Coles District Newsletter · Police Blotter National Night Out is Tuesday, October w The Prince William County Police Department will observe the 37th National Night Out celebration

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Coles District Newsletter SUPERVISOR YESLI VEGA

October 2020 9th Edition

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the October 2020 version of the Coles District

Newsletter!

The crisp Fall air in Virginia always precedes an election - an

election we’re in right now! In pages 7-12 you’ll find an exten-

sive overview of early voting and Election Day voting locations

and times in the County in addition to drop off ballot locations

and sample ballots. You may recall last month I also provided

details on how to become an Election Worker and steps the

County is taking for you to follow up on your vote.

In this edition we also examine the Board reversal of the 28

Bypass and how controversial agenda items have led to the

longest Board meetings in recent history, often leading to im-

portant decisions being made while residents are sleeping.

After a spring and summer COVID induced lull, land use cases

are also heating up, including a major one coming up in the

Coles District on October 20th that has major implications for

the future of the Rural Crescent (The Preserve at Long Branch).

Finally, of great importance to many of you in the Coles District, the Landfill will be reopening on Sunday’s

starting on October 11th!

With elections happening every year in Virginia this can be a tense month. No matter how we plan on voting

(or already voted) let’s aim to display mutual respect towards one another and our respective choice of can-

didates as we exercise one of our most privileged rights as Americans and Virginians.

For Coles,

Yesli Vega

/ColesDistrict

P.S. To sign up for the Preserve at Long Branch Virtual Town Hall on October 12th go to ColesDistrict.org

https://colesdistrict.org/making-sure-your-vote-counts/https://colesdistrict.org/making-sure-your-vote-counts/https://colesdistrict.org/making-sure-your-vote-counts/fb.me/colesdistricthttps://colesdistrict.org/

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Table of Contents

County COVID-19 Testing Locations ................................................................................................................... 3

38 Small Businesses Opened in August & Service Authority Customer Bill Credit & Assistance ..................... 4

ELEVATE Program & Rebuild! VA Grant ............................................................................................................ 5

Prince William County Offering Child Care Scholarship & Jobs Returning to Prince William County ........... 6

November 3rd Election: Registering to Vote ...................................................................................................... 7

November 3rd Election: Casting Your Ballot In-Person - Early ......................................................................... 8

November 3rd Election: Casting Your Ballot In-Person - Election Day ............................................................ 9

November 3rd Election: Casting Your Ballot by Mail ....................................................................................... 10

November 3rd Election: Dropping Off Your Ballot ........................................................................................... 11

November 3rd Election: Locate Your Voting Precinct & Sample Ballots ......................................................... 12

Board Reverses Unanimous Vote on Route 28 Bypass ..................................................................................... 13

Board Reverses Unanimous Vote on Route 28 Bypass (Continued) ................................................................ 14

Potentially Affected Residents Come Out to Speak Against 28 Bypass Reversal ............................................ 15

Supervisor Vega Looking Into Alternatives for Potentially Displaced in Bull Run Mobile Home Park ......... 16

NVTA Predicts 31% Less Traffic on Northern Virginia Roads – In 2025 ........................................................ 17

Town Hall on Proposed Independent Hill CPA & Virtual Town Hall on Preserve at Long Branch ............... 18

Preserve at Long Branch Scheduled for October 20th & Zoning in on Zoning ................................................ 19

School Board Considering Returning Students to In-Person & PWEA Opposes Return to Learn Plan ........ 20

Eye on Transparency: Increased Transparency Through Technology ............................................................. 21

Decisions Made After Dark ................................................................................................................................. 22

Vote Explanation - 3B & Public Hearing on Dunkin Donuts Scheduled for October 21st ............................. 23

Resolution to Move Board Items to Supervisors Time Fails & ........................................................................ 24

Directive To Look Into Pay Increase / Woodbine Update / Sup. Vega Speaks at POW/MIA Ceremony ...... 25

Major Caraveo’s Name to Be Added to County War Memorial & Scouts Retire Flags with Dignity .............. 26

Landfill Update & Service Authority Easement Clearing .................................................................................. 27

Earn a High School Diploma at Prince William Libraries & Community Matters: Internet Safety ............... 28

Economic Impact of Tourism in Prince William County Exceeds $643 Million In 2019 ............................... 29

