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.”
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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%.
The gala, expected to host hundreds of guests, sold only 12 tickets, leaving planners scrambling to secure funds for entertainment. The town’s government posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the event was “sold out,” but town officials later revealed that this was far from reality.
One of the primary contributors to the budget overrun was the decision to serve a menu of braised beef tips and salmon. Catering company Aramark was paid nearly $40,000 for the meal, with plans to prepare 350 plates, despite the low ticket sales. Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson expressed sharp criticism of the overspending during a council meeting held in May. “To be $28,000 over budget seems pretty fiscally irresponsible to me,” Nickerson said. “Did it ever occur to anyone that a $40,000 menu was too much to spend on food? We’re a local non-profit government.”
Responsibility for the financial mismanagement became a contentious topic among council members. Both Nickerson and Councilman Tyrone A. Brown placed the blame squarely on Mayor Derek Wood, who oversaw the citizen committee tasked with planning the event. “You are a chef; you should have known that braised beef and salmon is more expensive than chicken,” said Nickerson, referencing Wood’s experience running a barbecue food truck.
Wood, in response, sought to redirect the discussion toward finding a resolution. “We can go back and forth,” he began before reiterating the importance of focusing on the community’s future.
On December 3, Wood emphasized the town’s progress and unity, saying, “This year has been meaningful for us as the town we’ve been celebrating 275 years, and this holiday season really just offers us an opportunity to showcase the spirit and the unity that makes Dumfries such a wonderful place to live and to do business.”
The town has planned additional events to mark the milestone, including a holiday house lighting contest and a grand parade, which Mayor Wood described as “more than just a parade…a reflection of the strong bonds and the things that unite us as a community.” Vice Mayor Nickerson echoed the sentiment of growth, urging the council to ensure that future projects and celebrations maintain fiscal responsibility.
As Dumfries reflects on its history, the council faces the dual challenge of preserving the town’s heritage while building an inclusive and sustainable future. Despite the setbacks, Mayor Wood remained optimistic, urging the community to “spread joy, give generously, and look ahead with hope and determination.”
Honoring Outgoing Councilman Tyrone Brown
Also, at the December 3 meeting, Councilman Tyrone Brown was recognized for his four years of dedicated service. The Council presented a formal resolution honoring his leadership during the pandemic and his contributions to the town’s transformation, including his instrumental role in the $460 million Rose Gaming Resort project.
The resolution highlighted Councilman Brown’s efforts, stating, “Councilman Brown played a pivotal role in navigating us through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing his steady leadership to protect public health and support economic recovery.” It continued, “His contributions were instrumental in advancing major economic projects, including the development of the Rose Gaming Resort…creating hundreds of jobs and enhancing town revenues.”
Fellow Council members paid tribute. Vice Mayor Nickerson admired Brown’s ability to spark deep discussions, saying, “Your ability to bring about thought-provoking questions that pushed us further into deeper conversations…forced a greater conversation. It’s appreciated.”
Councilman Fields reflected on their collaboration, stating, “It’s been a pleasure working with you…appreciate our good talks, wisdom, and just working together to get things done.”
Community members also shared their gratitude. Russell Young, who will soon replace Brown on the council, remarked, “Thank you for your wisdom and compassion for this town and community. I truly appreciate all the hard work you’ve done.”
In his remarks, Councilman Brown expressed pride in the town’s progress, stating, “Significant things that haven’t happened in 40, 50 years in this town…I’m very proud of that.” Reflecting on his time in office, he acknowledged the collaborative nature of the Council and emphasized his commitment to the community. “If there’s a need for me to come back and run again, I will do that.”
Brian Feilds and Shuan Peet won re-election to the council, while Young was elected to his first term in the November 2024 General Election.
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.
Customers who wish to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys in donation bins in the lobbies of the following Domino’s stores:
- 16430 Navigation Drive in Woodbridge
- 14402 Richmond Highway in Woodbridge
- 5892 Mapledale Plaza in Woodbridge
- 2886 Dale Blvd. in Woodbridge
- 1395 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge
- 556 Garrisonville Road in Stafford
- 2606 Jefferson Davis Highway in Stafford
- 338 Potomac Ave. in Quantico
- 5159 Waterway Drive in Dumfries
- 13448 Dumfries Road in Manassas
Customers who bring in one or more toys to donate will receive a large one-topping Hand Tossed Pizza for $6, now through Dec. 8. The offer will be applied once an in-store team member verifies a customer’s toy donation.
“Engaging with community giving opportunities such as collecting Toys for Tots donations is so fulfilling for our store teams,” said Nona Sonnier, Domino’s director of corporate operations in Virginia. “Domino’s is so much more than a pizza company; we are a company that deeply cares about its communities, and we are pleased to provide our customers with a chance to donate to a special cause.”
Toy donation bins will be collected and dropped off at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico on the afternoon of Dec. 8.
To locate and order from a participating Domino’s location, visit www.dominos.com.
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.
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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.
Bailey, representing the Dumfries area in the Potomac Magisterial District, will moderate a discussion regarding the multimodal transportation infrastructure throughout Virginia. Victory Gary, also a regional director for Prince William, will moderate a discourse about public health and ways to maintain and improve the safety of Virginia’s communities.
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: UnavailableBrandishing 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.
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.”
Newcomer Russell Young followed closely, securing 910 votes (25.36%). Young emphasized his vision of enhancing existing initiatives and supporting Main Street’s growth. “I’m here to build on what we have and make it even better. There’s a lot to be proud of in Dumfries, and I’m looking forward to being a part of its future,” he shared.
Brian Fields, with 897 votes (25.00%), won his third term on the Council. Fields campaigned on a platform of continued progress, highlighting key projects such as the Route 1 widening and new business development, including a Wawa. “We’ve got the momentum, and this town is moving forward. I’m grateful for the opportunity to see these projects through for Dumfries,” he stated.
Ebony Lofton, the fourth candidate, received 799 votes (22.27%). Although she fell short of a Council seat, Lofton passionately advocated for the town’s vulnerable populations throughout her campaign. “This was about making Dumfries a better place for everyone, from our seniors to our youth,” Lofton said. “I’ll continue pushing for sustainable, meaningful change.”
A small portion of the votes (43 write-ins or 1.20%) went to alternative candidates.
