At the Manassas City Council meeting on Sept.9, several transportation and infrastructure projects were discussed, emphasizing both ongoing improvements and long-term planning.
Key updates included the Grant Avenue roundabout, the Sudley Road third lane addition and regional transit expansion initiatives, such as the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Metro.
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The Manassas City Council is re-evaluating the popular First Fridays event, a staple in the city’s historic downtown, following feedback from residents, businesses, and local authorities regarding public safety and overall event management.
At the heart of the review is the need to balance the community appeal of First Fridays with growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and parking. The council is considering changes to ensure the event remains a vibrant part of city life while addressing logistical challenges.
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Although initially estimated in 2014 to cost $8.5 million, the city’s final price tag came in at a staggering $15.9 million. With the exception of Social Services, residents can find all services in the renovated building.
After the ribbon cutting, City Council held its first meeting in the newly refurbished building and officially named the room in honor of Edgar Rohr, a former mayor and City Councilor with deep roots in Manassas.
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As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches on Sept. 20, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.
To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our third one, which ran on Aug. 27, focused on data centers.
The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.
Today’s topic: Parking.
The candidates were asked: What solutions do you propose for the ongoing parking issues in areas like Georgetown South? How would you address the community's concerns and find a sustainable solution?
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Happy Friday, Manassas!
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Sept. 9 regular meeting. This is the first meeting of City Council since July, so there is a lot to cover. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center Street following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the renovated space.
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Important links Key agenda items Public hearing on EV charging station rates The city will be holding a public comment period on rates to use city-issued electric vehicle charging stations. According to the agenda packet, the city currently annually incurs approximately $18,000 in electrical expenses and $4,000 in software costs across five stations, as well as about $4,000 in equipment repair costs. Staff is recommending City Council adopt a rate of $2 per hour for charging with a $2.50 per hour fee for idle parking following a 30-minute grade period. In Prince William and Fairfax counties, the charging fee is 30 cents per kilowatt-hour, averaging about $2.64, on top of a $2 per hour idle fee. These counties also have a $25 max on charging. In Loudoun County, it is a flat rate of $2.10 per session with no idle fee. The city estimates its revenue to be nearly $35,000 in the staff report to City Council. Closing a portion of the Technology Drive right-of-way City staff has recommended approval of ridding of a public right-of-way at the end of a cul de sac on Technology Drive and placing it further up on the road.
The Manassas community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 9, at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the extensive renovations to the City Hall at 9027 Center Street. The event will also mark the dedication of the newly named Edgar Rohr City Council Chambers, honoring a pivotal figure in the city’s history.
Departments returned to City Hall in June after a two-year renovation phase, and the first City Council meeting in the renovated building will take place immediately after the ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
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As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.
To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our third one, which ran on Aug. 16, focused on commercial airline services.
The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.
Today’s topic: Data centers.
The candidates were asked: The recent approval of data centers near the Manassas National Battlefield Park has sparked significant debate regarding their impact on the environment, local infrastructure, and property values. What is your position on the development of data centers in Manassas City, and how do you plan to address the concerns related to environmental impact, increased utility rates, and the overall strain on city resources? How would you ensure that the economic benefits promised by these projects are realized while mitigating negative impacts on the community?
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.
To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our third one, which ran on Aug. 6, focused on city management and staff retention.
The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.
Today’s topic: Commercial airline services.
The candidates were asked: What is your position on bringing commercial airline services to Manassas Regional Airport? How do you plan to address both the potential benefits and the concerns of local residents regarding this initiative?
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Manassas City Police Chief turned Interim City Manager Douglas Keen is nearing the one-year mark as the city's government's chief employee. He stepped into the role following the resignation of former City Manager W. Patrick Pate. Despite the extended tenure, Keen has clarified that he does not wish to assume the position permanently.
Keen began serving as Interim City Manager in November 2023, after Pate left to become the City Manager of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After conducting interviews for the role, the Manassas City Council selected Keen for the interim position during a September 18, 2023, meeting.
