Burke also addressed downtown parking, revealing that the city has about 1,400 parking spaces, with 16% located north of the railroad tracks. He noted that downtown parking utilization ranges from 20% to 50%, meaning ample parking is often available, mainly south of the tracks. He discussed the permits available for downtown residents, businesses, and VRE users.
The meeting concluded with council members responding to specific questions and concerns raised by residents. Council members and city staff emphasized that parking issues are a challenge in Manassas and throughout Northern Virginia. They assured attendees that feedback from the community would be used to guide future decisions, particularly during upcoming work sessions aimed at addressing parking and other city issues.
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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.
On September 16, 2024, the Manassas City Council received an update from Airport Director Juan Rivera, who outlined the project's progress and the factors behind the delay. The council had unanimously approved a franchise agreement with Avports Manassas, LLC—a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs to begin commercial service by 2025. Still, unexpected infrastructure challenges have pushed back the timeline.
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In a report released last month by the Virginia Department of Education, the average pass rates have declined in history, math and reading; improved in science and stayed the same in writing. The most significant decrease was in history, which decreased from 62% in the 2022-2023 school year to 58% in 2023-24. The most significant increase was in science, which increased to 48% in 2023-24.
And, MCPS significantly lags behind Virginia state averages. In almost every subject, MCPS is behind more than 20% in comparison to state averages.
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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.
Steve Burke, the director of public works, said implementing EV charging stations has been a tactic to get more visitors to downtown Manassas.
"We've received, over the past year, over 5,500 individual uses of our charging stations," Burke said. "That level of use comes with some expense to the city. Last year, we spent a little over $18,000 in electric charges we had. There's also costs for the software that people need to use to connect to it, as well as just the use of those charging stations, things break, and we wind up having to pay for them."
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Prince William County is navigating challenges as it seeks to balance the growing demand for data centers with its aspirations for technological innovation and education, particularly around the George Mason University SciTech Campus.
This dynamic was discussed at the Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting on September 10, when leaders and stakeholders expressed concerns over how the expansion of data centers could impact the county's economic growth potential, particularly at the college's Innovation District, outside Manassas.
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Greetings, Prince William: Mark Your Calendars for Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30pm at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Your $100 donation includes dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It should be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community will have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Support our veterans by giving the gift of a lift! Our VETS program has an ongoing need for volunteers age 21+ to provide transportation to local veterans and their spouse on weekdays to medical appointments, shopping, etc. If you’re a veteran looking to connect with fellow vets or looking to fill up your day, this is a meaningful experience. Schedules are flexible, and you’ll feel great as you provide a ride, a friendly face and help this population meet their needs! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eWwrdB for details, email [email protected] for more information. This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
- You can help senior citizens facing food insecurity! ACTS needs dedicated volunteers to deliver boxes of food to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in eastern Prince William County Monday-Thursday, 11am-1pm. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license and can use any size vehicle, though a van may be provided if necessary. Boxes can weigh up to 40 pounds. Volunteers typically call or text recipients to notify them that their delivery is on the way. You’ll feel great as you ensure that those who are unable to leave their homes receive the food they need! Note: Client Intake Volunteers are also needed! Duties include assisting clients with booking appointments, registering new clients, and ensuring every client receives the support they need. Familiarity with client intake software and fluency in Spanish helpful, but not necessary! For more information, please email [email protected].
- Catholic Charities in Manassas is looking for Fall Semester Interns to support their Migration and Refugee Services which helps newly arrived families find community and support to thrive in the US. Numerous projects need intern support such as outreach, client assistance, database work, newsletter and much more! You’ll have a busy and rewarding semester as you help immigrants successfully navigate the various systems to get settled in the US! Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Do you enjoy supporting live concerts? Clearbrook Center of the Arts located in Lake Ridge needs volunteer Event Stagehands age 18+ to contribute to the smooth running of their events. Jobs include guiding show bands to their designated staging areas, assisting bands with load-in/breakdown and helping with stage setup/breakdown. You get to enjoy some great live music and get Free admission to a future Clearbrook concert of your choice! To view the concert schedule, please visit
www.clearbrookcenterofthearts.org, visit their SignUp Genius page at
https://signup.com/go/gjAhPZb to volunteer. Please email clearbrookce…@gmail.com for more information. - Lace up your running shoes – Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is preparing for their Fall season September 23-November 24, and they need Volunteer Coaches age 16+ to coach teams in the greater Prince William community! No experience needed; just a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season-ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give. You’ll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities! Please visit www.gotrnova.org/coach to learn more, email [email protected] for more information.
