Woodbridge – Page 9 – Potomac Local News

Published February 20, 2025 at 4:01PM | Updated February 20, 2025 at 11:30PM

A house fire that erupted on December 5, 2024, at 3:53 p.m. at 1405 Devils Reach Road in Woodbridge has been determined to have started due to an electrical issue. The fire quickly spread to the nearby Kid’s Choice Sport and Fun Center, causing significant damage to both buildings.

Investigators at Prince William County Fire and Rescue concluded that the fire began on the backside of the home along the exterior wall, near electrical outlets and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) portable tool batteries left on chargers. The fire has been classified as accidental/electrical.

Press Release

Prince William County Police Thank Community for Supporting Polar Plunge 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 17, 2025 at 10:43AM | Updated February 17, 2025 at 11:01AM

The Prince William County Police Department is expressing gratitude to the community after another successful Polar Plunge event, which raised $130,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

The event, held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Leesylvania State Park, saw strong participation from local residents, law enforcement personnel, and sponsors. Funds raised during the Polar Plunge will support Special Olympics Virginia, providing athletes with opportunities to compete and receive essential services.

Business

U.S. Polo Assn. to Open New Outlet at Potomac Mills

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 13, 2025 at 11:05AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Potomac Mills Mall is preparing to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. Outlet, the official clothing brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

U.S. Polo Assn. offers clothing, accessories, luggage, watches, and shoes for men, women, and children. The new store will open on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, giving shoppers access to a selection of classically styled pieces that embody the heritage of the sport of polo.

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Business

Home Depot Coming to Gordon Plaza as Marina Way Extension Moves Forward

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 6, 2025 at 2:04PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:21AM

A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the rezoning and special use permit for the 16-acre site at 13271 Gordon Boulevard, allowing for a home improvement store exceeding 80,000 square feet. The project will also feature a garden center, seasonal sales area, motor vehicle rental (limited), curbside pickup, and expanded parking facilities during its February 4, 2025 meeting.

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Business

Woodbridge Notes: State of the Parks Event, New Dumfries Gym, and Water Academy Award

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 5, 2025 at 5:16PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:21AM

L-R, Susan D. Pekarek, NACWA’s Award Committee Chair pictured with Michelle Miranda, Community Engagement Manager and Calvin D. Farr, General Manager & CEO, both with Prince William Water

The latest Woodbridge Notes highlights key community updates, including the 2025 State of the Parks event on February 13 at Chinn Park Regional Library, where residents can learn about upcoming projects and initiatives in Prince William County parks. In Dumfries, Workout Anytime is set to open the same day, with Gary Wortham Jr. as general manager, bringing his passion for fitness and community building. Additionally, Prince William Water’s Water Academy has won a National Environmental Achievement Award for its efforts in educating the public on clean water initiatives. Stay informed with the latest local developments and events.

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News

Police Blotter: Postal Worker Robbed at Gunpoint; Teens Charged for Distributing THC Gummies

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2025 at 6:25PM | Updated February 4, 2025 at 8:11PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

A Stafford man was arrested for assault after attacking a victim with a wooden slat on Anvil Road. In a separate incident, a dog owner fought off an aggressive attacker using a toy at Monarch Court. A juvenile fight at a Domino’s Pizza caused property damage, leading to charges. In Prince William County, a postal worker was robbed in Woodbridge, and a Manassas man is wanted for strangulation and domestic assault. Another Manassas man was arrested for a similar crime. Two teenagers at Potomac High School were charged with distributing THC gummies after several students suffered adverse reactions.

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News

Frigid January Causes Significant Damage at Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier [Flickr photo pool]

The fishing pier at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by ice and extreme winter weather.

Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.

“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”

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Fredericksburg

Legislation Update: What Your State Delegates Are Working on This Session

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 31, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.

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News

Prince William County Schools’ $1 Billion Capital Improvement Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

The Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center is the headquarters for the Prince William County Public School System. [Photo via Prince William County Public Schools]

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.

To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:

Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.

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Manassas

VRE’s Vision for the Future: Expanding Service and Infrastructure

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 28, 2025 at 2:28PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:37PM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system. Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition that has been approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines, this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded roads in the region.

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