The Occoquan Town Council has directed town staff to research the feasibility of a business recruitment program. The goal is to explore ways to attract new businesses and strengthen the town’s economic landscape.
During the February 18, 2025, Town Council meeting, council members debated the potential benefits and challenges of establishing a structured business recruitment initiative. While previous discussions had stalled due to limited staffing and financial constraints, council members agreed to proceed with a formal evaluation.
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The long-awaited Mill at Occoquan development faces financial hurdles. The project's developer, Kevin Sills, is reaching out to the town council to discuss potential changes in the project's scope.
During the February 18, 2025, Occoquan Town Council meeting, town officials revealed that Sills contacted them regarding the increasing construction costs. Initially proposed in 2018, the project originally called for 52 residential units atop first-floor retail spaces but may no longer be financially viable under its current design.
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This combination of musicians is called "Big Fat Doug Belford Experience," they rocked out a healthy list of covers for the appreciative crowd. The band was a combo of three members of a band called “Big Fat Daddy,” featuring Meri Schaefer, Brian Curtiss, John David Coppola on bass, and three others from Doug Belford Experience, which featured Doug Belford, Meri Schaefer, and Brian Curtiss. Meri Schaefer and Brian Curtiss play in both bands.
Sure, some of the songs are well-known covers from the heyday of rock and roll, but people dig those songs anyway. A beer or two feeds that love the staples in their rock list, including “Maneater” from Hall and Oates, “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads, and “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young. The tempo of the night stretched far and wide.
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The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting will review the town’s Strategic Framework and discuss proposed budgets for the eSummons Fund and the Mamie Davis Fund.
Key Topics for Discussion
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In the latest episode of the Occoquan Radio Podcast, host and mayor Ernie Porta shared updates on local business developments, an upcoming town event, and an economic recognition for Occoquan’s tourism sector, and more.
Mill in Occoquan Project Delayed
Porta provided an update on the long-awaited Mill in Occoquan project. This planned development will introduce retail and restaurant spaces, 52 residential units, and a public-access riverwalk along the northwestern end of town. While demolition of old structures was expected this winter, progress has been slow. So far, only a permit for the removal of the steel boat dry dock has been issued, with no permits yet requested for the remaining buildings.
Adding to the time constraints, Porta noted that if ospreys return to the site in the spring, all demolition must halt to protect the birds under environmental regulations. As of now, no definitive timeline for the project’s next steps has been provided.
Police Department Enhances Public Safety with New Dispatch System
The Occoquan Police Department is moving forward with integrating into Prince William County Police’s computer-assisted dispatch system (CAD), a significant step toward improving emergency response capabilities. The new system, developed in partnership with Motorola Corporation, will allow seamless coordination between local law enforcement agencies, improving response times and efficiency.
Additionally, the department will join the county’s report management system, streamlining data collection and case management for officers. Full implementation of the system is expected by the end of this month.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Cigarette Sales Tax Ordinance
In an effort to align with regional tax structures, Occoquan town officials have scheduled a public hearing to discuss the implementation of a cigarette sales tax ordinance. While cigarettes are not currently sold within the town, many surrounding jurisdictions in Virginia already impose similar local taxes.
According to state law, cigars would be exempt from the proposed tax, meaning businesses that choose to sell cigars in Occoquan would remain unaffected. The town encourages community members and business owners to attend the hearing and share their input on the proposed ordinance.
Exciting Lineup Announced for 2025 Town Events
The Occoquan Town Council also approved its 2025 events calendar, featuring a mix of returning favorites and a newly reinstated holiday tradition:
- Riverfest – First weekend in June
- Arts and Crafts Show – Last weekend in September
- Easter Peep Show – A springtime favorite
- Trivia Nights – Six planned throughout the year at River Mill Park
- Murder Mystery Costume Parade & Movie Night – A spooktacular Halloween event
- Light-Up Night and Holiday Tree Lighting – The traditional kickoff to the holiday season, taking place the weekend before Thanksgiving
- Holiday Artisan Market – Making a return by popular demand on December 6-7, 2025, featuring local artisans, festive lights, and Santa’s arrival by boat
Unlike previous years, the holiday artisan market will be hosted along Commerce and Union Streets, rather than at River Mill Park, and will feature a unique firelight experience at the intersection of the two streets.
With a full slate of engaging events and major developments in public safety, Occoquan leaders continue working toward enhancing the community’s vibrancy while maintaining its historic charm.
Spot on Mill Closes, Belmont Bay Location Remains Open
A beloved local eatery, Spot on Mill, closed its doors at the end of December after losing its lease. The restaurant was well known for participating in town events such as Trivia Nights in River Mill Park, where it helped provide food and beverage deliveries to attendees. While its presence in Occoquan has ended, the owners continue operating a second location in nearby Belmont Bay, offering residents another opportunity to enjoy their menu.
VisitOccoquan Recognized by State Program
Occoquan’s local tourism organization, VisitOccoquan, Inc., has been selected for Virginia’s 2025-2026 Mobilizing Main Street Program. This two-year initiative provides development support to help communities achieve Main Street America accreditation, a designation that enhances economic growth, small business support, and tourism initiatives. Porta praised VisitOccoquan’s ongoing efforts, including its biannual printed Visitor’s Guide, for drawing attention to the town’s unique charm and history.
Firelight Night Set for Valentine’s Day
Occoquan is preparing for its annual Firelight Night, set to take place on Wednesday, February 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in front of the Millhouse Museum. The outdoor event will feature fire pits, live music, drinks, and concessions, providing a cozy and festive atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy. No RSVP is required, and attendees are encouraged to bundle up and bring friends for a memorable evening under the stars.
For more details about the event, visit VisitOccoquanVA.com/firelight.
Key Projects in the CIP
New School Constructions
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
On Dec. 13, 2024, Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith hosted a “Seal the Deal” event in the Town of Occoquan, where couples could get married without the hassle of planning an elaborate ceremony and reception.
According to a press release from the clerk, Smith married 18 couples during the event. Couples were able to marry in the decorated Occoquan Town Hall with family and friends. Each ceremony was intimate and festive as the hall was decorated for the holidays with festive lights.
“This modern approach to the wedding experience provided couples with an exclusive moment to marry— without the stress of planning an elaborate wedding, the burden of excessive costs or the pressure of social expectations,” the press release stated.
In addition to “Seal the Deal,” Occoquan hosted the Firelight Night event. Local businesses also donated wedding gifts for the couples to take home after their respective ceremonies.
Smith will host her “Valentine’s Day Bash” in February, which will be similar to the “Seal the Deal” event where couples can have an intimate ceremony. For more information, please visit the clerk’s website or social media.
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