Police Blotter: Local Police Officers Could Be Decertified Over Unproven Claims ......................................... 30

Police Blotter: National Night Out is Tuesday, October 6 ................................................................................ 31

Police Blotter: Introducing the Co-Responder Program ................................................................................... 32

Fire & Rescue Members Taking it to New Heights ............................................................................................ 33

Passing of the Torch at Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department .................................................................. 34

October: Days, Weeks, Month ............................................................................................................................ 35

Coles Land Use Cases: Upcoming ....................................................................................................................... 36

Board / Commission / Committee Meetings ..................................................................................................... 37

August Board of Supervisors Meetings / July Board of Supervisors Meetings ............................................... 38

Contact Information: Board of Supervisors & School Board ............................................................................ 39

Contact Information: Supervisor Vega’s Citizen Appointments ....................................................................... 40

Contact Information: Statewide Officials, State Senate & House of Delegates ................................................ 41

Contact Information: U.S. Senate / U.S. House / County Departments .......................................................... 42

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County COVID-19 Testing Locations

Prince William County has continued to conduct free COVID-19 testing events in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and private sector partners. The following are a list of free COVID-19 testing events which are currently scheduled:

For notifications on upcoming free testing events, please follow the Prince William Health District Facebook

page. You can find more information on these events at coronavirus.pwcgov.org/testing.

The Virginia Department of Health has compiled a map of all current COVID-19 testing sites in the Commonwealth. This is a list of private testing sites, and their inclusion in the list does not constitute endorsement by VDH. Please contact the location before visiting, as each facility has different testing availability and requirements.

Please talk to your doctor to determine if you require testing for COVID-19. Get medical attention right away if you have any health emergency. For more information on COVID-19 testing from the Virginia Department of Health, please visit vdh.virginia.gov.

- Coles District Staff

Wednesday October 7th

Thursday October 8th

Friday October 9th

Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad Facility

Start Time - 1:30 PM Be in Line - 3:30 PM

3800 Graham Park Rd. Triangle, VA 22172

Metz Middle School Start Time - 5:30 PM Be in Line - 6:45 PM 9950 Wellington Rd. Manassas, VA 20110

Cloverdale Park Start Time - 8:30 AM Be in Line - 10:30 AM 15150 Cloverdale Rd. Dale City, VA 22193

Woodbridge Senior Center


13850 Church Hill Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22191

Splashdown Waterpark Start Time - 1:30 PM Be in Line - 3:30 PM

7500 Ben Lomond Park Road Manassas, VA 20109

Woodbridge Senior Center


13850 Church Hill Road Woodbridge, VA 22191

http://www.facebook.com/PrinceWilliamHDhttp://www.facebook.com/PrinceWilliamHDhttps://coronavirus.pwcgov.org/testing/https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/

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38 Small Businesses Opened in August 2020

For the first time this year, the number of small businesses opening in Prince William County returned to pre

-pandemic levels, continuing the trend since July 2020.

Thirty-eight new Development Services’ customers opened for business in August 2020, receiving support

from the Small Business Project Management Program (SBPM).

“This calendar year, the SBPM has helped over 200 small business customers from all around the County

with development service projects, leading to 184 customers opening for business, to date,” shared Wade A.

Hugh, Director, Department of Development Services.

“On average, a new small business opens every day in Prince William County. In calendar year 2019 the

SBPM assisted 384 small business customers that went on to open a new business. While it is unlikely to see

the same activity as 2019 in 2020, we’re still looking forward to serving new customers with emerging

business prospects,” added Hugh.

The SBPM saw a decline in customers during March-June 2020, due to the impact of the coronavirus on

entrepreneurs, startups and new owners. Prior to this, in February 2020, the SBPM had supported more

than thirty-six customers that went on to receive a certificate of occupancy and open for business.

The Small Business Project Management Program has helped more than 500 small businesses, startups and

entrepreneurs open for business, since its inception by the Board of County Supervisors in fiscal year 2019.

Before beginning a Small Business development project, please check in with the SBPM at 703-792- 6930,

[email protected].

- Prince William County Department of Development Services

Service Authority Customer Bill Credit & Assistance Programs

To give back to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are distributing a total of $2.7 million to customers as a bill credit.

