Get ready to dive into the issues that matter most to Manassas residents. Potomac Local News is bringing you an exclusive interview with Tom Osina, a City Council member seeking re-election this November.

In this must-listen interview, we ask Osina tough questions, such as:

• What is Tom’s vision for Manassas, and how will he tackle the city’s most pressing issues?
• How can the city address the housing crisis while balancing affordability and market forces?
• What steps will the city take with its recent property purchases, including the future of the Manassas Shopping Center?
• Given the challenges they face with accreditation and performance, what role should the City Council play in advocating for improvements in local schools?

Early voting starts on Friday, September 20, 2024, and this is just one more way Potomac Local News is working hard to provide you with the answers you need before heading to the polls.

Don’t miss this exclusive interview—tune in now to hear Tom Osina’s take on how he plans to shape the future of Manassas.

Manassas Regional Airport’s plans to introduce commercial passenger jet service have hit a delay, with flights now expected to begin in 2026 instead of 2025.

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Mark Wolfe has been a member of the Manassas City Council for 16 years and is running for re-election in 2024. With a long track record of involvement in city government, Wolfe, a Democrat, has played a significant role in shaping Manassas’ growth and policies. As voters prepare to head to the polls, Potomac Local News sat down with Wolfe to discuss his vision for the future and the critical issues facing the city.

In this exclusive interview, Wolfe tackles critical questions, such as:

• What are the top three issues Wolfe discusses as he speaks with voters during his campaign?
• What policies have helped turn Manassas into an economic hub, and what more can be done?
• Is Electra planning to build a major manufacturing facility in Manassas, and what will happen if it chooses another city?
• How will the expansion of the Manassas Regional Airport impact jobs, noise levels, and quality of life for residents?
• What’s the city’s approach to the rapid growth of data centers, and how will it affect local infrastructure and neighborhoods?

With early voting beginning on Friday, September 20, 2024, this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of Manassas. Potomac Local News is committed to bringing you exclusive interviews with the people who want to lead your city. We’re asking the questions that matter and getting the answers Manassas residents need before heading to the polls.

Listen now and hear firsthand from Mark Wolfe about his plans to continue shaping the future of Manassas.

At the Sept. 9 Manassas City Council meeting, the Department of Public Works proposed charging hourly rates among other fees for using electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the city.

Steve Burke, the director of public works, said implementing EV charging stations has been a tactic to get more visitors to downtown Manassas.

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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.

Grant Avenue roundabout
The Grant Avenue project, which includes the installation of a roundabout, is nearing completion. Councilors noted that while the roundabout is intended to improve traffic flow, residents are still adapting to its use. The roundabout was designed to facilitate smoother traffic without halting movement and is part of a broader vision to enhance accessibility to Old Town Manassas.

The city staff underscored that the roundabout is a critical component in transforming Grant Avenue from a through-street into a “to-street” that encourages visitors to stop in Manassas rather than merely pass through.

Sudley Road third lane construction
Construction of the third lane on Sudley Road has also begun. This project is expected to significantly ease congestion — especially during peak hours — as it leads to the nearby hospital.

Trees along Sudley Road have been removed to accommodate the expansion, which aims to improve traffic flow and safety for both residents and commuters. Regular updates are being provided to residents in both English and Spanish to keep them informed about construction progress.

VRE and Metro expansion  
Councilors highlighted recent developments in regional transit, focusing on VRE’s upcoming expansion and Metro’s long-term funding needs. The Virginia Passenger Railway Authority’s recent purchase of a Norfolk Southern railroad line that runs through Manassas, is is seen as a major step toward turning VRE into a fully operational transit system, with potential long-term benefits for Manassas and the broader region.

Additionally, discussions continue regarding Metro’s future funding and expansion, which will play a crucial role in the city’s connectivity to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Long-term vision for transportation
The council emphasized the importance of planning for the future, drawing parallels between current projects and past decisions, such as the relocation of Manassas Airport and the acquisition of Lake Manassas.

These infrastructure decisions reflect the city’s long-term commitment to improving transportation options, economic growth, and overall quality of life. Ongoing discussions at both the local and regional levels aim to address the growing transportation demands while ensuring sustainable development.

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.

Balancing Growth and Safety

First Fridays, held from February through December, have grown into a marquee event for Manassas, attracting large crowds for live music, vendors, and shopping. Streets in the historic downtown area are closed, transforming the neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly space. While the event bolsters the local economy, it has also sparked debate about its management and impact on the community.

