The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.

The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.

Schneider argued that tearing down the building might lead to higher costs due to removing utility lines, new tap fees, and increased construction expenses for new restrooms. He suggested that instead of demolition, the town should consider repurposing the building for public restrooms, a maintenance workspace for town staff, or an auxiliary office or storage space.

Schneider also questioned whether the demolition was a “sunk cost fallacy,” where the town continues spending money on a project despite rising costs outweighing the benefits.

Town officials defended the decision, stating that ARPA funds were designated for infrastructure projects and that future park improvements, including new restrooms, would be funded using proffer dollars rather than tax increases.

Town Treasurer Roberto Gonzalez emphasized that over $400,000 in proffer funds will be allocated in the next budget cycle to fund park renovations, including public facilities.

Vice Mayor Justin Gallagher acknowledged residents’ concerns but assured them the council had spent years evaluating the best course of action. He said that no matter how the issue is approached, funding will be required for new bathrooms and other park amenities and that the council had vetted the decision over the past four years.

Town officials confirmed that demolition will proceed under a temporary demo classification, which avoids additional costs that could have resulted from a permanent demolition designation.

By securing a temporary demo permit, the town will not have to cut and cap the water main under the new sidewalk, an issue that was previously expected to add to the project’s cost.

The demolition will begin this week, with contractors on site to cap water lines and install fencing before removing the structure.

The Haymarket Food Pantry relocated to Gainesville in 2020 due to increased demand for food assistance. Their new location is 7669 Limestone Drive, Suite 105, Gainesville.

The pantry continues serving Prince William County and surrounding areas, providing food assistance to families in need. Residents looking for support or donation opportunities can visit their website at haymarketfoodpantry.org.

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.

As federal employees return to the office more significantly, the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) has observed a substantial increase in commuting interest. Potomac Local News spoke with Kerry McKenney of GWRC and reviewed recent reports highlighting the demand for ridesharing services in the region.

Surge in Commuting Demand

According to GWRC’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, GWRideConnect, inquiries about ridesharing options have increased substantially. Commuters from Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford are turning to ride-sharing to ease their daily travel.

“We’ve been steadily seeing an increase of people going back to the office, and then it just jumped, jumped a lot,” McKenney said. “A lot of federal workers down here are trying to find a van, trying to find the train. It seems like a lot of people who know where the train and buses are haven’t been calling as much as people looking for vans to areas that maybe the transportation doesn’t go directly to.”

The Role of Vanpools and OmniRide

GWRC functions as the commuter assistance program for the region, helping match riders to appropriate vanpools and other transit options. Vanpools, which are considered a form of transit in Virginia, operate as private-public partnerships with small business owners managing fleets of commuter vans.

“We are the commuter assistance program for the region, and our biggest service is the vanpool matching system. Vanpools are a form of transit in Virginia, but we do a private-public partnership, so the vanpool operators are private companies. They essentially own fleets of vans, maintain them, and rent them out to commuters,” McKenney explained.

OmniRide’s expanded services in Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties have also played a significant role in accommodating the commuter surge. Some OmniRide routes have become so successful that they are reportedly operating at a profit—a rarity in public transportation. “Some of those routes are doing really, really great, and they’re even making a profit,” McKenney noted. “I don’t know how much, but that’s what I’ve heard. Generally, public transportation is a service, not a for-profit thing.”

The Impact of Transportation Infrastructure Expansions

McKenney acknowledged that new transportation developments have influenced commuting patterns. The extension of express lanes on I-95 past Route 3 and the increased presence of commuter buses in the area have made transit options more accessible. “With the new express lanes and expanded bus service, commuters now have more flexibility in planning their routes,” she said. “A lot of interest is in places like the Mark Center in Alexandria, where direct transit options are limited. Vanpools are a great solution for those routes.”

Monitoring Commuter Trends

GWRC regularly tracks commuter lot usage and plans to conduct an additional lot count in early spring to assess changing patterns. “We do an annual commuter lot count, but we’re considering doing another one soon to measure the impact of recent return-to-office policies,” McKenney stated. “After everybody has been sent back and settled into their routines, we may do another count in early spring.”

For additional details on upcoming commuter assistance events and ridesharing options, visit gwrideconnect.org or call 540-373-7665.

Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees as the citizen representative for Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed from the board in 2024.

Brown-Page brings experience in human and community relations, having served as a senior manager at the director level within the federal government. She is the President and CEO of JB Associates Enterprise International, LLC, providing mediation, individual and family coaching, and court-ordered co-parenting classes. Additionally, she is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator/Mentor in multiple court systems, including General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.

Her appointment follows the removal of Becelia from the Library Board in a controversial decision that resulted in the formal censure of Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary. On December 17, 2024, the Board of Supervisors censured Gary by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, citing misleading information that led to Becelia’s removal and violations of the board’s Code of Performance.

Gary was stripped of all board assignments and committee appointments, with the censure resolution alleging her actions were politically motivated in an effort to gain support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, who initially ran as an independent, has since announced that she will not seek re-election when her term ends on December 31, 2025.

Brown-Page’s qualifications extend beyond her mediation work. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Hawaii, and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Alabama State University. She is also a credentialed professional coach from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has previously worked as a Mental Health Therapist for Fairfax County’s in-patient treatment program.

A community leader, Brown-Page is involved with the Rappahannock Fredericksburg Rotary Club and has served as the Past District Governor for Rotary District 7610, which covers Northern Virginia, the Northern Neck, and Charlottesville. She was awarded the Rotary International Service Above Self award, given to only 72 individuals worldwide for exemplary service. Her community outreach includes participation in the Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Oak Grove Baptist Church in Stafford, where she serves as a Deaconess.

Brown-Page, the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. B.J. Simms—who played a key role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott—continues her family’s legacy of service. She resides in North Stafford with her husband.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees comprises dedicated community members appointed by their respective jurisdictions to represent and advocate for their communities. The Board includes representatives from Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.

The current members of the Board are:

• David Ross (Chair) – Spotsylvania County
• Christy Maupin (Vice Chair) – Westmoreland County
• Kerry Devine – City of Fredericksburg
• Cheryl Miller – City of Fredericksburg
• Lori Hayes – Spotsylvania County
• Pamela Yeung – Stafford County

These trustees collaborate with the CRRL’s Executive Director to establish library policies, adopt budgets, and support library-related legislation at both state and national levels. They also promote the library’s services, programs, and events within their communities.

A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Prince William County's ambitious $300 million Route 28 Bypass project is dead.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

Happy Friday, Manassas! Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Feb. 10 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St.

Sign up for our FREE news email and never hesitate to email me at [email protected] with comments, questions and/or news tips.

Important links

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.