The Quantico Train Station’s new construction will be completed by early 2025 and will feature a pedestrian bridge and extended platforms to improve transit efficiency and safety for the 6,000 daily passengers.

Press release

The Quantico Train Station’s new construction is scheduled to be completed before the start of 2025, improving the transit efficiency and commuter experience for the 6,000 daily passengers who use and pass through the station.

The improvements include a pedestrian bridge that sits above the tracks, leading pedestrians to all three platforms, which are also to be extended.
“It will be nice when they get it all done, and we don’t have to wait anymore at the crosswalk for trains coming through,” said George Ramsey, a MCCS Quantico Marine Corps Community Services employee on MCBQ and frequent train passenger. “There are many, many, many times I remember getting stuck on one side or the other because of a train you weren’t expecting to come through while waiting for a train.”

Virginia Railway Express Chief Engineer Dallas Richards explained many of its new features and how it will improve the safety for commuters and pedestrians.
“The bridge includes three staircases and three elevators which will help commuters get to all three platforms safely,” said Richards, and emphasized that “both extended platforms will allow commuters to board and deboard all eight passenger cars at the same time, which will be much safer and efficient.”
The project will also add a third track, improving the fluidity between the different organizations.

Originally built in 1953, the Quantico Train Station was totally renovated by the VRE in April of 2005, and these new renovations mark the largest change to alleviate commuter congestion.

“The third track reduces delays and will give VRE, Amtrak and freight rail, the capability of using all three tracks to limit congestion,” said Brett Sanders, the CSX lead engineer.

From the start, he mentioned, the success of the project couldn’t have happened without everyone working together.

Prince William County Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps has retired after over 28 years of service. Phelps has been appointed as the Chief of Police for the Jacksonville Police Department in North Carolina.

“Jarad has served the Prince William County community with the utmost distinction for nearly three decades,” said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. “I sincerely congratulate him on his second chapter and future success, and I know he will serve the community of Jacksonville with the same compassion and professionalism he has shown here.”

Phelps began his career with the Prince William County Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer in the Operations Division. Over his career, he held various positions, including lieutenant and captain. As captain, he served as an evening shift commander, the Special Operations Bureau commander, and the Criminal Justice Academy Director. In 2017, he was promoted to major and later to deputy chief in 2019. He briefly served as acting chief in 2020 during a period marked by civil unrest and the coronavirus pandemic.

Phelps was in command when the department declared its first riot in 50 years. On May 30, 2020, a peaceful protest in response to the death of George Floyd turned violent. Protestors threw objects at drivers and police, leading to a riot in which several people were injured and businesses damaged.

Multiple police agencies responded, resulting in five arrests and injuries to four Prince William police officers. One officer required hospital treatment for a significant head injury. Phelps addressed county officials the following day, facing criticism from Democrats on the Board of County Supervisors for the use of tear gas to control the riot.

Phelps holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and an undergraduate degree from James Madison University. He has attended the FBI National Academy and other leadership and senior management schools.

Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps’ retirement is effective August 1, 2024.

 

Greg Cook, founder of Old Town Whiskey Club and Old Town Strong, died earlier this week of unknown causes.

Cook is originally from Nokesville but moved to Manassas and has entrenched himself in the community. In 2019, he founded and was president of the Old Town Whiskey Club, where meetings, events, tastings, distillery tours, and fundraisers were held.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook founded Old Town Strong to fill the gap many were feeling in quarantine. The group sold t-shirts and sweatshirts with “Old Town Strong” across the front, and proceeds have gone on to support local businesses and organizations.

According to an April 2020 Patch article, one of the fundraising campaigns was to benefit the employees of restaurants and bars in Old Town Manassas.

Following the announcement on social media by various businesses in Manassas, there was an outpouring of residents, friends and family alike.

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger posted about Cook’s death, calling him a “giant” who would do anything for the city.