- It’s that time again – Historic Manassas, Inc. needs volunteers to support the upcoming Fall Jubilee October 5, 6am-6pm in Old Town Manassas! Volunteers of any age are welcome, volunteers under age 16 must volunteer with an adult over 18. Duties include setup, keeping trash picked up, helping to monitor Kids Areas and the Stage Area. You’ll have a fun time enjoying all the sights, food, and music of this event while you help to promote the advantages of visiting Old Town! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Sp91TJ to sign up, email li…@historicmanassasinc.org to learn more.
- Are you a fan of gardening? Prince William Conservation Alliance is looking for volunteers to help prepare the wildlife garden at Merrimac Farm, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville for the winter season on September 21, 9am-12pm. Jobs include pulling trees, removing plants, clearing paths, hanging deer deterrents, taking inventory, and cleaning the very small pond. Please feel free to bring your own tools, especially to cut and remove small trees; tools and gloves will be available for use. This family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to support native wildlife, get outside, and welcome the changing of the seasons! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XmbWyJ for more information, email alli…@pwconserve.org to learn more.
- “Farm livin’ is the life for me…” Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting Farm Field Days October 9 and 10, 8am-1pm at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Volunteers are needed to support this event which educates 4th graders about agriculture and farm life. Duties include helping set up, check in volunteers, monitor various agricultural stations, set up/monitor the concession stand and guide student groups from one station to the next. No farm experience is needed! Lunch will be provided to volunteers once the event ends. This should be lots of fun as you help educate students about farm living! Please visit https://bit.ly/3smBobx to register. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 571.379.7514 to learn more.
- You can help clean up the Occoquan River! On September 21, 9am-2pm Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) is conducting its 15th Annual Clean-Up of the Upper Occoquan River from nine different sites along 25+ miles of the Occoquan River. Experienced kayakers, canoeists, Jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are also requested for the on-the-water portion of this conservation effort. Homeowners’ associations, civic associations, and businesses are encouraged to join in this effort. T-shirts and refreshments provided, you’ll feel great knowing you’re helping to beautify an area which provides water for most of eastern Prince William and Fairfax counties! Please visit https://bit.ly/3MfMRjR to sign up, email [email protected] to learn more. Rain Date September 28.
- Jazz Lovers! Please join the Virginia Women and Family Support Center for an enchanting evening under the stars at Jazz on the Lawn September 21, 4pm-9pm at 14019A Glenkirk Road in Gainesville! Immerse yourself in the soothing melodies of live jazz presented by The Continental Jazz Congress. Relax and unwind as you sip on unlimited wines and indulge in a delicious dinner provided by BJ’s Brewhouse and complemented with a dessert bar. Whether you’re a lover of jazz, looking for a date night or want to unwind in the company of friends and neighbors, this event promises to be a delightful fusion of music, community, and culinary delights! You’ll feel great as you treat yourself to an unforgettable night out and know that 100% of proceeds will go towards housing women and families in need. Please visit www.vawfsc.org/jazzonthelawn for more information and ticket purchase, email [email protected] to learn more.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
Candidates for the United States House of Representatives will be speaking at Metz Middle School in Manassas on Tuesday night.
Candidates for the Virginia 7th and 10th Congressional districts will engage in a forum, which the Prince William NAACP, Coalition for Action and Prince William Chamber for Commerce are hosting.
The forum is an opportunity to meet the congressional candidates and speak with them directly. Attendees can ask questions, engage with the candidates and make an informed decision ahead of early voting, which starts on Friday.
The event is being moderated by Larry Miller, an anchor for WUSA9. There will be a reception with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 7 p.m.
All four candidates were invited, but it is unclear whether Mike Clancy will attend. The candidates are:
- Eugene Vindman (D), 7th district candidate
- Derrick Anderson (R), 7th district candidate
- Suhas Subramanyam (D), 10th district candidate
- Mike Clancy (R), 10th district candidate
Virginia’s 7th Congressional District seat is up for grabs because the current House Rep., Abigail Spanberger, is running for governor, which will be on the ballot in 2025. The 10th Congressional seat is open because Rep. Jennifer Wexton is retiring following a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy.
The 10th district covers all of Fauquier County, Loudoun County and Rappahannock County, parts Fairfax County and western Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The seventh district covers the southern and eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania.
Voters can find their U.S. Representative by searching via zip code.
If you’re going:Â
- When:Â Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
- Where:Â Metz Middle School (9950 Wellington Road, Manassas)
- RegistrationÂ
If you cannot make it in-person, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will livestream the event from their Facebook page.
