City of Fredericksburg: “The City of Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) Athletics Department are partnering to bring in more sports tourism events and drive room nights to city hotels.”
“Fredericksburg City Council in this fiscal year’s budget allocated $100,000 to the Fredericksburg EDA to be used for sports tourism development. Some of those funds have been put toward a new agreement with UMW that is expected to boost sports tourism-related revenue for the City. For every hotel room booked in the City of Fredericksburg due to a UMW athletics event, UMW Athletics will receive $10 per room, per night from the EDA. The agreement also includes a $5,000 sponsorship that will allow the City of Fredericksburg’s tourism office to have more visibility with incoming athletic groups, and provide other marketing opportunities.”
The Manassas City Council accepted an early Christmas gift from Amazon Data Services.
The firm will pay the city about $28 million for land at the city airport to build a new server farm. Amazon offered to purchase the 21-acre parcel at 10453 Wakeman Drive from the city government.
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There's now an empty city block where a downtown motel once sat.
According to photos posted by Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna, the Old Towne Inn is no more.
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In its annual report to the city council, Economic Development Authority Vice Chair Denise Harrover told the city council helping the city purchase the Old Town Inn was the highlight of its year. The city purchased the old roadside motel in the heart of downtown for $5.5 million in February, with help from the EDA.
"This allowed the EDA an opportunity to participate in discussion in designs and options for the [motel site]," said Harrover. "This got us very educated on due diligence for purchases in the city."
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GO Stafford Virginia: "Debra Balestreri, Owner and Operator of Corgi Clay LLC. and now the new Corgi Clay Art Center LLC. announces the opening of the clay art center in North Stafford."
"Balestreri’s goal of securing $40,000 in pledges made her vision of adding to the value of the arts community in her hometown a reality. Balestreri opened an e-commerce pottery business in the wake of early Covid 2020 known as Corgi Clay LLC."
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Manassas Economic Development Department: “This family-owned and operated restaurant brings Chef Jose’s Hispanic and American-inspired cuisine to life. Don Jose’s Kitchen is owned by husband and wife Jose and Maribel Tenas; the team also includes their three adult children, Yasmin, Mari, and Erik.”
“Some of their Guatemalan specialties include Churrasco (grilled beef) and Garnachas Artesanales (small, thick masa tortillas filled with marinated meat and various toppings).”
“They have a private dining area that seats up to 40 people with advance reservations. The space is free of charge when dining at Don Jose’s. From Chef Jose’s family to yours, guests will enjoy a range of dishes.”
“Please join us in welcoming Don Jose’s Kitchen to the City of Manassas, located at the Shops at Signal Hill, 9676 Liberia Avenue.”
In a recent interview for InsideNOVA, Director of Economic Development Christina Winn, it is acknowledged that Prince William County is essentially an order taker for the data center industry.
“Companies seek Prince William as a development destination rather than economic development officials luring them in, Winn said. The economic development office simply helps companies become established once they’ve received the green light from elected officials.”
Winn also “said the that election’s results bear no impact on how her office plans to conduct business moving forward.” That aligns with Chair Ann Wheeler’s apparent intent to ignore the electorate and continue her overly solicitous attitude toward the data center industry unfettered. Her fealty to the lords commerce transcends any obligation to those she was elected to represent.
Taxpayers should expect that their government would aggressively market the county to attract the most beneficial businesses rather than just acquiesce to predatory corporations that want to exploit our “give away the store” tax rates and obliging political climate.
Recall the nightmarish scene in the classic Christmas movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (see: sidewalk scene its a wonderful life – YouTube) where hero George Bailey is horrified to witness the desecration of his beloved Bedford Falls under the exploitive influence of the miserly villain Henry Potter. Ask yourself if that scene bears any resemblance to what is happening here right before our eyes.
Is our government turning Prince William County into Pottersville?
Bill Wright
Gainesville
Potomac Local News aims to share opinions on issues of local importance from a diverse range of residents across all our communities. If you’ve recently spoken at a Board of County Supervisors meeting, send us a typed copy of your remarks for publication to [email protected].
Stafford County Economic Development: "Process Over Prize Academy, a dynamic and innovative martial arts academy, is thrilled to announce its grand opening in Stafford with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the business storefront located at 11 Hope Road, Suite 207 Stafford."
“We are thrilled to bring Process Over Prize Academy to the Stafford community,” said Martin Thomas, Owner and visionary behind the academy. “Our goal is to create a positive and inclusive space where individuals can develop their skills, enhance their fitness, and gain the confidence to overcome challenges both on and off the mats. We believe that Jiu-jitsu has the power to transform lives, and we are excited to embark on this journey with our students.”
"The opening event celebrated martial arts with community participation allowing meet and greets with Process Over Prize Academy instructors, trial classes suitable for all ages, and engaging interactive activities showcasing the art of Jiu-jitsu. Exclusive promotions and connection opportunities were shared with attendees and fellow martial arts enthusiasts. "
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Stafford County Administrator Randal Vosburg used a new online tool for polling county supervisors about what type of development they would like to see around the county courthouse.
During a meeting on Thursday, June 8, Vosburg asked supervisors to pick up their smartphones and vote in an electronic poll, asking them to rank in importance the types of businesses they would like to see open on some 2,500 acres of county-owned land, known as the "Downtown Stafford" project.
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![Old Towne Inn demolished [Photo: Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/old-towne-inn-demo-site--1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}
