Stafford County Administrator Randall Vosburg has signaled his intent to resign. Vosburg is the top government official in the county, overseeing the operation of county government services.
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The construction of the Homeless navigation center in the east of Prince William County moved a little closer on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, with a unanimous vote to approve a zoning map amendment to use five parcels of land owned by the county for the center’s construction.
The land near Potomac Mills mall contains the OmniRide transit center, the regional bus hub, and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission offices. The north portion of these five parcels, fronting Potomac Mills Road, is the former site of the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, which provides meals, showers, and opportunities to connect and interact socially. The drop-in center is temporarily located at the Ferlazzo Building, a county government office complex on Route 1 in Woodbridge.
The county plans to demolish the old drop-in shelter and its parking lot and construct a new homeless shelter.
The west and south portions of these five parcels contain the location of the OmniRide bus storage yard, maintenance building, and employee parking. In the southeast portion is the county-owned building and its associated parking, which is currently occupied and operated by
Social Services will remain.
This site already contains a one-story former shelter that will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. Eventually, all five parcels of land will be consolidated.
The Prince William County Planning Commission and staff have reviewed the proposal, and both favored and recommended its approval.
Prince William County Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye thanked the planning department for their work and said the project “was long overdue and needs to be moving faster.”
Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega echoed those same thoughts but also wondered when proposals would be put forth for a homeless navigation center in the west of the County as outlined in the action strategy.
According to the county’s comprehensive plan, adopted December 13, 2022, the county plans to “open homeless navigation centers in eastern and western Prince William County to increase the County’s ability to respond to emergent needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Several homeless shelters assist individuals and families in need in Prince William County and Manassas.
The Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, the Ferlazzo Building, in Woodbridge, offers meals, showers, and various support services to help with health, employment, education, and housing needs.
The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, at 14945 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge, provides a year-round shelter for families and single adults, offering case management and job readiness programs.
The Ferlazzo Emergency Shelter, also located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge, serves single adults with a focus on providing assistance to navigate the system and access support programs.
Additionally, the Beverly Warren Emergency Shelter, operated by Action in Community Through Services (ACTS) in Dumfries, offers an 18-bed shelter for women and families with housing-focused case management.
The SERVE Family Shelter, operated by Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) in Manassas, provides a 90-bed emergency shelter for families and single adults, focusing on housing-focused case management.
Finally, the Supportive Shelter, operated by StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries in Woodbridge, offers eight beds. It caters to individuals with medical challenges or disabilities, focusing on immediate needs and permanent housing solutions.
In September 2020, Prince William County officials tried to use federal coronavirus funds to establish a homeless shelter in Dumfries. However, County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, representing the Potomac District encompassing Dumfries, requested the town’s Planning Commission to remove a request for consideration for the project from its agenda to amend zoning ordinances to allow the homeless shelter in the town’s B1 zoning district.
The reason behind Bailey’s request remains undisclosed.
Discussion about the planned homeless shelter was also quashed at the Dumfries Town Council’s agenda. Negotiations had commenced with the owners of Grace Church, located at 1006 Williamstown Boulevard, for the potential purchase of the church to convert it into a shelter.
In the end, Grace Church purchased a property about a mile away, at the corner of Route 234 and Van Buren Road, and built a new facility. The building that was to become the homeless shelter now houses the Prince William Campus of Potomac Valley Church.
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Coffee connoisseurs, gear up - Black Rifle Coffee Company is ready to launch its newest outpost, having opened its doors for a soft opening on Monday, February 18, at 591 Warrenton Road.
Positioned conveniently for drivers heading south on Route 17 at Interstate 95, the company offers both dine-in and drive-through services at this location.
A grand opening celebration is on the horizon, with a date yet to be determined, promising to feature local veteran-owned businesses, according to Allen Fabijan, company spokesman. Fabijan emphasized that this new establishment aligns with the company's overarching mission of supporting Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families.
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Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta announced the passing of 19-year-old Occoquan resident Jason Brunsman, who lost his life in a car accident on Route 1. Brunsman, a lifelong resident of Occoquan, was involved in the accident early on the morning of February 14.
According to reports, Brunsman was driving a Ford Transit Van southbound on Route 1, nearing Giles Run Road in Lorton, when the vehicle collided with the rear end of a roll back dumpster truck that was stopped in the left lane, waiting to turn left. Brunsman sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the roll back dumpster truck emerged from the accident unharmed.
Preliminary investigations by detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit indicate that alcohol is not suspected to have played a role in the accident. However, authorities are looking into whether speed may have been a contributing factor.