Interim City Manager Douglass Keen acknowledged the economic benefits but stressed that the city’s infrastructure must adapt to the event’s growing popularity. “We all agree that events like First Fridays are great for the city, but we need to manage them in a way that works for everyone,” Keen said.

Some local businesses have expressed concerns about crowd control, parking shortages, and inconsistent guidelines for vendors, while residents have raised complaints about noise levels and difficulties accessing their homes during street closures.

One unique feature of the event, Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA), allows visitors to openly carry alcohol in specific zones. The policy was enabled by legislation carried by Senator Jeremy McPike, adding an extra layer of appeal to the event but also bringing additional safety and management challenges.

Council’s Response and Proposed Solutions

Public safety emerged as a central topic during the council’s discussions. An increase in minor incidents during recent events has prompted the council to prioritize security, with city staff collaborating with the Manassas Police Department and Historic Manassas, Inc., the event’s organizer, to address concerns.

“We are in the process of reviewing how we manage First Fridays with input from all stakeholders—businesses, police, and residents,” Keen said. “It’s clear that changes are needed to ensure these events are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Proposed changes include improving communication with businesses and residents before each event, increasing police presence, and implementing new traffic management measures to ease congestion and improve parking.

Councilman Smith emphasized the importance of balancing differing community expectations for the event. “There are two distinct views on what First Fridays should be,” he said. “Some see it as a family-friendly event that needs structure, while others want a more free-flowing atmosphere. We’re working to find a middle ground that prioritizes safety without losing the event’s charm.”

Parking is also a major issue under review. At the upcoming town hall on September 16, parking concerns will take center stage, with city leaders encouraging residents to voice their opinions and offer suggestions for improvement.

Councilwoman Pamela Sebesky reiterated the council’s commitment to ensuring First Fridays continue to thrive while reflecting the needs of the community. “We want First Fridays to remain a vibrant, enjoyable event,” Sebesky said. “But we also want to make sure it aligns with the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The next First Fridays event is scheduled for October 4, 2024.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly quoted a resident who spoke at the city council meeting. 

The City of Manassas held its grand reopening for its consolidated City Hall on Monday afternoon, marking the official occupancy of the building that had been undergoing remodeling for more than two years.

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.

Rohr owned the 5¢ to $1 store that started in 1934 and spent the majority of its run on Center Street. His store was the go-to place for residents until 1997. During his 32 year tenure with the city, Rohr was instrumental in acquiring the land for the airport, the historic Liberia House as well as acquiring and naming Lake Manassas as a drinking reservoir.

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?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

Parking in our city isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Each neighborhood deserves a

tailored approach that respects the needs of its residents. In places like Georgetown South, where congestion is a daily struggle, homeowners associations need to have the loudest voice. They live the problem and know the solutions that work. For other areas without these associations but still facing parking headaches, we have options. Should we introduce paid street parking? Build more vertical structures? Require City decals for long-term parking? These choices have their pros and cons, but they need your input.

As Manassas continues to grow, the parking crunch will only get worse. But here’s the good news: We’re not alone. By looking to other cities facing similar challenges, we can adopt proven strategies that fit our community. Your voice matters in shaping how we address this.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business employs 17 people.

Michelle Davis Younger (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

Davis-Younger is seeking a second term as mayor, after being elected in 2020. She owns and operates a Human Resources Consulting firm located in Historic Downtown Manassas called The1ForHR, LLC, which focuses on career coaching and resume writing.

City Council candidates

Lynn Forkell Greene (R)

Parking is a vital issue for our community, affecting residents, businesses, and

visitors alike. Here are some key points I believe we should focus on.

Enhanced parking solutions: We need to explore a range of parking options to accommodate the growing population and influx of visitors. This could include expanding existing parking facilities, investing in multi-level parking structures, and creating additional parking spaces in strategic locations.

Improved signage and wayfinding: Clear and accessible signage can significantly improve the parking experience. We should invest in better signage to guide drivers to available parking areas, reducing frustration and congestion.

Smart parking technologies: Implementing smart parking solutions, such as real-time space availability apps and automated payment systems, can streamline the parking process and make it more convenient for everyone.

Support for local businesses: Ensuring that parking is accessible to customers is crucial for the vitality of our local businesses.

Community feedback and engagement: I believe in actively engaging with residents to understand their parking challenges and preferences.

I am committed to addressing parking concerns with thoughtful, practical solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders while enhancing the overall quality of life in Manassas. Your feedback and support will be invaluable as we work together to create a more accessible and efficient parking system for our city.

