Prince William County’s State of the Parks Event Set for February 13

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The North Stafford High School (NSHS) Band is hosting its annual fundraiser dinner February 7, featuring live music, homemade pasta, and a silent auction. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature the North Stafford Jazz Ensemble, made up of 24 student musicians from the school’s band program.

The fundraiser is organized by the NSHS Band Booster Organization, which is made of parents of band members. It aims to raise essential funds that will directly support the band program and be used to support purchasing music, equipment, and providing instruction.

140 students participate in NSHS’s band program across various ensembles. Students can participate in the Big Blue Marching Band, three concert bands, a percussion ensemble and the jazz ensemble.

The highlight of the evening will be a performance by the North Stafford Jazz Ensemble, a group known for its dynamic mix of musical genres. From smooth jazz to upbeat rock and roll, the  ensemble will showcase their talents with a wide range of musical styles to keep the audience entertained throughout the evening.

In addition to pasta dishes made and served by students, a silent auction will also be held, featuring a variety of items donated to support the cause.

Tickets for the event are $15, with free admission for children under 4 years old. Discounts are available for seniors, staff, military personnel, and small businesses through email.

 

February will be a busy and love-filled month around Prince William County and Manassas with several events and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Wednesday (Feb. 5)

• Manassas City Public School Board Work Session, 5 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Reading to Dogs, 5 to 6 p.m. (Dumfries)
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Friday (Feb. 7)

• Preschool Fair, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Historic Thoroughfare Gap Exhibit and Discussion, 2 to 3 p.m. (Manassas)
• Kid’s Night Out, 6 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• First Friday “Souper Bowl,” 6 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Adapted Recreation: Love You to Pizzas, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Dale City)
• Valentine’s Mocktails, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Saturday (Feb. 8)

• Winter Waterfowl, 8 to 10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• 7th Annual Prince William Native Plant Symposium, 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Manassas)
• African Folktale Storytime, 11 a.m. to noon (Dumfries)
• Winter Sowing, 11 a.m. to noon (Woodbridge)
• Traditional African Drum Circle, 2 to 3 p.m. (Haymarket)
• My Special Valentine Dance, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Father-Daughter Dance, 6 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 10

• Meet and Make: Introduction to Bulgaria, 1 to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tween Cuisine 101, 4:30 to 6 p.m. (Manassas)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:3o to 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Prince William County School Board Public Hearing, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 11

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Work Session, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Manassas City Public School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 12

• Love Stinks!, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Haymarket)
• Upcycled Vintage Postcards, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Manassas)
• Anti-Valentine’s Day Party, 6 to 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 13

• Create to Your Heart’s Content, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• State of the Parks 2025, 7 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 14

• My Funny Valentine Cookie Decorating, 9:30 a.m. to noon (Dale City)
• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 15

• Valentine’s Pajama Jam, 8:15 to 9:10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Winter Market, 9 a.m. to noon (Manassas City)
• Winter in the Park, 10 a.m. to noon (Haymarket)
• Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Dale City)
• Polar Plunge, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tastes of Home: African American Culture and Cuisine, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Manassas)
• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 16

• “Who Killed Jolly Roger,” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 17

• Active Adults Hike, 9 to 10 a.m. (Manassas)
• Learn Now Music: Ultimate Music Class, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Tape Town, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Family Game Day, 1 to 4 p.m. (Manassas)

Feb. 18

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 19

• Prince William County School Board Meeting/Public Hearing, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Feb. 20

• Digital Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Bull Run)
• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)
• The Music of Janelle Monae: Love, Liberation and Joy, 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 21

• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 22

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. to noon (Manassas City)
• Throwback Craft Day, 2 to 4 p.m. (Haymarket)
• “5000 Steps,” 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 23

• Culture Connection, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Carnival, 3 to 4:30 p.m. (Dale City)

Feb. 24

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 25

• American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Summer Camp Preview Event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Dale City)
• Manassas City Public School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 26

• Summer Camp Preview Event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Manassas)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

Feb. 27

• National Polar Bear Day, 9:30 to 11 a.m. (Manassas)

Feb. 28

• Spice Club, all day (Bull Run)
• Stroller Strides, 10 to 11 a.m. (Dumfries)
• Candlelight Yoga, 7 to 8 p.m. (Woodbridge)

A winter storm is expected to impact the region starting Wednesday evening, bringing the potential for significant ice accumulation in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for parts of the Potomac Highlands, Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge.