All Service Authority customers will receive the bill credit notification either as an email or as an insert with their paper bill. In addition, Service Authority customers will see their specific credit amount listed as a separate line item on the their bill, which will be distributed during our current billing cycle between September 29 and October 29.

Please see your bill for the specific amount of your credit. For more information, call our Customer Service Department at (703) 335-7950 or click the button below.

- Prince William Service Authority

mailto:[email protected]

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ELEVATE Program

The Prince William County Department of

Economic Development has partnered with Virginia

Career Works (VCW) to launch ELEVATE. This

program offers career training for those that are

unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-

19 crisis.

Eligible participants can receive free training at

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and

obtain certifications in the fields of IT & computer

skills, healthcare & dental, trades and industries,

ESL, and professional services. Career coaching,

subsidized work experiences, and financial coaching

may also be offered to participants.

Resources are now available for both job seekers

and employers. Please click here more information

on the ELEVATE program and to get started.


Rebuild! VA Grant

In order to help small businesses and non-profits in

Virginia effected by COVID-19, the Virginia Small

Business Financing Authority has launched

Rebuild! VA. This program offers grants worth as

much as 3 times businesses average monthly

expenses up to $10,000.

Eligibility for the program has been expanded, and

includes restaurants, brick and mortar retail,

exercise and fitness facilities, personal care and

personal grooming services, entertainment and

public amusement establishments, campgrounds,

breakfast lodging facilities, and film industry

companies.

For more information on this program, more

eligibility requirements, and how to apply, please

visit the Rebuild! VA website.


https://vcwnorthern.com/elevate/?__hstc=138822444.cef424c7cb060295693523320147ee95.1599751606438.1599751606438.1599773626724.2&__hssc=138822444.1.1601930506446&__hsfp=1123886577&hsCtaTracking=9fdfb7aa-9c4d-48b4-8009-e33f877360b8%7Cb8311f47-fc19-4591-9b18-4391https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=96059052&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-999FT9GXguzuU0XSownORtA7X8U2hnWyAd-73UUyX5yAgXQW5kABrai5mLWdbHodIKVwOlPT5RW4wZTCMKQZoOWjoFGg&utm_content=96059052&

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Prince William County Offering

Child Care Scholarship Program

Using $2M of CARES Act funding, administered by the County’s Industrial Development Authority, Prince

William County is partnering with Prince William County Schools (PWCS) to provide a childcare scholarship

program to families financially impacted by COVID-19. If parents or guardians have experienced job loss or

work hour reduction, wage reduction, new childcare expenses because of remote learning or are teleworking

without access to childcare, they can apply to participate.

AlphaBEST Education, Inc., the current contractor for PWCS’ before and after school childcare WILL

administer the program—AlphaAcademy. AlphaBEST will provide scholarships for children to attend their

Fall 2020 full day program.

The program is available for up to 1,000 students, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at

several Prince William County elementary schools: Antietam, Bristow Run, Buckland Mills, Chris Yung,

Coles, Dale City, Fitzgerald, Glenkirk, Jenkins, Potomac View, River Oaks, Tyler and Yorkshire. AlphaBEST

and PWCS may add new school locations, as necessary, to accommodate additional enrollees. AlphaBEST

staff will follow all COVID-19 health, safety, and cleaning protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of

participants.

Registration opens Oct. 6, 2020, and the childcare scholarship program will run until Dec. 30, 2020, or until

funds are depleted. When parents register their children for the program, we will inform them at that time

that funding through the end of the calendar year is not guaranteed. The anticipated cost is $150 per student

per week, plus a one-time $42 registration fee.

Parents may visit www.alphabest.org/pwcva for more information and to apply.


Jobs Returning to Prince William County

The most recent employment numbers show that Prince William County is moving towards economic

recovery after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Virginia Employment Commission data for Prince William County show that there were 27,662 unemployed

in April. According to new August numbers, the unemployment rate has almost been cut in half to 6.8%. This

is the lowest since restrictions were put in place by the Governor.

The Northern Virginia region is trending in a positive direction. New claims for unemployment in the region

fell about 14% in the week ending September 26th.