Visitation for Brunsman is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, at the Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home in Woodbridge, VA, with a funeral mass to follow on Wednesday, February 21, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Lake Ridge.
Brunsman’s passing marks the sixth traffic crash fatality of the year in Fairfax County, compared to three fatalities at this point in the previous year. The community mourns the loss of a young life and extends condolences to the family and friends of Jason Brunsman during this difficult time.
On February 18 at 5:40 p.m., officers responding to an unrelated call for service spotted the suspect, and apprehended him after a foot pursuit.
Police said the carjacking occourred at 5:55 p.m. February 11. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. According to the initial report, the victim, an 18-year-old man, had been accosted by a group of individuals, one of whom was later as the suspect.
The victim had provided the suspect and others a ride, only to be targeted for robbery shortly thereafter, police said. The confrontation escalated when the suspect and another individual from the group pursued the victim to the median area of Smoketown Road, ultimately resulting in the victim being tackled and assaulted. During the altercation, the suspects forcibly took the victim’s phones, wallet, and keys.
A Good Samaritan intervened, preventing further harm to the victim. However, the suspects managed to escape in the victim’s vehicle, prompting a search by law enforcement. While the vehicle was later found abandoned near Westminister Lane in Lake Ridge, the suspects remained at large.
Ibrahim Barrie Jr., 18, of the 14615 Earlham Court in Dale City, faces charges of including carjacking, robbery, and fleeing from law enforcement. He is currently being held without bond, with a court date pending.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing as authorities work to identify any additional suspects involved. In this case, the prompt action of law enforcement underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community, particularly near our schools.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police to aid in the ongoing investigation.
More reports from Prince William police
Additional Arrest in Burglary While Armed
- Incident:Kevin Vincent Brown, 25, was apprehended after a home invasion that happened in January.
- Location: The burglary occurred in a residential area on Sudley Rd in Manassas, VA.
- Charges: Brown is charged with burglary while armed, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, among other felonies. He is held without bond.
Shooting Investigations
- Dale Blvd Shooting: A shooting was reported, with the victim sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
- Location: The incident took place on Dale Blvd near the intersection with Minnieville Road in Dale City.
- Balls Ford Rd Shooting: Another shooting incident occurred, with the victim also resulted in a non-life threatening injury.
- Location: This incident was reported on Balls Ford Rd near Ashton Ave, near Manassas.
Both shootings are under investigation with no suspects identified as of the report. - Police said the the incidents do not appear to be random and there is no threat to the community.
Strong-Armed Robbery and Domestic Assault
- Robbery Incident: A strong-armed robbery was reported without specific charges or arrests mentioned.
- Location: Occurred in a commercial area on Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.
- Domestic Assault: A domestic assault case was reported, involving property destruction and physical altercation.
- Location: This incident happened in a residential neighborhood on Bristow Road in Bristow
Attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer
On Feb. 17, 2024, in Gainesville, a domestic dispute escalated when Jessy William Szypulski, 34, armed with a handgun and in conflict with family members, fired at police and relatives from his home’s upper floor, police said.
- No injuries occurred as officers secured the scene, safely evacuating all, including four children. Szypulski was arrested, facing multiple charges, including attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and reckless handling of a firearm. He is held without bond, with a court date pending.
Scott Mayausky, Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, has released the 2024 bi-annual property reassessment results, revealing significant changes in property values across various sectors. The comprehensive reassessment, aimed at ensuring equitable tax distribution, has led to noticeable increases in property assessments, reflective of the current market values.
Residential properties in the county have seen an average increase of 13% in assessments, indicating a substantial rise in home values. Commercial properties have experienced an even more significant jump, with assessments increasing by 23%, highlighting robust growth in the commercial sector. Agricultural properties are not far behind, with a 14% increase, while multi-family properties have seen a more modest rise of 9%.
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Prince William County has announced its proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, totaling $1.77 billion.
The average residential property tax bill in Prince William County for FY2025 is projected to be $5,098, a $243 increase, up five percent from the previous year. The budget keeps the real estate tax rate steady at $0.966 per $100 assessed property value.
This figure represents the financial obligation of homeowners within the county, encompassing the costs associated with various county services and infrastructure projects, as outlined in the proposed budget.
It focuses on critical areas, including the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, the progression of capital projects, and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery across the county.
Key highlights include a substantial increase in school funding, with a transfer of $887.2 million, representing a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the budget addresses the need for more public safety personnel and infrastructure improvements.
This financial plan seeks to balance responsible fiscal management and the need for ongoing community and economic development, ensuring the provision of essential services without raising the general tax rate.
Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter is expected to present his proposed budget to the Board of County Supervisors at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, during a public meeting at the McCoart County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Over the following months, the Board will engage in work sessions and public hearings to gather input on the proposed budget before its adoption on April 23. Noteworthy events in the budget calendar include a virtual community meeting on Feb. 24, where residents can ask questions about the proposed CIP and budget, and a public hearing on the proposed budget on March 19.
Additionally, the Prince William County School Board will present its proposed budget on April 2 through the revenue sharing agreement, where the county provides 57.23 percent of general fund revenue to the schools.
Throughout the process, the public is encouraged to participate by attending meetings, asking questions through the interactive Budget Q&A platform, or contacting their district supervisor.
The budget adoption is slated for April 23, with all meetings held at the Board Chambers in the McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge, starting at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
The Prince William County Government is reconsidering the allocation of $2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. This reevaluation follows concerns over the initial decision to allocate these funds to CASA. This nonprofit organization supports working-class communities (not affiliated with the local Court Appointed Special Advocates). The funds were intended to construct an immigrant welcome center in Prince William County.
Details of the proposed reallocation include:
- Allocating an additional $190,000 to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue for food distribution and administrative costs.
- Setting aside $60,000 for the County to enhance food inventory for community feeding programs.
- Directing $270,400 towards the development of strategies for community safety, with a focus on violence prevention and intervention.
- Reassigning $1,466,592 to cover extra costs associated with the Judicial Center Renovation project.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who played a key role in the original allocation to CASA on June 7, 2022, has been a vocal advocate for utilizing the county’s $90 million in ARPA funds for a variety of community benefits, including support for Latino broadcasting and the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton.
However, following a county audit that allegedly revealed mismanagement of the allocated funds by CASA, there is now a resolution to retrieve these funds. Despite the lack of public documentation detailing the audit’s findings, sources close to the matter suggest County Executive Christopher Shorter aimed to protect CASA’s reputation by not mentioning its name in the related February 20, 2024, agenda item.
Responding to these allegations, CASA’s Executive Director, Gustavo Torres, told Insidenova.com the organization has a history of responsible financial management, as evidenced by annual independent audits.
The discussion around fund allocation has been contentious. On June 16, 2020, a Board of County Supervisors meeting was notably disrupted by CASA members, marking a significant moment of tension between the organization and Republican board members, including Supervisor Yesli Vega and former Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.
CASA members said Vega — the first elected Hispanic member of the county board —  “is the devil,” and told her “zip your mouth,” following Vega’s support for the federal 287(g) program at the county jail that had been used to identify illegal aliens charged with a crime.
CASA’s actions during this period have influenced perceptions of its relationship with local government and its impact on community politics. The organization consistently donates to the campaigns of progressive Democrats.
Campaign donations from CASA to state and local politicians include significant contributions to figures such as former Attorney General Mark Herring ($291,667) and former Gov. Ralph Northam ($82,950) at the state level, with Prince William County politicians like Jennifer Carroll Foy ($275,804 across various campaigns) and Elizabeth Guzman ($264,935 across campaigns) also benefiting.
Margaret Franklin, who received $5,125 from CASA, seeks the Democratic Party nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. Virginia’s 7th District, including eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, and Orange counties.
As the debate over the allocation of these federal funds continues, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors plans to address the issue at their meeting on February 20, 2024, at the county government center in Woodbridge.
State Level campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Mark Herring, former Virginia Attorney General: $291,667
- Ralph Northam, former Virginia Governor: $82,950
Prince William County campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Carroll Foy for Governor – Jennifer: $170,383
- Carroll Foy for Senate – Jennifer: $53,656
- Carroll Foy for Delegate – Jennifer: $51,765
- Elizabeth Guzman for Delegate: $148,318
- Elizabeth Guzman for Senate: $115,617
- Josh King for Prince William County Sheriff – Joshua: $71,255
- Danica Roem for Senate – Danica: $57,753
- Kenny Boddye for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $55,794
- Briana Sewell for Delegate: $52,340
- Candi King for Delegate: $17,556
- Josh Thomas for Delegate: $12,203
- Deshundra Jefferson for Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman: $11,904
- Michelle Maldonado for Delegate: $5,713
- Margaret Franklin for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $5,125
- Andrea Bailey for Prince William Supervisor: $3,540
- Victor Angry for Prince William County Supervisor: $1,450
Fredericksburg and Stafford County area campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Joel Griffin for State Senate: $102,109
- Joshua Cole for Delegate: $17,660
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