Prince William County is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday. Stafford County is currently not under any advisory.

Winter Weather Advisory Details for Prince William County:

• WHAT: Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch, with ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch.
• WHERE: Portions of northern and northwest Virginia, including Prince William County.
• WHEN: 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday.
• IMPACTS: Slippery road conditions are likely, which could impact the Thursday morning commute.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow begins Wednesday evening, transitioning to steady freezing rain overnight. Temperatures will warm Thursday morning, changing freezing rain to rain.

VDOT Prepares for Icy Roads, Urges Caution

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Northern Virginia District has been spot treating bridges, ramps, and overpasses ahead of the storm. Crews are preparing for the wintry precipitation expected Wednesday into Thursday morning, with freezing rain and sleet likely to create icy road conditions.

VDOT advises limiting travel Wednesday night and delaying travel Thursday morning due to the increased risk of slick roads and hazardous driving conditions. If you must travel:

• Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies.
• Give space to first responders and VDOT crews treating the roads.
• Drive cautiously and be prepared for icy spots on area roads.
• Review winter driving safety tips before heading out.

What to Expect:

• Light wintry mix (freezing rain and sleet) begins Wednesday evening.
• Steady and heavier freezing rain and sleet develop overnight.
• Greatest ice accumulation expected late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
• Elevated surfaces (trees, power lines, bridges) will ice up first, with some slick road conditions possible.
• By late Thursday morning, temperatures will rise above freezing, transitioning all precipitation to rain and helping ice melt.

Impacts & Precautions:

• Travel could become hazardous, especially on untreated roads and overpasses.
• Power outages possible due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines.
• Plan ahead if traveling Wednesday night into Thursday morning, and stay updated on road conditions.

After the storm, Friday will bring drier conditions, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in the mountains to the 50s in lower elevations.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay tuned for updates on this developing winter storm.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.

Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.

County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.

Fairfax County, a key stakeholder, did not commit to securing right-of-way approvals needed to move the project forward. “We’ve been trying tooth and nail to find an alignment and a price point that would work for this county… But I sit here wondering when that five and a half million dollars becomes $8 million, becomes $10 million, becomes $16 million just to get the project through design,” said Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, who led the charge to kill the project.

Divided Board, Heated Debate

Supervisors clashed over the decision, with some arguing that the project’s cancellation would leave commuters stranded without a straightforward solution to congestion. Vega, representing the district most impacted by the bypass, was vocal about her opposition to the cancellation. “What are we fighting for? Aside from everything that you stated, I’ll tell you what I’ve been fighting for for the past five years. I’ve been fighting for the people that live in these communities… Do we have a problem on Route 28? Yes, we do. Are we going to do something about it? Yes, we will. Because I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word, and we’re going to follow through on that,” Vega said.

Others supported the cancellation, citing financial realities and the lack of regional cooperation. Supervisor Bob Weir pointed to Fairfax County’s refusal to support the project, stating, “Is it not correct that Fairfax County, particularly Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, has stalemated us for months, and we have been spinning our wheels?” Canizales confirmed that he had been discussing right-of-way issues with Fairfax officials for nearly three years without progress.

Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye argued that the project had become an unsustainable financial burden, stating, “We have to find a mechanism for giving this project a hundred million more dollars to even say it’s fully funded to continue on with the project. And right now, neither the CIP nor the five-year plan have any kind of plan for that money.”

Woodbridge Supervisor Margaret Franklin acknowledged the lack of viable alternatives but noted that either way, taxpayers would be footing the bill. “I just want to point out that if we’re canceling the project, we’re going to have to pay out-of-pocket likely for another project. And if we keep the project, you’re saying that we still have to come out-of-pocket. So I just want to be clear that either way, we’re coming out-of-pocket,” she said.

Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy also frustrated with regional politics, stating, “Regionalism really doesn’t work here. There are those that have, and then there are those that have not. And those that have wanted to continue to hold those of us who have not under their thumb. And this is a perfect example of that.”

Franklin, Angry, and Bailey voted to keep it, while Vega, Gordy, Boddye, and Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson voted to kill it.

What’s Next for Route 28?

