During the December 3, 2024, Dumfries Town Council meeting, frustrations surfaced over zoning challenges that have delayed the approval of a new banquet hall. Local business owners and council members called for greater clarity and consistency in the town’s zoning processes, citing delays caused by undefined regulations.
Maria Aguilera, an entrepreneur, expressed her concerns during the public hearing. “We applied to get an occupancy permit to have a banquet hall at 7650 Possum Point Drive, which was not denied, not approved, because the definition was not included,” Aguilera said. “We believe it’s a good opportunity for the community to have a place to celebrate their birthdays, weddings, and any celebration.”
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Dumfries Town Council convened on Tuesday, December 3, to reflect on its achievements and challenges as it celebrates its 275th anniversary. The meeting highlighted the town’s growth and a controversial gala event to honor the historic milestone.
A gala celebrating Dumfries' 275th anniversary in May at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, originally envisioned as a three-day extravaganza, became a financial debacle. Despite the council approving a $100,000 budget for the event, planners overspent by $28,000, resulting in a cost overrun of more than 130%.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Uriah’s note: Welcome to another installment of our History and Heritage Feature Series, which was made possible through the support of Sentara. This series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is advancing plans for a Revolutionary War Memorial at the historic Williams Ordinary in Dumfries, supported by an $81,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Historical Resources (VDHR) Virginia 250 Preservation Fund.
The project aims to honor the county’s contributions to the American Revolution while shedding light on the diverse individuals who helped shape the nation’s founding.
The memorial, estimated to cost $122,000, will feature an outdoor commemorative space and is part of a broader effort to revitalize Williams Ordinary. The project is contingent on a local match of $41,000, which the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation is actively raising. To date, $31,000 has been secured, with $10,000 remaining to meet the January 31, 2025, deadline to finalize the grant agreement.
“This particular project is part of a larger project to transform Williams Ordinary into a more publicly facing historic site,” said Bill Backus, a preservationist with the county’s Office of Historic Preservation. “This particular project is to create an outdoor memorial space for the American Revolutionary War experience in Prince William County, highlighting the roles of both men and women, free and enslaved, white and Black residents and non-residents of Prince William County, who created the United States with their actions between 1776 and 1783.”
The memorial will also include the history of Batestown, a historic African American community near Dumfries. Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey emphasized its inclusion, stating, “This will also include part of a larger project within the building itself to highlight some of the communities in that part of Prince William County, including the historic African American community of Batestown, Virginia.”
The Prince William County Historical Commission passed a resolution on August 13, 2024, endorsing the project and the grant application. The project aligns with the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund’s goal of enhancing historic sites in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
“This is an incredible opportunity to tell the full story of Prince William County during the American Revolution,” said Supervisor Bailey during the discussion. “It’s about honoring everyone’s contributions to the founding of our nation.”
The memorial will be accompanied by improvements to Williams Ordinary, turning the historic site into an educational and commemorative space for residents and visitors. The design concept, previously approved by the Board as part of its 2024 work plan, aims to connect the community with the rich history of the Revolutionary era.
With the Board’s anticipated ratification of the $81,000 grant and the Foundation’s ongoing fundraising efforts, construction on the Revolutionary War Memorial is expected to begin in late 2025. Completion is targeted ahead of the 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
“This memorial will serve as a focal point for education and reflection,” said Backus. “It will connect our present-day community with the stories of courage and perseverance that defined the Revolutionary era.”
Williams Ordinary, on Route 1 in Dumfries, is one of the oldest surviving colonial-era taverns in the state and a key landmark in Prince William County’s history. Built in the mid-18th century, the two-story brick structure is renowned for its distinctive Flemish bond brickwork and grand architecture, which were uncommon for taverns of its time.
Press Release:
Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
In an ongoing legal battle with the town’s Mayor, Dumfries issued new fines to Mayor Derrick Wood’s business Dyvine BBQ in Motion on Acts Lane.
The town alleges Wood has failed to comply with ordinances he voted to enact as a council member in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2018, the same year he was elected mayor.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey will speak at the Virginia Association of Counties annual conference on November 10 through 12.