Lynn Forkell Greene is seeking to regain a seat on City Council, where she served for 14 months, from fall 2021 to December 2022. Forkell Green served the remainder of Davis-Younger’s term, a seat vacated when Davis-Younger was elected mayor.

She is an administrative director for a nonprofit. Forkell Greene and her husband share four adult children and three grandchildren. Before announcing her re-election bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.

Ashley Hutson (D)

As we all know, many neighborhoods in Manassas were established 50 and even 60+

years ago. When these neighborhoods were built, typical families had only one vehicle, so only one parking space was allotted per house. Now, residents in a single-family home may have four or more vehicles, so where do they park?

I understand that the residents of the Georgetown South Community have faced historical parking challenges. To help aid the situation the City of Manassas, guided by community input, proposed permitted parking districts which allow for two designated spots per household and a third offered by lottery. Listening to the community’s input to make informed solutions is important.

As a former renter of an apartment at the corner of Battle Street and Center Street, I experienced parking challenges and heard of many challenges throughout the community. Especially on days when the streets were closed, some neighbors expressed frustration with not knowing or having no nearby place to park their car. While some of those sentiments are common to every city, more can be done to ensure convenient parking for the residents of Manassas. Ensuring residents and businesses are informed about special events and perhaps offering special garage parking permits for Old Town residents on event days could help this problem.

Further, the capital improvement plan calls for a parking garage with ~300 spaces on the north side of the train tracks in Old Town to allow parking for City Hall and the surrounding businesses. I have no doubt that an additional 300 spaces in Old Town will be helpful!

Throughout my campaign, I have stressed the need for forward thinking land-use decisions, because all too often, the people of today are negatively impacted by the decisions of yesterday. Because Manassas is less than ten square miles, we must be considerate of the future needs of our community when planning for housing developments.

Hutson is seeking her first term on City Council. She is the director of Member Engagement of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association in Manassas. Hutson has served on the Manassas Board of Building Code Appeals, Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and Community Advisory Committee. She graduated from Osbourn Park High School and Christopher Newport University.

Stephen Kent (R)

With parking policy and managing cars, the only sustainable solution is to enforce

existing parking codes in the city and have a paid permit system for street parking. Much of the discussion in Manassas centers around the effects of overcrowding within single-family homes and how that leads to a lack of available parking, but we often leave out the fact that having three or more cars also could mean you’re a family with older children. In just two years, our family will need a third car for our teenage daughter, and the city-sticker system used in Georgetown South and Bristoe Station is a workable solution. There are no magic wand solutions to parking. You have to remain flexible, price parking spaces appropriately, register all vehicles, tow cars that don’t play by the rules, and consider whether or not the city needs a second parking deck to support the Historic Downtown deck. It’s also very important that small cities like Manassas not become over-reliant on free parking. When cities do that, you rapidly begin losing what little available land you have to parking lot. Green space becomes concrete slabs. Fair, market-rate parking solutions is what will keep Manassas beautiful and moving.

Kent is seeking his first term on City Council. He is an author and public relations professional. He and his wife, Melony “Mel” Kent, share a child. Mel Kent ran for the city school board in 2022.

Tom Osina (D-Incumbent)

The candidate who proposes the all-encompassing solution for parking issues in the

City of Manassas can be elected for life!

Seriously, parking is a challenge in the city because many of our neighborhoods were built for car situations which have changed and grown over time. If you live in a single family home, your garage, driveway and street can accommodate more than the two vehicle household which was the norm in the last century. But if you live in a townhouse, apartment or condo, parking spaces are limited especially on the adjacent public streets.

As a resident of Georgetown South for more than two decades, I have seen what occurs when residents can register as many vehicles as one wants even when there is a parking district. That is why I knew limits were needed, first as a resident who could not find parking if I came home after 8 p.m., then as a member of the GTS Community Council where I was part of an effort to propose some restrictions, and finally as a member of City Council where a two-vehicle limit per address was set in a special GTS parking district. Accommodations were made for work vehicles and an adjustment was made to permit a one year third vehicle parking pass (based on a lottery) based on community input.

Is this perfect? Not if you own more than two vehicles per address. But it has made it so all GTS residents can park at least two vehicles which has helped with the original problem. This would not necessarily work in all of Manassas as the streets in GTS are public streets so the city government could implement a total solution. What I have been doing is going to different neighborhoods which have indicated that there is over parking. I talk with their HOA Boards and residents to determine what are the challenges that they face and what might work in their particular situation. I connect them with police representatives to help with current enforcement and bring in city staff who guide them through the process if there is interest in establishing a special parking district.