 

There will be a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug. 2 (tomorrow) after a scheduled event being held from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

In this episode, I talk with Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia about the evolving grading policies in the school district. Listeners will learn about the significant post-pandemic changes, including the controversial 50-100 grading scale and removing the 55 minimum grade provision. Sara Brescia provides a deep dive into the rationale behind these changes, the challenges faced, and the pushback from the community.

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Uriah’s Note: Members always get the first read of our original reporting. Thanks for your continued support.

Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry P. Devine recently spoke with Potomac Local in a one-on-one interview, addressing the city’s response to a train derailment and the prospect of new data centers.

The CSX train derailment occurred on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. Fortunately, no hazardous materials were involved, and there were no reports of injuries.

CSX stated during a press conference that they did not know the whereabouts of the train crew during the derailment. The train engine had been experiencing trouble before the derailment, and the crew parked the Richmond-bound train next to Cobblestone Square. “I think it’s a not unusual practice to do that if an engine has trouble, that they would park the cars and go get it fixed…but not ensuring that the brakes were all on, and not ensuring that that train was really secure, certainly, I hope wouldn’t be [standard practice].

The residents of Cobblestone Square expressed frustration and nervousness. “They’re frustrated, they’re a little nervous, and certainly wanting answers,” said Mayor Devine. However, she acknowledged that the swift removal of the derailed cars was a positive outcome.

Here’s the letter City Manager Timothy Baroody sent to CSX, seeking assurances from CSX that a similar derailment won’t happen again.

Devine also discussed the potential impact of the incident on future rail projects in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation continues to work to expand the state’s passenger rail network and is eyeing the purchase of the Norfolk-Southern railroad’s B-line, which runs through Manassas. When asked if this derailment may spur more conversations about the state purchasing additional track segments, Devine said, “I think that’s a possibility. We aim to be at the table. We aim to be part of those discussions.”

According to the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Planning Organization, a third railroad track is already scheduled to be built in Fredericksburg and southern Stafford County. A public meeting for the project is scheduled for September, and we will interview FAMPO Director Ian Ollis later this week to learn more.

You are invited to join, learn more, and make your voice heard at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s public meeting on September 18th, 2024 at Conway Elementary School in Stafford County, VA!

Read more about these projects at https://t.co/15Ex8GAnJC pic.twitter.com/T49ThJel6V

— FAMPO (@FAMPO_VA) July 29, 2024

Devine also addressed the prospect of data centers being built at Celebrate Virginia South, near the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium. The City Council has ordered a study before any data center construction. Mayor Devine noted, “We’re just looking at the consideration because we’d be foolish not to have it in discussions.”

At a recent City Council meeting, At-large member Will Mackintosh emphasized the potential employment benefits of data centers. “Data centers produce many fairly highly trained and well-paid jobs,” he said. However, Mayor Devine was more cautious about the employment impact. “I don’t think anyone’s characterized [data centers] as a big employer,” she said. “But no, I don’t think we’re talking about thousands of jobs ongoing.”

Regarding environmental concerns, Mayor Devine stated, “Some of the newer facilities obviously recirculate water use which is a huge issue for me. And just the esthetics… there are things that have come a long way since the first data centers were introduced.”

When asked if companies like Amazon or Microsoft had approached the city, Devine confirmed, “We have.” However, she emphasized that the city has not committed to any firm to allow a data center to be built. She also said the city has not signed a non-disclosure agreement with any firm, which is common among data center projects.

The centers, built-in campuses, most of which are multiple football fields in size and more than 70 feet tall, power the Internet. They use large amounts of electricity and water to cool the computer servers. They employ only a handful of people and are mostly stacked with computer servers.

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of data centers in surrounding areas like Prince William County and, more recently, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. Elected officials are drawn to the prospect of data centers in their communities because of the promise of higher tax revenues, with little or no public infrastructure investment. The centers don’t generate vehicular traffic due to the few people they employ.

