.
- Discover actionable insights for preventing predatory towing scams.
- Gain perspective on the recent City Council election and what it means for Manassas residents.
What to Listen For:
- Insights from Theresa Coates Ellis about preserving Manassas’ historic charm while embracing its future.
- Shocking details about the insurance scam and police response.
- Reflections on the heated City Council election and the swearing-in ceremony.
Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!
The Fredericksburg City Council has outlined an ambitious three-year celebration that will start with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and culminate with the city's 300th anniversary two years later.
The plans, unveiled during the November 26 work session, will spotlight the nation's founding, Revolutionary War heritage, and Fredericksburg's integral role in American history.
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The Manassas City Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and returning members on Monday, January 6, 2025, Â Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The ceremony will feature the oath of office for Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Council Member Tom Osina, Council Member Mark Wolfe, and Council Member-Elect Ashley Hutson. Following the swearing-in, all participants will immediately take their seats on the dais to begin their new terms.
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Manassas Park’s downtown revitalization project is gaining momentum with the planned opening of a new B&B Theatres location. The luxury eight-screen cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities, will anchor the city’s redevelopment initiative and fill the void left by Cinema Café’s withdrawal in 2022.
Originally, Cinema Café, a Hampton Roads-based movie theater and dining chain, had announced plans to establish a combination movie house and restaurant in Manassas Park's Park Central development. However, by September 2022, the company backed out of the deal, citing concerns over rising inflation. This decision temporarily left the city without a major tenant for its downtown revitalization efforts.
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The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.
The additional costs are attributed to land acquisition, off-site infrastructure improvements, and increased contingency funding.
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Under the new policy, students must store their cell phones in lockers or designated areas during school hours, a measure aimed at fostering greater focus and reducing distractions. Exceptions are made for medical needs and approved educational uses.
The policy represents a shift toward stricter regulations, replacing the previous system that allowed limited use during non-instructional periods such as lunch and class changes.
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Update 9 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 — Fire crews monitored the scene overnight and will continue overhaul operations with daylight to fully extinguish the fire, as Fire Marshals investigate the cause. Both structures sustained major damage, and one employee of Kid’s Choice Sports Center was treated for a non-life-threatening injury; no firefighters were injured.
From fire and rescue:
Units remained on the scene overnight continuing to monitor the scene for hot spots that needed extinguishment. With daylight it will be easier to conduct overhaul operations to complete extinguishment. Fire Marshals will be returning to scene to continue the cause and origin investigation.
Both structures involved in the incident sustained major damage.
Injury Update- Earlier reports indicated there were no injuries. It was confirmed one employee of the Kid’s Choice Sports Center was transported to a local medical facility with a non-life-threatening injury. There were no injuries to firefighting personnel.
Additional updates will be provided as warranted.
Update 5:45 p.m. — Firefighters are battling a three-alarm fire that began as an exterior blaze near a single-family home on Devil’s Reach Road and spread to the Kids Choice Sports building on Sport and Health Drive in Woodbridge.
The building was not heavily occupied, no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Under normal operation, the Kid’s Choice Sport and Fun Center in Woodbridge spans 56,000 square feet and offers a range of activities and programs for children and adults. The center features swimming, laser tag, bounce houses, basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, and a dedicated area for younger children called Toddler Town.
Recently the center launched indoor high school soccer leagues starting. The leagues are designed to prepare players for the high school season. In addition to the leagues, the center will hosted Nova FC Soccer Fall Classes in October. These five-week indoor soccer clinics are aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and focus on grassroots soccer fundamentals and fun, competitive activities.
The loss of the center will mean parents will be scrambling to find alternatives for their children to play indoor sports. Earlier this year, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors backed off a plan to build an indoor sports center near Potomac Mills mall.
More from Prince William County Fire and Rescue:
Units are on the scene of 3 alarm warehouse fire in the 13000 blk of Sport and Health Drive (Woodbridge). The incident began as a fire on the exterior side to a single-family dwelling on Devil’s Reach Road. Crews arrived on the scene and requested a 2nd alarm because of the advancing fire. A 3rd alarm was request shortly thereafter. Brush and other combustibles had ignited and spread to the Kids Choice Sports building located in the 13000 blk of Sport & Health Drive. The Kids Choice Sports building was not heavily occupied at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported. Firefighting operations are still underway. No cause has been determined at this time.
Original post — Prince William County fire crews are responding to two major fires, one at a large gym complex in Woodbridge and the other at an adjacent house.
The house fire broke out 3:52 p.m. in the 1405 block of Devils Reach Road in Woodbridge. The fire has rung two alarms, according to initial information.
The second is at the large gym complex in the 13000 block of Sport and Health Drive, prompting a three-alarm emergency response. Kids Choice Sport & Fun Center, Prince William Athletic Center, and Overtime Fitness are some businesses listed as tenants.
Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Matt Smolsky confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a “warehouse fire.” The specific details of the fire’s cause and extent are still under investigation. “As soon as information is confirmed, more will be provided,” Smolsky said.
There is no word yet on potential injuries or the impact on nearby businesses and residences. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are advised to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to manage the situation safely.
More as we have it.
