Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts.

Key Developments and Business Growth

The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.

This year’s spotlight was also on the EDA’s contributions to Manassas’ economic landscape. The $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center is one of the most significant developments.

This acquisition aims to revitalize the Mathis Avenue corridor, a long-awaited effort in the city’s planning, set to incorporate community feedback during spring 2025 planning sessions. EDA Chair Denise Harrover emphasized the importance of this project, pointing to the growth potential for future business opportunities and community development. Additionally, a new extended-stay hotel development at the Landing at Cannon Branch was approved, contributing to the city’s expanding tourism and hospitality industries, generating tax revenue, and creating jobs.

Community Engagement and Future Projects

Community engagement will play a role in the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Future community conversations to discuss the redevelopment of the Manassas Shopping Center will allow residents to offer input and share their vision for the area. This aligns with the broader goal to transform underutilized properties and enhance the city’s overall appeal as a place to live, work, and do business. The council has expressed openness to incorporating affordable housing elements into these redevelopment plans.

With other developments in the pipeline, including new data centers and multifamily projects, the city is positioning itself for long-term economic health. The council continues to focus on improving commercial and industrial corridors while seeking ways to attract and retain new businesses.

Manassas is also making strides in workforce development with programs like Grow Manassas, which helps residents access higher education opportunities in fields like nursing. In collaboration with UVA Health, this program will provide full scholarships for residents to pursue nursing degrees, an essential step in addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs.

 

Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.

The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.

These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.

Meg Carroll, a retired Manassas City Police Lieutenant and current manager of the Georgetown South Community Council Foundation posted a photo online of a Jeep with standard Virginia plates leaving the Georgetown South neighborhood in Manassas. In the post, she claimed, in both English and Spanish, “I can confirm that ICE is in the area traveling in unmarked cars with all windows blacked out,” seemingly using her law enforcement background to lend credibility to her assertion that ICE officers were operating undercover in the area. Carroll did not respond to a request for comment before publication.

Aeshah Sheikh, chief of staff for Virginia Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37 Fairfax), and wife of Raheel Sheikh, the current Occoquan Planning Commissioner and former Democratic Party candidate for the Coles District Board of County Supervisors, also shared an alert claiming ICE presence in Manassas. When asked what the post aimed to achieve, Sheikh did not respond to requests for clarification.

These are just two of many social media posts we reviewed—some from individuals trying to inform the community, but most contributing to unnecessary panic with exaggerated claims.

Community leaders are calling for calm.

Prince William County’s Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fear-mongering, particularly by groups and individuals claiming to represent the Hispanic community. She said in an emailed statement, “They are promoting false narratives about ‘raids’ targeting churches and schools in our county, despite there being no evidence to support these claims.”

Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna, a legal immigrant from El Salvador, shared that she had encountered similar posts urging people to avoid certain areas and warning about ICE vehicles using plate readers to identify undocumented individuals.

Vasquez Luna explained that these claims play on the fear that people in the country illegally must disclose personal information, like their birthplace and current address when registering their vehicles. Those critical of the activist groups say they manipulate these fears to push a narrative that frightens the very people they claim to help. While she understands why immigrants would have these fears, Vasquez Luna advised the public to consult immigration lawyers to better understand what immigration officials can and cannot do.

When asked if the Biden administration’s open border policies contributed to the rapid enforcement measures under Trump, Vasquez Luna refrained from placing blame solely on Biden: “All administrations are to blame for what is happening because no one has done anything to really address it.”

Vega emphasized that “immigration officials have to act within the confines of the law,” and that the rules immigration officers follow do not differ for those living in the country illegally.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees Fourth Amendment protections, ensuring that individuals are secure in their persons and property and cannot be forced to produce citizenship documents on demand. It also prohibits searches of homes without a valid warrant or exigent circumstances. The Fifth and Sixth Amendments also grant rights to refuse to answer questions from officials and to be represented by a lawyer, regardless of immigration status.

Prince William County police outlined its stance on immigration enforcement in their manual, which states that officers do not assist in civil immigration enforcement and generally are not permitted to inquire about an individual’s immigration status during routine interactions. The policy emphasizes that officers will protect victims and witnesses of crimes, irrespective of their immigration status, in an effort to encourage crime reporting.