With the cancellation of the bypass, county officials are now looking at alternative solutions to address congestion along Route 28. One option under consideration is widening the existing roadway, though officials acknowledge that this project would also require significant funding and would need to be evaluated by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for regional funding eligibility.

Despite the board’s decision, the county must now negotiate the financial closeout of the project with NVTA, which had allocated $89 million in funding. Approximately $5.9 million of those funds had already been spent on design and environmental studies and will need to be repaid. The remaining funds will return to NVTA’s regional pool, where Prince William County must compete for future transportation funding.

Residents and local business owners who have long relied on Route 28 for their daily commutes remain concerned about what comes next. “Something needs to be done,” said Vega. “I gave my word that we would, and I’m a woman of my word. We’re going to follow through on that.”

The board is expected to discuss alternative plans in upcoming meetings, focusing on securing funding for a new congestion relief strategy.

Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment.

Old Town Inn Redevelopment & Parking Solutions

A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.

According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment.

Old Town Inn Redevelopment & Parking Solutions

A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.

“This is more than 300 spaces; I think we’ve fit into the site, but you’re talking about, of course, existing City Hall, which is a little short of 100 spaces right now. And then two to three, I think, three levels of where we’re at right now. So, 300 spaces are critical to unlocking the development potential of the Old Town Inn site. It is very hard to park and get a lot of development,”? said Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning & Community Development.

City staff proposed a phased development plan, starting with parking infrastructure before selling city-owned land to developers for private investment. Arcieri emphasized that structured parking will be a requirement for any redevelopment project to maintain accessibility and attract businesses.

Developer Interest in Mathis Avenue and Fairview Avenue

The Mathis Avenue corridor, long seen as a prime area for revitalization, has garnered interest from multiple developers for projects that could include townhomes, apartments, and mixed-use retail spaces.

“With my developer hat on, Matt’s right on point,” said Councilman Mark Wolfe. “Whatever happens here will actually set the tone, not only for Mathis Avenue but for any redevelopment going towards Old Town. This piece is very critical”.

In 2024, Manassas took a significant step in its redevelopment efforts by purchasing the 14-acre Manassas Shopping Center on Mathis Avenue for $16 million. The shopping center is home to 21 commercial tenants, including notable businesses like Advance Auto Parts and Pitkins Hardware stores. By becoming the landlord of these establishments, the city plans to oversee and guide the area’s transformation to bolster local economic development.

Discussions also touched on Fairview Avenue, where developers have inquired about purchasing land for high-density residential projects. However, some council members raised concerns about affordable housing and resident displacement.

“”We need to make sure we’re taking care of the folks as part of any proposal who are already living on the property. So I think when staff talks about this, addressing displacement, preferably on-site, is going to be something we’re going to push,” said Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna

Mixed-Use vs. Residential: What’s the Right Balance?

One of the primary debates during the meeting was whether to allow residential units in redevelopment projects. While some officials see high-density housing as necessary for economic growth, others worry about overcrowding and increased demand for city services.

Council members were split on the issue, with some advocating for a developer-led vision and others urging planning to preserve green spaces and community character.

Next Steps: Issuing RFPs and Public Engagement

As developers continue to approach the city with proposals, officials are debating whether to issue individual RFPs for each site or consolidate projects under one master plan.

City officials confirmed that formal RFPs will be issued in 2025, strongly emphasizing developer contributions to infrastructure projects.

Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 4, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.

Here’s a sample of what’s on the agenda today:

Transportation

A petition to have VDOT accept several roads into the state highway system: Decatur Road, Quarry Road, and Winding Creek’s Rotunda Way, Elmsley Lane, Driscoll Lane, Mountain Path Lane, Grisham Road, and Pima Court. These roads have been reviewed by VDOT and County staff and determined to be eligible for the State Highway System.

In Stafford County, public streets are usually built as part of an approved subdivision or development plan. Both VDOT and County staff monitor the construction, with VDOT having more control. The developer is responsible for building and maintaining the streets until they meet all VDOT requirements. Once the streets meet those standards and there are enough homes on them, VDOT will take over responsibility for maintenance and add the streets to the public highway system.

Planning Commission

The board will vote on approving the Planning Commissions annual report for activities in 2024.  The planning commission held 12 regular meetings and 31 public hearings in 2024. In 2023, they met 27 times.