The statewide high for first-time claims was the week of April 4th, with 147,000 jobless claims. However,

first time jobless claims have been falling consistently, and are now below 10,000 a week. That is the lowest

number of new claims since the COVID-19 shutdowns began in mid-March.


https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDYuMjgyNzE4MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFscGhhYmVzdC5vcmcvcHdjdmEifQ.bSoi2fAsR1l_Kgja7yj0uB4b4FbNm9cJWBqZhwoHACw/s/1186160380/br/86458

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We have compiled information on how to vote in the upcoming election. Here you can find important

deadlines, ways to register to vote, how to request a mail in ballot, how to vote in person, and other

information to make sure your votes counts November 3rd. Also included are sample ballots for each of the

U.S. Congressional Districts which overlap with the Coles District.

If you require assistance with registering to vote or casting your ballot, you can contact the Prince William

Office of Elections by phone at (703) 792-6470 or by email at [email protected].

November 3rd Election

Registering to Vote or Updating Your Voter Registration

Register Online:

Register in Person:

Register by Mail:

Complete Form: Deadline to Register:

Citizen Portal - Virginia Department of Elections: Register to Vote

Complete by October 13th

Complete Form: Drop Off To: Deadline to Register:

Download - Official Virginia Voter Registration Application

Prince William Office of

Elections 9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1 Manassas, VA 20110

Deliver by October 13th

Complete Form: Mail Application To: Deadline to Register:

Download - Official Virginia Voter Registration Application

Prince William Office of

Elections 9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1 Manassas, VA 20110

Postmarked by October 13th

mailto:[email protected]://vote.elections.virginia.gov/Registration/DmvLookuphttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/Registration/DmvLookuphttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/veris-voter-registration/applications/Voter-Registration-Application.pdf

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Casting Your Ballot In-Person

Voting Early In-Person:

Locations Available: Voter Identification: When Polls Are Open:

Regular Early Voting

Locations:

Prince William Office of Elections

9250 Lee Ave Ste. 1 Manassas, VA 20110

Woodbridge DMV

2731 Caton Hill Road Woodbridge, VA 22192

Haymarket Gainesville

Community Library 14780 Lightner Rd

Haymarket, VA 20169

Required for In-Person Voting

Full List of Acceptable Voter

Identification

September 18th - October 17th

Monday - Friday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Expanded Early Voting

Locations:

All Regular Early Voting Locations Plus...

James J. McCoart Building

1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192

A.J. Ferlazzo Building

15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Piney Branch Elementary

School 8301 Linton Hall Rd,

Bristow, VA 20136

Charles J. Colgan High School 13833 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA 20112

Dumfries Town Hall 17739 Main St #200, Dumfries, VA 22026

October 18th - October 31st

Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday & Saturday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM


https://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting1.pnghttps://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting1.pnghttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/EditedVoter-Identification-Chart-07.2020.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/EditedVoter-Identification-Chart-07.2020.pdfhttps://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting2.pnghttps://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting2.png

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Casting Your Ballot In-Person

Voting In-Person - Election Day


Find Where To Vote: Voter Identification: When Polls Are Open:

Virginia Department of

Elections - Find Your Polling Place

Map of All County Precincts

Map of Coles District Precincts

Required for In-Person Voting

Full List of Acceptable Voter Identification

Tuesday, November 3rd

6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/doit/gis/Documents/14874.pdfhttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/doit/gis/Documents/14800.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/EditedVoter-Identification-Chart-07.2020.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/EditedVoter-Identification-Chart-07.2020.pdf

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Casting Your Ballot by Mail Have a paper ballot sent to your address

Request Mail-In Ballot - Paper Application:

Request Mail-In Ballot - Online:

Sending Mail-In Ballot:

After mailing your ballot, click here to track your ballot online

Complete Application: Mail Application To: Deadline to Apply:

Download - Virginia Vote By Mail Application Form


9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1 Manassas, VA 20110

or

[email protected]

October 23rd, 2020

5:00 PM

Complete Application: Deadline to Apply:

Citizen Portal - Virginia Department of Elections: Apply to Vote Absentee By Mail

October 23rd, 2020

5:00 PM

Mail Ballot: Deadline:


9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1 Manassas, VA 20110

Postmarked by November 3rd


https://ballotscout.org/partners/595410cb-db01-4cd1-b4ef-76cffeecb1fb/searchhttps://26d73768-aba6-4644-905b-6ea5efbfc5d6.filesusr.com/ugd/d8ec42_6f859901081d459fb354833c2e08380f.pdfhttps://26d73768-aba6-4644-905b-6ea5efbfc5d6.filesusr.com/ugd/d8ec42_6f859901081d459fb354833c2e08380f.pdfmailto:[email protected]://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absenteehttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee

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Dropping Off Mail-In Ballot

Locations Available: Dates:

Regular Drop Off Locations:


9250 Lee Ave Ste. 1 Manassas, VA 20110

Woodbridge Department of Motor Vehicles

2731 Caton Hill Road Woodbridge, VA 22192

Haymarket Gainesville Community Library

14780 Lightner Rd Haymarket, VA 20169

September 18th - October 17th

Monday - Friday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Expanded Drop Off Locations

All Regular Early Voting Locations Plus...

James J. McCoart Building

1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192

A.J. Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Piney Branch Elementary School

8301 Linton Hall Rd, Bristow, VA 20136

Charles J. Colgan High School

13833 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA 20112

Dumfries Town Hall 17739 Main St #200, Dumfries, VA 22026

October 18th - October 31st

Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday & Saturday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

All 93 Precincts / Polling Locations:

Virginia Department of Elections - Find Your Polling Place

Map of All County Precincts

Map of Coles District Precincts

Election Day

November 3rd

6:00 AM to 7:00 PM


https://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting1.pnghttps://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/earlyvoting2.pnghttps://colesdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/allcountyprecincts.pnghttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/doit/gis/Documents/14874.pdfhttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/doit/gis/Documents/14800.pdf

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Locate Your Voting Precinct:

Virginia Department of Elections - Find Your Polling Place

Virginia General Assembly - Who’s My Legislator

Sample Ballots:


1st Congressional District 10th Congressional District 11th Congressional District

Constitutional Amendment #1 Constitutional Amendment #2

https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/pollinghttps://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/https://26d73768-aba6-4644-905b-6ea5efbfc5d6.filesusr.com/ugd/d8ec42_21f0a0911ce94f2fb49bbe390e199d9a.pdfhttps://26d73768-aba6-4644-905b-6ea5efbfc5d6.filesusr.com/ugd/d8ec42_f74a90b610474c678f517fb41966905a.pdfhttps://26d73768-aba6-4644-905b-6ea5efbfc5d6.filesusr.com/ugd/d8ec42_86a5487db9c14804aebbce4ef6869250.pdfhttps://www.elections.virginia.gov/proposed-constitutional-amendment-2020/https://www.elections.virginia.gov/proposed-constitutional-amendment-2020/

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Board Reverses Unanimous Vote

on Route 28 Bypass Reversal One Month After Denial Fell Along Party Lines

On September 8th, the Board

controversially reversed it’s

unanimous denial of the 28 Bypass

before any residents that could be

impacted had an opportunity to speak.

The first matter of business on the

agenda set by Chair Ann Wheeler was

to invite the Chair of the Northern

Virginia Transportation Authority,

Phyllis Randall, who also serves as

Chairman of the Loudoun County

Board of Supervisors, to lobby the

Board into supporting a reversal of

their vote taken the month prior. In

her address to the Board, Randall

noted that she would soon move to

strip away $89 million in NVTA funds

from Prince William County if they did

not reverse their decision on the

Bypass.

Randall’s address came less than a month after she was quoted saying in InsideNova that “It’s very unlikely

they’ll get $89 million (for the widening of 28). If they send the money back to the NVTA, I’ll work to get

money to Loudoun County.”

During the meeting, Randall appeared visibly angry by the mention that her quote could be perceived as a

conflict of interest.

During her presentation, Randall brought up the idea that the reason for Chair Wheeler’s vote against the

Bypass in August could have been a premeditated decision to be able to reverse her decision at a later date. A

move which Randall called “a stroke of political genius.”

Following Randall’s presentation, the Board moved to reconsider their unanimous vote from the month prior

without allowing for citizen input from those opposed to the Bypass. Many in attendance who were afraid

their homes would be taken to make way for the new road had come to thank the Board for their vote against

the Bypass in August.

After a series of 5-3 party line votes, the 28 Bypass was brought back to life with all five Democrats voting for

and all three Republicans voting against.

Continued...