In a series of tweets, Manassas City Police acknowledged the growing concerns prompted by social media posts, including allegations of immigration checkpoints. However, they clarified their position: “The Manassas City Police Department has not, and will not, undertake any type of immigration-related investigations. We are not authorized to enforce federal immigration laws and cannot lawfully do so.” They encouraged residents to contact the non-emergency line with any concerns, regardless of their immigration status.

Regarding protections for crime victims, Manassas Police spokesman Brett Stumpf reminded the community that Virginia law protects residents who report crimes, witness incidents, or are victims, regardless of their immigration status.

One of President Trump’s recent Executive Orders removes the designation of certain sensitive places, such as schools and houses of worship, as safe zones from immigration enforcement. This change allows for enforcement in these areas, which were previously used as refuges by individuals seeking to evade immigration authorities.

Vega, who works as a Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputy, stated, “It is possible that criminals seeking to evade the law may try to exploit our places of worship and schools.”

She also cautioned against relying on information from groups with potential political motives, saying, “These fear-mongering tactics are being used to manipulate and divide our community, not protect it. These groups prioritize personal gain and political agendas over the well-being of the people they claim to serve.”

The Laken Riley Act, signed into law last Wednesday by President Trump, expands the list of crimes that trigger mandatory detention for non-citizens arrested or charged with offenses like rape, theft, assault on a police officer, or crimes that result in injury or death. It also allows states severely impacted by the migrant crisis to sue federal officials who fail to act. This bipartisan law passed both chambers of Congress with broad support.

Activists have focused their efforts on two local congressmen, Eugene Vindman and Suhas Subramanyan, who were among the 50 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 12 in the Senate who joined Republicans in voting for the law to remove criminal immigrants.

“You know what they called Obama, right? Deporter-in-Chief,” Vasquez Luna said, alluding to the fact that former President Obama deported more than 3.1 million people to the US illegally. During Trump’s first term, he deported about 1 million. Now, in his second term, immigration officials have arrested 5,500, but Trump vows to deport “a lot more.”

 

 

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.

The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.

During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.

The EDA has seven members who assist the Board of Supervisors in attracting and financing industry and commerce to the community.

Most recently, the EDA was instrumental in hammering out a performance agreement with Amazon Web Services for the Old Potomac Church Data Center Site. Barber explained that whenever the Board approves an incentive agreement of Supervisors, the EDA serves as the conduit for reimbursing agreed-upon fees after the project completes certain milestones. These milestones ensure the necessary capital and infrastructure improvements are made. Without the EDA, Stafford County could not offer competitive incentives to secure essential projects like the AWS data center.

It was also active in the Stafford Germanna Community College expansion by contributing $750,000 toward the newly opened Stafford location for Germanna Community College.

The MOU outlines key responsibilities, including financial procedures such as access to EDA bank accounts, passwords, and loan underwriting processes. Barber emphasized that the document was designed to provide stability and consistency, ensuring that regardless of staff changes or leadership transitions, the roles and responsibilities of both entities remain clear. As Barber explained in a recent communication, the lack of an MOU to date has created challenges, and this new document will formalize existing operational guidelines that both entities have been following informally.

“There is no MOU in place to date, prompting the need and interest in having one to go forward,” Barber said. “The interest in generating this document is likely driven by the desire to create consistency, which will alleviate confusion as new staff, elected officials, and EDA members come and go through the years.”

However, Board members voiced concerns over the document’s alignment with the county’s strategic goals. Supervisor Pamela Yeung, for instance, questioned whether the MOU sufficiently reflects the county’s vision for economic development, especially in light of the upcoming strategic plan being developed. Yeung noted that the EDA’s strategic plan is waiting to be updated, and she expressed reluctance to move forward with the MOU until there is more clarity about how both entities’ strategic goals will align.

“I just feel that when reading through it, I saw a reference to staff, and I wasn’t sure who the staff was. Was it the county staff, the ED staff, or county administration staff?” Yeung remarked. “Without the strategic plan, it’s hard for me to support this right now.”

Another concern some members, including Supervisor Darrell English, raised was the need for a more robust, long-term strategy to guide the county’s economic development efforts. While the MOU establishes basic administrative procedures, questions remain about the direction of business incentives, the role of the EDA in site development, and how both entities can work together to attract the types of businesses that align with Stafford’s growth goals.