What does not work is seeking wholesale changes in parking because one has received a parking ticket in an area outside of their neighborhood. I have received parking tickets in different parts of the city but I have not turned my poor decisions into ones where I am calling for changes in parking which really should be decided by those who live in the area.

Our neighborhoods are unique and they require different approaches to bring some parking relief to those who live there. I have great faith that our residents know what the problems are and are willing to accept equitable solutions if they have a part in building the solution.

Remember, the focus of the Town Hall meeting on Sept. 16 is Parking. It will begin at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 9025 Center St.

Osina is seeking his second term on City Council. He and his husband have lived in the Georgetown South community for more than 20 years. He is the father of two grown children.

Robyn Williams (R)

To address the ongoing parking issues in high-density neighborhoods like Georgetown South, I propose a comprehensive strategy that tackles both immediate concerns and long-term solutions. Georgetown South is unique in that the neighborhood’s roads are owned by the city, not the homeowner’s association. The city has already initiated a plan aimed at providing residents with more reliable parking options in Georgetown South.

For other neighborhoods, a short-term solution would involve working closely with homeowner associations to reassess current parking allocations. In the long term, we can explore opportunities to create additional parking by reconfiguring underutilized public spaces, all while preserving the community’s amenities.

There are several potential solutions worth considering, but it’s essential that we engage with residents in every community to ensure the strategies we implement reflect residents’ needs and concerns. Together, we can develop a sustainable solution to these parking challenges.

Williams is seeking her first term on City Council. She has served two terms on the Manassas City School Board. Williams holds a bachelor’s of science in economics from George Mason University. He found her background in finance and economics valuable on the MCPS School Board, in addition to her more than 10 years as a broker/owner of Redstone Realty, specializing in residential real estate.

Williams’ public service in Manassas began with the Beautification Committee, where she served as a member and eventually chairperson. She also volunteered as a teacher assistant at Haydon Elementary for several years and taught modules in schools through the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Mark Wolfe (D-Incumbent)

This is a little bit of old news regarding GTS. This Council has acted decisively to implement a

fair and equitable parking plan for GTS that recognizes the reality of having 1,700 parking spaces for 800 units. This issue had been before the City for years and I am proud that this Council took decisive action.

One of the major changes the City has implemented over the years is in allowing (encouraging) citizens to request that parking districts be established in their neighborhoods.This grassroots empowerment of our citizens increases public engagement and is our best tool in dealing with outside parking. Another example of the city trying to help can be found on Stonewall Road where the city change the parking pattern to allow for more vehicles to be parked in public areas.

Parking is and will continue to be a challenge. but it is my priority — and a City one — to work to maintain the integrity and quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Wolfe is seeking a fourth term on City Council. He has lived in the City of Manassas since 1990. Wolfe has executive leadership experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors and is currently the chief operating officer of MovieComm. Amy, his wife of 36 years, is the artistic director and CEO of Manassas Ballet Theatre. They have two children, both of whom graduated from Osbourn High School.

Stay tuned as we continue this series with topics such as power outages, parking issues, city management and staff retention, budget and taxes, public school performance, and data centers. We aim to provide a comprehensive look at each candidate’s platform, ensuring voters have all the information they need to make a thoughtful decision.

We hope this series will engage the community and foster a more informed electorate. Check back for new insights and updates from your Manassas City Council candidates. Early voting starts  Sept. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5.

Be sure to subscribe to our FREE news email. Each week, we will pose a single question to all candidates running for the Manassas City Council.

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.

Sign up for our FREE news email and never hesitate to email me at [email protected] with comments, questions and/or news tips.

Important links

• Meeting agenda
• Meeting agenda packet
• Where to watch

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 public right-of-way was dedicated in 1987 and 2007 to the City of Manassas as a condition of site plan approvals, but the property owners, D2 Tech Park LLC, are proposing to close the current right-of-way and move it.

In the agenda packet, the proposed resolution states city staff has no objection to the requested change. The proposed resolution also states this will not impact other property owners and “appears to be in the best interests of the city.”

Amending the School Board’s FY2025 budget

The Manassas City Public School Board is requesting an amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget to reflect an increase from $152.9 million to $156.2 million.

The additional $3.3 million is coming from the Commonwealth in revenue due to increased funding being received by MCPS. It has impacted its overall budget, not either the operating or capital improvement budgets.