The ARTfactory will host its inaugural haunted house, Factory of Fear: Where Nightmares are Forged, on Friday and Saturday.

The ARTfactory’s building, which many believe is haunted, will be transformed into different levels of scariness for visitors to enjoy. Ahyrel Tinker, director of education at the ARTfactory, created the haunted house.

“There’s nothing like this downtown and our community of spooky season lovers need something Manassas strong to haunt them this season,” Tinker said. “We listened to the feedback from last year’s sold-out Haunted Hallows event, and decided to ramp up the scare factor.”

According to a press release, a Factory of Fear Committee was developed to oversee the creation and implementation of the haunted house. The ARTfactory had many donations of decorations and props that made the haunted house possible.

If you’re going:

• When: Friday and Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Where: ARTfactory (9419 Battle St.)
• Information: Tickets are $25 per person.

The City of Manassas is facing a potential threat to its future water supply, as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated a review of the city’s water withdrawal permits from Lake Manassas. The DEQ is evaluating whether to rescind the city’s grandfathered rights, which have long allowed Manassas to withdraw water under older, less restrictive conditions.

A change in the city’s withdrawal permit could significantly impact its ability to meet future water needs. City officials, during a recent council meeting, expressed concerns about the DEQ’s review and stressed the urgent need for action.

The council urged staff to engage with the DEQ and state legislators to prevent any changes to the withdrawal rights that could negatively affect the city’s water supply. Losing or reducing the city’s withdrawal capacity would have “a dramatic negative impact” on the city’s ability to provide for its residents in the future, said Interim City Manager Doug Keen.

Although no specific timeline has been provided, the city is working to advocate its position ahead of any final decision from the DEQ. Officials hope that communicating the potential consequences can ensure that Manassas’ interests are considered during the review process.

Depending on the complexity of the environmental assessments and legislative input, the DEQ’s decision could take several months or longer.

On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene.

A suspect at the scene was identified as the shooter and subsequently detained by police. Investigators determined that the incident was between domestic partners who both lived at the residence. The suspect was placed in custody and transported to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. She was charged with the following criminal offenses and held without bond.

Latoya Crabbe, 34, is charged with second-degree murder and with the use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The details of the case remain limited.

According to her LinkedIn page, Crabbe has had a distinguished career in public health. In addition to her current role at the FDA, she previously served as a cadre instructor for the Officer Basic Course at the Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness (DCCPR) in Rockville, Maryland.

The suspect has an extensive background in both pharmacy and public health. Since May 2023, she has been a Program Management Officer with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), overseeing critical health-related programs. Before her current role, she served for nearly five years as a Senior Instructional Officer with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, where she trained new officers in various health protocols and emergency response strategies.

From April 2015 to August 2018, she was a Clinical Staff Pharmacist with the Indian Health Service in Chinle, Arizona. There, she conducted outpatient pharmacy clinics focused on specialized patient care, including the Pharmacist Managed Anticoagulation and Immunization Clinic. She evaluated medication regimens, provided counseling on medication use and side effects, and developed treatment protocols in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

The Keep the Park Beautiful (KPB) event on Oct. 14 at Scott Drive Pocket Park collected more than 100 pounds of litter throughout Manassas Park.

KPB is a part of the Manassas Park government and is a Keep America Beautiful — a nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring people to clean up their communities — affiliate. 10 volunteers, comprised of KPB committee members, Manassas residents and Manassas Park City Schools students, cleaned up Manassas Park for two hours.

KPB held this event at Scott Drive Pocket Park, and the volunteers also cleaned up Scott Drive, Old Centreville Road and Manassas Drive. Every month or so, KPB hosts an event in a different park of Manassas Park to help clean up that area.

At Scott Drive Pocket Park, volunteers collected cigarette butts, bottles, juice boxes, a tire, a mental rod and much more.

The next KPB event is scheduled for Nov. 11 at Lower Kent.

Ross Snare has resigned as Chairman of the Manassas Regional Airport Commission, effective Monday, October 21, 2024. His departure comes amid unverified allegations involving disparaging remarks about a city council member, adding fuel to an already heated local election season.

Snare, a Prince William County resident, was appointed to the commission by the Manassas City Council in 2018 and reappointed in 2022. He made history in June 2023 by becoming the youngest and first county Prince William County resident to serve as Chairman. During his tenure, Snare played a pivotal role in the airport’s efforts to introduce commercial flights, a milestone now expected to be achieved in 2026, a year behind the initial schedule.

In his resignation letter to the city council, Snare cited personal matters and other commitments as his reasons for stepping down. “Serving as chair during this transition over the past several years has been the honor of a lifetime,” Snare wrote. “I wish you all the best during this transition.”

The resignation followed a podcast episode of “Until They Kick Us Out,” where hosts read aloud text messages they claimed were between Snare, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, and a city employee, allegedly disparaging a sitting council member. Potomac Local News has not independently verified these messages.

This development occurs in the context of a contentious local election, where incumbent Mayor Michelle Davis Younger, a Democrat, faces challenger Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom, a Republican and longtime city business owner. The podcast hosts have publicly endorsed Byrom for the upcoming November election. With three city council seats and four school board seats also in contention, the campaign has been marked by polarizing debates over property taxes, public safety, capital projects, and school accreditation.

Snare, who currently serves as the Associate Chief of External Affairs for UVA Health, has a background in political affairs and community service, including his role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. He has been a vocal advocate for the airport, highlighting its economic impact, which includes $375 million in annual economic activity and over 1,350 jobs.