“I feel like we need more than just administrative guidelines,” English said. “We need something that will help define the county’s approach to business development and create clear goals for the EDA.”

Barber responded by explaining that the MOU was intended to be an “evergreen” document capable of evolving with the county’s strategic goals. She emphasized that the Economic Development Department has been working closely with the EDA to ensure that both entities are aligned. However, further changes could be made as the county’s strategic plan is finalized.

Despite the concerns, Barber expressed confidence that the MOU, once approved, will provide a clear framework for the future. “This is about creating guardrails for us to work together effectively,” she explained. “It’s important that we move forward with a solid foundation, even as we continue to refine our goals.”

In the coming weeks, the Board will continue to discuss the MOU’s details and ensure they align with the county’s strategic goals and the evolving role of the EDA. Supervisors also emphasized the importance of revisiting the MOU regularly to adapt to changing economic conditions and ensure the county’s economic development efforts remain dynamic and effective.

Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

Key Projects in the CIP

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Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

Kings Dominion will open for its regular season on March 29, 2025, and will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The park will highlight milestone attractions, including the debut of Rapterra, a new roller coaster, and host events such as A Golden Summerbration, Halloween Haunt, Oktoberfest, and Tricks and Treats. These events are designed to provide thrilling and memorable experiences for all ages.

Following the announcement, angry customers flocked to Kings Dominion’s Facebook page to vent their frustrations over the cancellation. Many season pass holders expressed disappointment about the park not fulfilling its promise of WinterFest, with some demanding compensation.

Here are some of the comments from Facebook users:

• “When can we expect the partial refund on our season pass renewals and all-season add-ons since you canceled Winterfest after they were purchased?”
• “Canceling Winterfest is an extremely poor decision. Most season passholders expect Winterfest to be a part of what we paid for considering it has been in existence for a very long time. Attending Winterfest is a holiday tradition for many local families. My kids will be absolutely devastated. I hope those responsible for making decisions for Kings Dominion read all of these comments regarding Winterfest and reconsider as there is plenty of time to make adjustments to include Winterfest in the schedule.”

For more details, you can view the video where customers share their concerns: Watch here.

Kings Dominion offers season passes ranging from $95 to $260, depending on the desired benefits level.

Kings Dominion is now under new ownership following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment Corporation, which had managed the park before the merger. The merger created the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement resort operator, with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across 17 U.S., Canada, and Mexico states.

Kings Dominion has assured season pass holders that they will be contacted regarding alternative benefits or compensation related to the cancellation of WinterFest.

The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.

At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.

Transparency Concerns

Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.

Palmer also requested access to digital data related to the city’s discussions with data center developers, including emails and other records. Council members, including Councilor Jason Graham (Ward 1), acknowledged that public input had been limited during the early stages of discussions but assured the community that the council was committed to addressing concerns moving forward. However, residents remain skeptical about whether their voices will be heard in time to influence decisions.

Environmental Impact and the Push for Fast Approval

One of the primary concerns former city councilman Matthew Kelly raised is the environmental impact of building data centers in areas not zoned for such heavy industrial use. Kelly pointed out that some proposed locations are near scenic areas and residential neighborhoods, which he believes could significantly alter the city’s character.

“There are many concerns about the location of these projects,” Kelly said, referencing potential zoning changes that would allow for data centers in industrial areas, but in close proximity to neighborhoods. Environmentalists have also voiced concerns over the loss of tree canopy and potential harm to local wildlife habitats as large-scale data centers are built.

Additionally, there are fears about the environmental sustainability of these projects. Critics argue that data centers, which require massive amounts of energy and water, could strain Fredericksburg’s resources, particularly in light of the city’s past commitment to achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. Residents are asking why the city is pushing forward with such projects when they may conflict with existing environmental goals.

The City’s Recent Approval of Data Center Plans

The Fredericksburg City Council took a significant step toward attracting data center development on Monday, January 14, by voting unanimously to initiate amendments to the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance (UDO), and zoning map. The proposed changes aim to establish a Technology Overlay District (TOD) that would designate roughly 250 acres in the city as a site for data centers and related uses near the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium.

Currently, the city does not have server farms like those sprouting up in surrounding jurisdictions, such as Stafford, Spotsylvania, Prince William, and King George counties. Unlike their neighbors, Fredericksburg has far fewer acres of land to devote to sprawling tech campuses.