Bark + Boarding, a dog daycare and boarding business, has officially opened in Manassas. The business partnered with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 30. Ryan Fochler, founder of Bark + Boarding, shared insights into the company's growth and services during a recent interview. The company, which began as a dog-walking service, has expanded to offer a wide range of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, training, socialization, and retail. "It's really pretty much everything now except veterinary services," Fochler explained. Fochler emphasized the company's commitment to pet owners who seek comprehensive care for their dogs. "We love to communicate. We always give a little communication cards. We want our clients to know if their dogs are having anything that we're seeing," he said. This approach ensures that both Barkin' Boarding and pet owners can collaborate effectively on the dogs' care. The onboarding process at Barkin' Boarding includes a thorough evaluation to ensure that dogs are a good fit for the facility. "We do have an eval process. So a dog will come in for doggy daycare... We really like to take the time with them. They start out in a zone by themselves and slowly work in dogs that we know are going to be a good fit before we merge the packs," Fochler explained. Located in a 9,500-square-foot facility at 10035 Dean Drive, next to the Manassas animal shelter, Bark + Boarding's newest location is set to enhance its grooming, socialization, and training services. "We're excited to really give clients the space they need for their dogs when they go on vacation or just hanging out for the day," Fochler said. Bark + Boarding has been operating in Bailey's Crossroads since 1999, but Fochler said they've been eyeing an opportunity to expand. The place had to be perfect. "There's been a lot of changes inside the Beltway, with a lot of areas no longer allowing outdoor space," Fochler said. "From experiences we've had with other jurisdictions, it's been extremely challenging, and Manassas City really seems to be much more business-friendly." Fochler said the city has been welcoming since the beginning of July and proposed a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The welcoming of small businesses in this area has been awesome," Fochler said. "It is night and day different from some other areas that we've been looking to grow." And it's been an easier transition because they will be in the same facility as Waggin' Tails Junction, which closed earlier this year.  The business has retained many of the Waggin' Tails Junction clients. The Manassas location currently offers daycare, boarding, positive reinforcement training, and grooming services. A structured daycare and boarding program will roll out in the fall.

@barkandboarding opened its newest facility next to the @CityofManassas animal shelter on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Video from the @pwchamber ribbon cutting. Welcome to the neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/9v0klYi92P

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 31, 2024

Uriah’s Note: Members always get the first read of our original reporting. Thanks for your continued support.

Updated July 31 — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts held a press conference on Monday, July 29, 2024, to announce its transition from a for-profit business to a non-profit entity. Theater Director Patrick A’Hearn made the announcement, outlined the theater’s new direction, and announced upcoming changes.

“We have become one of the premier regional theaters on the Atlantic coast,” A’Hearn said. “This transition to a non-profit status lowers the burden on the people who run the theater, allowing us to apply for grants, sponsorships, personal donations, and corporate sponsorships.”

A’Hearn highlighted potential changes, including the planned introduction of new seating and a shift away from the dinner theater format in favor of a traditional theater-going experience. “If we take out those tables and we put in theater seating, you’re looking at 900 to 1,000 seats here at Riverside Center,” A’Hearn explained. He also discussed plans to establish a school for the performing arts at the center, aiming to provide training in various aspects of theater production.

A’Hearn emphasized the importance of community support and funding from local governments in Stafford County and Fredericksburg, along with corporate funding and state grants. “We need to open a dialogue and a discussion to possibly get to be aligned on those budgets,” he said, noting the support Riverside has already received from Stafford County EDA and tourism, as well as the city of Fredericksburg.

Joining A’Hearn at the press conference were actress Sally Struthers, a longtime Riverside performer whose performing at the Riverside in “Love Letters,” and Dorothy Mondak, President of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Board of Trustees. Struthers, who has been involved with Riverside since her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2011, expressed her admiration for the theater and its staff. Mondak highlighted the need for more volunteers and community involvement to support the theater’s mission.

The transition to non-profit status was completed on January 1, 2024. “It normally takes a transition like we have accomplished three to five years. We did it in one,” A’Hearn stated. The theater plans to start new programs in the fall and into 2025, with a vision to make Riverside a regional performing arts center.

