The U.S. Department of Commerce has committed up to $275 million to support Micron Technology’s expansion of its semiconductor facility in Manassas. The move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains. The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Incentives Program, which seeks to revitalize American leadership in chip production.
Micron’s plans call for a $2 billion investment over several years to enhance its production capabilities with 1-alpha technology, a sophisticated process for creating DRAM memory chips used in sectors like automotive and industrial manufacturing. At its peak, the project is expected to create over 400 direct jobs and as many as 2,700 related positions.
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The survey, which sought to measure resident perceptions and identify growth opportunities, underscores the city’s dual identity: a historic landmark with a vibrant, modern beat. North Star conducted the online survey, which garnered responses from 1,520 residents, including 1,118 from Manassas. Nearly 20% of participants identified as Hispanic, Latin American, or Caribbean, reflecting the city’s diverse population. The survey had a margin of error of ±2.51%.
Participants were asked to evaluate the city across several dimensions, including quality of life, economic development, and cultural identity. Key findings included:
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The Fredericksburg Free Press reports a developer plans to demolish a portion of the Greenbrier Shopping Center and put in mixed-use buildings.
The shopping center was formerly home to Burlington Coat Factory, now in Central Park, and Big Lots, which closed and has not been replaced. Several small businesses, including Taj Indian and Two Times New, still reside there. In March, Taj owner Sandeep Singh said he was not aware of any plans to develop the center that would affect the long-standing restaurant, and as of November 13, he had not been notified of any plans.
The center is located on Plank Road. Metro Diner, Royal Farms, CookOut, and M&T Bank are all located in the parking lot along the road. Decatur’s Crabs also uses some of the parking lot.
The plan would put 173 townhouses of two sizes on just over 16 acres.
In January 2024, the City Council discussed forming a committee to explore revitalizing or encouraging redevelopment of shopping centers. The idea was to explore how to encourage developers to shift one level shopping centers into multi-story, mixed-use developments that would allow more residents and attract more commercial businesses.
Councilman Jason Graham explained in a January email that “Currently [shopping centers] provide retail options, which I want to maintain, but I think there’s an opportunity to make the areas more economically productive. We received a report from our staff that showed us the tax revenue per acre across the city, and downtown outpaced every other area of town, including Central Park, by a wide margin. I’m not saying we can recreate downtown along Routes 1 and 3, but because we’re a city of only 10.4 square miles we need to get creative about how we’re going to fund our growing need for public services.”
Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Fredericksburg area Communications Manager Kelly Hannon said the development was not included in the plans to improve the areas where Route 3 reaches I-95, which was designed and initiated before the development was proposed. The development will not change VDOT’s plan, but Hannon said the improvements were based on traffic projections of what traffic volume may be in 2049.
Hannon explained that, unlike nearby counties where VDOT handles permits for state road projects, in Fredericksburg, the city reviews and approves land development projects and issues permits. The city follows VDOT’s roadway design standards and works with VDOT on major projects, like the proposed Greenbrier development, to evaluate traffic and road impacts.
NVR Inc. submitted the plans to Fredericksburg; the company is the parent company of Ryan Homes and other residential brands, and also offers mortgage banking services. The company is headquartered in Reston and builds homes in 16 states.
Press release:
Dylan Smith and Ester Garrido, who share a passion for fitness, recently opened Training Ed, a private personal training studio in Manassas at 9824 Liberia Avenue. With 10–15 years of experience and multiple certifications, their trainers provide personalized, contract-free sessions in a supportive environment.
The facility is equipped with premium gear and offers both in-person and virtual coaching, focusing on education and tailored programs for lasting results.
Celebrate Training Ed’s opening at their ribbon-cutting event on January 31 at 3:30 p.m., or learn more on their website.
The Pence Group is getting closer to breaking ground on its long-awaited 45-acre mixed-use development on Garrisonville Road in North Stafford.
The Reston-based developer is working with Stafford County to finalize the site plan for The Garrison at Stafford, said Pence Group President Geoff Pence. He is hoping that will be approved by the end of the year. The company will then start announcing firmer plans and timelines for the project.
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The Manassas Economic Development Authority (EDA) will hold a special meeting on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of City Hall. The meeting, a joint work session with the Manassas City Council, will focus on the interim operations and potential uses of the Manassas Shopping Center before its scheduled demolition.
The meeting is open to the public.
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On November 19, 2024, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the extension of Marina Way in Woodbridge. The long-awaited project will create a new road connecting Horner Road to the Occoquan Riverfront, transforming access to the area and marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.
A Road Through History
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At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, residents shared divided opinions on a proposed Buc-ee's Travel Center development at the corner of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive, near a Publix store. While some attendees supported the development for its economic potential, others raised concerns about environmental impact and long-term viability.
Among the notable points discussed was Buc-ee's promise of competitive wages. The company offers hourly rates of $18 to $21 for associates and $20 to $23 for team leads. More senior roles, such as department managers, earn between $25 and $33 per hour. In contrast, according to Buc-ee's website, assistant general managers and general managers make salaries starting at $125,000 and reaching up to $225,000.
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On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association gathered at Paradise Diner in Stafford County to hear Liz Barber, Stafford County’s Economic Development Director, provide an update on local business conditions, development priorities, and support initiatives for Stafford’s growing economy.
Barber discussed the county's focus on addressing key challenges for business owners, including financing, marketing, and strategic business planning. Stafford’s Economic Development Office, she noted, aims to foster a supportive environment to help local businesses thrive.