“This is a critical opportunity for Fredericksburg to position itself as a competitive player in the tech industry,” said Mayor Kerry P. Devine. “By concentrating development in a single campus-like district, we can ensure infrastructure is used efficiently while minimizing environmental and community impacts.”

The proposed TOD would include strict guidelines for water cooling, noise levels, and environmental protection. Industrial cooling systems, for example, would be prohibited from using potable water permanently, with exceptions allowed temporarily during infrastructure transitions. Noise levels would be capped at 55 decibels at night and 60 during the day, with rigorous noise studies required for compliance.

Despite these safeguards, residents remain concerned that the development could lead to unintended consequences, particularly in relation to noise pollution, increased traffic, and strain on local resources. As the debate continues, residents are urging the council to slow down the approval process and allow for more public input.

The city’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the data center issue on February 12, 2025

Stafford County Public Schools' new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.

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Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.

A Day Packed with Insights and Strategy

The summit’s agenda included breakout sessions on social media strategies, branding, and data analytics, giving business owners tools to enhance their marketing efforts. A panel discussion closed the event, allowing industry experts to share their thoughts on the latest trends in digital marketing.

Among the speakers was Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders, a marketing agency he founded in 1999. Owen, who has spoken at conferences nationwide, emphasized that the challenges businesses face today are increasingly universal rather than region-specific.

“It’s more globalized now than it ever has been because of the internet,” Owen explained. “Back in the day, what a local community needed marketing-wise was much more niche, but now, most people are staring at their phones half the time anyway. The question is: how do we connect with them wherever they are? Even if I’m a local business, I still need to reach people whether they’re at home or on the go.”

AI’s Growing Influence on Marketing

One of the most talked-about topics of the day was artificial intelligence’s impact on marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). Despite the uncertainty surrounding AI’s influence on marketing, Owen believes businesses should embrace the change rather than fear it.

“There aren’t a lot of hard answers on it yet because of all the AI changes in the world,” he said. “It’s just not what it used to be. That said, I always tell people you’ve got two choices: you can be scared about it or excited about it.”

Speakers and Industry Experts

The event brought together a diverse group of marketing professionals, including:

• Zack Flanagan, CEO of Hive Marketing, who emphasized data-driven marketing strategies
• Chris Muldrow, owner of Rambletype, a Fredericksburg-based digital marketing firm
• Lindsey Norment, Brand Director for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, who discussed the role of tourism marketing in economic development
• Annie Plotkin, a paid media strategist specializing in building brand awareness through digital advertising
• Mark Devito, a three-time Emmy Award-winning creative director, who highlighted the power of storytelling in branding

On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA. 

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory. 

In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.  

Becker proposed to his girlfriend Kathleen in October and they married in November. After an illness and brief hospitalization, Becker passed away shortly after Christmas.

Booth said “Playing and writing music with Eric was a gift.  There’s a bond in creating something with others, sharing it with the outside world and risking the world telling you how awful it is.  But sometimes, they also tell you how it meant something to them. You take that ride together.” 

In 2024, Boothe and other local musicians joined and played live at a Celebration of Life honoring Becker. Afterward, they discussed holding a memorial concert in January to honor his memory and give back somehow. The concert was scheduled around Becker’s January 27 birthday. Strangeways was chosen for their support of the local music scene and for their ability to host live music and large crowds.

Eric’s wife, Kathleen, works at the Fredericksburg SPCA and supports animal rescues. 

The concert will feature six performers and bands: Emily Woodhull, Sarah Perrotto, Green Bean & The Rhythmic Meadows, and Richmond band Bucko. 

In addition to the live music, the event will feature raffles of gift card bundles from local breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Boothe said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses. 

Boothe said honoring Becker by combining music with the SPCA just made sense. Becker was passionate about music, people, and animals. 

Boothe said he’s hoping for an excellent audience for Saturday’s concert. “Without them, we’re just up there on stage having band practice.  The audience is everything.” He hopes they recognize being part of the tribute to Becker and  “realize the impact they make every time they go out and support local music and local business.”

The Eric Becker Memorial Concert will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Strangeways Brewing. The brewery is located at 350 Lansdowne Road. Food truck Rosie’s Pizza & Doner Kebab will arrive at 1 p.m.

Donations can also be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA in Becker’s name.