The Manassas Regional Airport, which covers 889 acres, is the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia, with plans to transform it into a hub for commercial passenger flights. The commission’s recent approval of these plans is seen as a significant step toward achieving a vision that has been in the works since the mid-1990s.

As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.

VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers’ slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.

Ridership Recovery Post-COVID

Ridership recovery has been gradual, with VRE reporting an 8% year-over-year passenger increase as of October 2024. The Fredericksburg and Manassas lines have both seen this growth, though levels remain below pre-pandemic numbers. The shift in work patterns, with many commuters embracing hybrid or remote work models, has altered the demand for peak-hour train services.

In September 2024, the VRE saw an average daily ridership of 6,662 passengers, increasing from 6,031 in August 2024 to 6,316 in September 2023. This reflects a positive trend in ridership recovery post-COVID, with the total monthly ridership for September 2024 reaching 133,247 passengers, up from 126,328 during the previous month.

The system saw 20,000 riders per day before COVID-19.

“We’re seeing some recovery in ridership, but not the big step increases we had hoped for,” said Rich Dalton, VRE’s CEO, during the meeting. “Instead, it’s been a gradual climb, and we need to adapt to this new normal.”

In response, VRE’s 2025 budget will focus on maintaining existing services while expanding into new markets, including off-peak and reverse-commute services. This move is part of VRE’s long-term strategy to attract new riders beyond traditional commuters, particularly those traveling for leisure or reverse commutes into Northern Virginia.

Expanding Service, Supporting Infrastructure

A key component of VRE’s strategy for ridership recovery and growth is service expansion. The 2025 budget proposes investments in improving infrastructure to support these new service offerings. Projects such as the Long Bridge expansion, the addition of a fourth track at key locations, and upgrades at several stations, including Quantico, are designed to increase capacity and improve service reliability.

“We’re not just looking to return to pre-COVID ridership levels,” Dalton explained. “We’re looking to expand and serve new communities, ensuring VRE becomes a key part of the regional transportation network.”

These infrastructure improvements, including track upgrades and station enhancements, will be critical in supporting VRE’s push to offer more flexible services. For example, the Quantico station upgrades, set to be completed in November 2024, are part of a broader effort to modernize key stations and improve passenger experience.

Budgeting for Growth

To fund these initiatives, VRE is using a mix of federal pandemic relief funds and local contributions. However, these funds are set to run out by fiscal year 2028, adding pressure on VRE to secure new funding sources. The proposed budget includes approximately $30 to $40 million in pandemic relief funds for the next few years. Still, as these resources are exhausted, VRE will need additional support from state and local jurisdictions.

The Operations Board discussed the need to continue advocating for state and federal funding through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and finding creative solutions to meet future funding needs. VRE is also participating in discussions as part of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s ongoing study (SJ 28) to explore sustainable funding solutions for the state’s transit systems.

“We can’t rely on local jurisdictions alone to cover the gap once the relief funds run out,” said Mark Schofield, VRE’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’re actively engaging in conversations at the state level to ensure that transit funding solutions are identified and implemented in time to avoid service cuts.”

Looking Forward

As VRE continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the 2025 budget reflects the system’s dual priorities: stabilizing operations and preparing for future growth. While ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, VRE’s focus on expanding services, improving infrastructure, and securing long-term funding will be critical to ensuring its success in the years to come.

The 2025 budget proposal will be refined in the coming months before final approval by the Operations Board, with ongoing adjustments made to address both ridership trends and funding opportunities. As Northern Virginia continues to grow, VRE is positioning itself as an essential part of the region’s future transportation landscape, ready to adapt to changing demands and serve a broader range of passengers.

VRE provides commuter rail service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown Washington, D.C., along the Interstate 66 and I-95 corridors.

Update, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 —

On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene. Read more.

Original post — From Manassas police:

 

*Incident Alert* at 10.21.2024 at 2:38pm

Police are on scene at the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane for an investigation which is contained to a residence. There is a high police presence in the area. It is safe for the public to continue regularly activities. pic.twitter.com/F9C46vRkvb

— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) October 21, 2024

On Saturday, October 18, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Annaburg Manor marked the completion of crucial stabilization work on the historic property. The event attracted history enthusiasts, local officials, and community members eager to see the progress made on the beloved 19th-century home.

In addition to the ribbon cutting, attendees were treated to the manor’s first-ever art show featuring local artists.

Manassas acquired Annaburg Manor in 2019 to preserve its historical significance while transforming the grounds into a public park. Originally constructed in 1892 by Robert Portner, a Prussian-born entrepreneur and brewer, the home served as a summer retreat and gathering space for the community. The property later became a nursing facility before being purchased by the city.

The restoration effort, which has thus far cost $4.4 million, including the purchase price, focused on essential repairs and upgrades. Highlights of the renovations include a new slate roof, fresh paint, refinished wood floors, new doors and windows, ADA-compliant accessibility features, and enhanced landscaping. The work also included the installation of new lighting fixtures, offering a glimpse of the manor’s original charm and grandeur. Additionally, archeologists uncovered the foundation of the Portner Tower, a structure that predates the home.

Annaburg Park, located at 9201 Maple St., is now an important community asset, providing residents with another green space in the heart of Manassas. The restoration has renewed interest in the property and will serve as a cultural and recreational hub for years.

Happy Friday, Manassas! Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Oct. 21 work session. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. City Council will also be meeting on Tuesday to discuss applicants for the city manager position. Make sure to check out Potomac Local's recent forum on the state of Manassas City Public Schools, which was held Thursday night with a School Board member and several candidates.

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