The theater’s future plans also include collaborating with local governments and businesses to enhance the cultural and economic landscape of the area. “We can bring in small Broadway national tours and even host national or regional events here,” A’Hearn said.

Dinner changes

During the press conference, Patrick A’Hearn discussed a planned transition from the dinner theater format, noting that more area restaurants would benefit from the change. He acknowledged that while some patrons appreciate the combined dining and theater experience, shifting to traditional theater seating would open new opportunities for local eateries.

A’Hearn mentioned that this transition would encourage theatergoers to explore and dine at nearby restaurants before or after performances, thus boosting the local economy. A’Hearn also addressed concerns from long-time patrons who enjoy the dinner theater experience, assuring them that there would still be options for food and beverages but in a more flexible, bistro-style format.

Patrick A’Hearn addressed the concerns of people who believe it takes too long to see a show at Riverside. He mentioned that many individuals are unaware they can purchase tickets for the show without the dinner.

“So many people didn’t even know that. So if we can be that to some people who are working, especially on a Thursday and Friday night, you know, I’d like to get to the point where we can do six or seven shows a week, not just five, but we need to make ourselves accessible to everybody,” he added.

Improved performances over the years

Over the years, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has seen significant performance improvements, earning a reputation for quality Broadway-style shows. A notable enhancement has been the introduction of live music, elevating the theater’s productions. Actress Sally Struthers, a Riverside staple since her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2011, reminisced about her early experiences at the theater. “When I first came here to do ‘Hello, Dolly!’ in 2011, we had to perform to a recorded track,” Struthers recalled. The transition to live orchestras has enriched the audience’s experience and attracted top-tier talent, further solidifying Riverside’s status as a premier regional theater.

School for Performing Arts

A’Hearn outlined a vision for a school for the performing arts at Riverside that would provide comprehensive training in various aspects of theater production. “We can have our school for the arts right here at Riverside Center,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be just a school for the arts to train in performance, which we will do, but we can also train people in anything that has to do with production.”

The school will offer programs in stage management, scenic design, lighting design, costume design, and construction, among other disciplines. A’Hearn emphasized the unique opportunities the school would provide due to Riverside’s existing facilities. “We build all our sets here right behind the theater. So if people want to train as stage managers, scenic designers, lighting designers, they can do it here.”

A’Hearn also highlighted the potential for students to learn from experienced professionals, including performers like actress Sally Struthers. “Wouldn’t it be great if some of our youth in this area get a master class from Sally Struthers?” he asked.

The establishment of the school is seen as a multifaceted approach to community engagement and workforce development. “We can train people in anything that has to do with production,” A’Hearn reiterated, pointing out that the facility’s comprehensive resources would allow for diverse training opportunities.

The initiative aims to launch programs starting in the fall and into 2025, with a longer-term goal of becoming a central hub for performing arts education in the region. “It’s always been a hope of mine, maybe in the next two to five years, to have our own school for the arts right here at Riverside Center,” A’Hearn stated.

2025 season

The theater will unveil its 2025 program at a special “Sip and Sing” event on August 7. A’hearn was tight-lipped about what performances supporters should expect next year. The “Sip and Sing” has been canceled.

In the meantime, A’hearn will appear alongside Struthers in the play Love Letters during a limited engagement through August 4, 2o24. Afterward, the theater will present “Murder on the Orient Express” from August 14 to September 8.

Children’s theater returning

A’hearn also discussed the return of children’s theater to Riverside. It will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka TYA, a musical adaptation that brings the story of Charlie Bucket and his adventure in Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory to life. The show features a mix of songs from the classic 1971 film.

Performances will be held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday except Thursday, October 24, 2024. Tickets are priced at just $20 per person, offering an affordable and theatrical family experience. Children under three years old can attend for free. Doors will open early for lunch on weekdays and a convenient 1 p.m. start time on Saturdays.

 

Stafford County's Board of Supervisors has amended its by-laws to create a new meeting schedule. The board will have three meeting days, two of which are planned business days. The third meeting day will be a dedicated Work Session meeting as needed. Meetings will also begin at 5 p.m.

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