The organization that supports county officials and advocates for the interests of local counties is holding its 90th annual conference. This year's will be held at the Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County. The organization aims to discuss topics across Virginia's various regions, such as education, health and human resources, agriculture, and more.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Rose Gaming Resort celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in its newly built multi-story parking garage. Local and state leaders, including Mayor Derrick Wood, Virginia Delegate Luke Torian, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, joined senior officials from Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), the company behind The Rose.
The $460 million facility promises to be Northern Virginia’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, offering a wide array of amenities, including 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over 100 hotel rooms, and a vibrant event space.
Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO William C. Carstanjen praised the dedication of the 500-member team and the intense efforts that went into transforming the site, a former landfill, into what is now a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex. “This project has faced its share of challenges,” Carstanjen said, referencing the technical and construction obstacles posed by building on a reclaimed landfill. “But for us, the opportunity to convert this site into a new facility has been a labor of love.”
Mayor Derrick Wood echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the landfill’s past and the significant transformation it symbolizes for Dumfries. “Today’s ribbon cutting is more than just an event; it’s the beginning of a new era for our town,” he stated. He highlighted the evolution of the property from an eyesore to a “landmark” that will redefine Dumfries, not only visually but economically. The Rose Gaming Resort, he noted, is projected to inject millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, further enhancing the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.
The event emphasized community engagement and CDI’s commitment to the Dumfries area. Mayor Wood praised CDI’s "Rosie's Gives Back" program, which has pledged $100,000 in donations to local initiatives, reinforcing The Rose’s role as an engaged community partner. Local residents now look forward to the economic and cultural impact of this new landmark, which is expected to attract visitors from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, solidifying Dumfries as a go-to destination for entertainment and hospitality.
Hundreds lined up to enter the game room while the ribbon cutting took place.
The grand opening signifies a major milestone in Dumfries' ongoing development and a promising future fueled by public-private partnerships and community-focused growth, according to its mayor.
The Rose held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to mark the completion of the $460 million gaming resort in Dumfries, Virignia. pic.twitter.com/4278fn4PqI
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 8, 2024
On October 22, a 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm in connection to a road rage incident on April 26 in Dumfries. The investigation revealed that during a verbal altercation at an intersection, the suspect brandished a firearm at another driver, but no shots were fired and no injuries occurred.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Brandishing of a Firearm | Road Rage Related *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED | ARREST – On October 22, officers concluded the investigation into the brandishing that was reported to have occurred at the intersection of Richmond Hwy and Dumfries Rd. in Dumfries (22192) on April 26. While investigating the incident, officers identified the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. On October 22, the suspect, identified as Alex COLEMAN, was located and arrested by Arlington County police.Arrested on October 22: [No Photo Available] Alex COLEMAN, 28, of 17247 Nugget Ln. in Dumfries Charged with brandishing of a firearm Court Date: November 8, 2024 | Bond: Unavailable
Brandishing of a Firearm | Road Rage Related [Previously Released] – On April 26 at 4:54PM, officers responded to the intersection of Richmond Hwy and Dumfries Rd. in Dumfries (22192) to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was driving on Dumfries Rd. when he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of another vehicle. While both vehicles were stopped at the above intersection and the driver’s continued the verbal altercation, the driver of the other vehicle got out of their vehicle and brandished a firearm. The victim remained in his vehicle during the encounter. Eventually, the parties separated without further incident. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male approximately 25 years old driving a white BMW.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Dumfries voters have spoken, re-electing Shaun Peet, Russell Young, and Brian Fields to the Town Council in a tight race that saw two incumbents retain their seats. The three winners edged out challenger Ebony Lofton, a familiar face in local politics who previously ran for Mayor in 2022.
Shaun Peet, who garnered the most votes with 939 (26.17%), credited his focus on long-term projects, including his "main priority," the town's new recreation center. "I want this center to stand for decades, giving our kids and seniors a place to come together," Peet said outside the polls. "As a Council member, I’m always going to do what’s right for this town, all the time."