11 public hearings were held for zoning reclassifications. This included changes for properties like Belmont Park, Clift Farm, Jackson Historic District, Stafford Technology Campus, and several others. 10 public hearings were held for Conditional Use Permits, with some applications also involving zoning reclassifications. The projects included Sheetz at Warrenton Road, Aquia Town Center Starbucks, two new elementary schools, Vulcan Concrete, and more.

Planning Commissioners also serve as members or liaisons to other boards and commissions. They are part of the Technical Review Committee (TRC), which meets when needed by the applicant or the County. This year, two TRC meetings were held, including projects for Belle Plains Campground and Cool Spring Self Storage Revision, attended by Commissioner Caudill.

The report also says the Planning Commission reviewed one residential subdivision, the Mainline subdivision, which was approved for 114 townhouse lots. They also approved a preliminary site plan for the Rocky Run Village subdivision with 107 single-family lots and the Melrod commercial site plan for 4 data center buildings, totaling 948,200 square feet.

Elections

A proposal to authorize the County Administrator to purchase electronic pollbooks at an initial cost of $226,420, with $25,800 annual fees for license, maintenance and support. The current pollbooks are ending their lifetime use, and the company no longer supports the operating system.

Sheriff’s Office

The sheriff’s office received a $12,500 grant from Virginia State Police’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program. The sheriff is requesting the board approve the use of that grant for an automated license plate reader software. The proposal states the automated license reader will integrate with public safety programs like AMBER alerts and missing person investigations, in addition to improving the process of identifying stolen vehicles and apprehending suspects. The software would decrease the frequency of auto thefts in the county, according to the report.

 

 

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

A Project Years in the Making

The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.

The selected plan, known as Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.

However, as development progressed, the county encountered significant obstacles, including:

• Difficulty in acquiring land inside and outside Prince William County, leading to potential legal disputes over property condemnation.
• Environmental, utility, and historic preservation concerns complicated construction.
• High costs and engineering challenges, particularly regarding bridge and retaining wall designs.

In October 2023, the county attempted to salvage the project by exploring Modified Alternative 2A, a version that would have followed the same route but turned east to rejoin Route 28 south of Bull Run. While this alternative kept the project within Prince William County’s jurisdiction, it ultimately proved even more expensive and disruptive, failing to deliver the intended benefits.

Why Cancel the Project?

Supervisor Vega and other proponents of cancellation argue that continuing the Route 28 Bypass is no longer a viable solution. The county’s transportation staff has recommended ending the project, citing mounting financial and logistical barriers.

The $89 million in funding allocated from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for the bypass has already seen over $6.5 million spent on planning and early development. If the project is canceled, there is a possibility that NVTA may request repayment of its reimbursements with interest, requiring further financial negotiations.

Vega specifically cited concerns about the impact on working-class communities along the proposed bypass route, stating:

“The Loch-Lomond and Yorkshire neighborhoods in addition to the Bull Run Trailer Park lay right along the proposed alignment for the bypass. These are very working-class neighborhoods with significant Hispanic and minority populations where the average home value is not even half the county average in many instances.”

She also emphasized the human cost of the project, adding:

“With little consideration for residents, over 70+ homes in the Coles District would be affected, displacing families from their homes and forcing taxpayers to fund millions of dollars for a project that does not solve the problem of 28 being less congested than it is today. This is why I have opposed the Route 28 Bypass Project.”

Supporters of Vega’s resolution believe canceling the bypass will:

• Open the door for alternative congestion relief solutions
• Avoid further disruptions to homeowners and environmentally sensitive areas
• Provide flexibility in reallocating remaining funds toward cost-effective, innovative transportation projects

What’s at Stake?

Opponents argue that without the bypass, congestion on Route 28 will continue to worsen, particularly for commuters traveling between Manassas, Centreville, and Dulles. Local businesses that rely on efficient transportation networks may also feel the strain if alternative solutions are not identified quickly.

Moreover, residents along Route 28 have long expressed frustration with traffic bottlenecks. Many supported the project when it was included in the 2019 Mobility Bond Referendum, raising concerns that abandoning it now might betray voter expectations.

What Comes Next?

If the board votes to cancel the project, county transportation officials will begin exploring other congestion relief measures, though no concrete alternatives have been proposed yet. Discussions will likely center around enhanced public transit options, road widening initiatives, and improved traffic signal coordination.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors meets at 2 p.m. at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.