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Board Reverses Unanimous Vote

on Route 28 Bypass (Continued)

According to the Prince William County Department of Transportation, the Bypass, if built, will not result in

fewer cars on 28 by 2040 than there are today. In fact, the road is estimated to be roughly 20% more

congested. Additionally, a County study found that the Bypass would result in a substantially worse

bottleneck on 28 at the Fairfax County line and create several new failing intersections along the road in

addition to current Godwin Drive.

54 homes are projected to be taken entirely in lower income neighborhoods to make way for the new road in

addition to 18 partial takes, including around a dozen at the Bull Run Mobile Home Park.

Despite publicly pledging to begin looking at county business through an “equity lens” in the wake of the

killing of George Floyd, the Board majority voted to continue with the Bypass despite the fact that the local

schools in the neighborhoods most affected are both 90% minority.

In addition to the negative traffic and human impacts, environmental concerns were also set aside as the

alignment will likely have to go over two flood plains created by the surrounding Flat Branch and Bull Run

Watersheds from where the County receives its drinking water. The Bypass was publicly opposed by the

Sierra Club of Virginia for its negative environmental impact.

In response to the collaborative effort and pressure from regional political leaders and well-heeled special

interest groups to reverse course on the Bypass, Supervisor Pete Candland cited the sudden reversal as an

example of “the empire striking back” with the implication being that those with the means and resources

won this battle over lower income residents with little means to represent or defend themselves.

The County Department of Transportation will begin to study an alignment for the planned route which will

then have to be cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the extent of the environmental

damage created.

“This was certainly a punch in the gut to my constituents in this area who thought they didn’t have to lose any more sleep over the fear of losing their (for many) lifelong homes,” said Coles Supervisor, Yesli Vega. “Given the environmental impact of this project I’m not sure it will get the green light from the Corps of Engineers. We’ll have to see. Unfortunately, the future of our residents here will continue to be in a state of limbo as the process plays out.”


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Potentially Affected Residents Come Out to

Speak Against 28 Bypass Reversal

At the Board’s September 15th work

session, several dozen County

residents who could be the most

impacted by the building of the Route

28 Bypass passionately spoke against

the Board’s reversal the week prior

and pleaded with the Board to

reconsider their decision once more.

It was not without controversy,

however. Unlike regular Board

meetings, the meeting took place in

the Development Services Building,

behind McCoart. Due to the small

size of the room, less than a handful

of residents were allowed to be

present inside the meeting room,

leaving many on the outside looking-

in, unable to hear what was taking

place.

To accommodate the residents who showed up to participate in the governmental process, Supervisor

Jeanine Lawson made a motion to move the meeting back to Board Chambers at McCoart. This motion was

denied along party lines with the five Democrats voting “no” and the three Republicans voting “yes.”

Forced to congregate just outside the door, the residents then had multiple police officers and the Fire

Marshall called to disperse them as they could not listen to the meeting outside the meeting room and social

distance at the same time.

After about 12-15 addressed the Board in-person to share their displeasure over the decision on the Bypass,

Chair Ann Wheeler abruptly ended public comment time without the customary “last call” to sign up to

speak, leaving many of them feeling disenfranchised by their elected officials.

Despite the pleas from residents at risk of losing their homes a motion to reconsider support of the Bypass

was not made by a majority member.

Many of the residents, mostly Hispanic immigrants who have settled around the Loch Lomond and Yorkshire

areas, left feeling dejected.

In response to the events surrounding public comment time, Supervisor Vega has asked the Chair to commit

to a “final call” for in-person public comment time to avoid it being used in an arbitrary manner in the future.


16


Supervisor Vega Looking Into Alternatives

for Potentially Displaced Residents

in Bull Run Mobile Home Park

Should the Route 28 Bypass continue and residents of the Bull Run Mobile Home get caught in its wake

Supervisor Vega has already reached out to County staff to make sure her displaced constituents have a

comparable place to go.

After inquiring, the Coles District office has learned that a Mobile Home Zoning District could be established

to create a landing spot for those in the Bull Run Mobile Home community should their homes be taken for

the building of the Bypass.

During the September 8th Board meeting, County Transportation Director, Ric Canizales, in response to a

question from Supervisor Victor Angry, said that an owner of a trailer worth $25.000 could receive $140,000

for their home through the eminent domain process.

Supervisor Vega remained skeptical of such a deal and indicated her plan to push for the new mobile home

zoning district should her constituents in the mobile home community end up displaced and unable to afford

to go elsewhere in the County.


17


NVTA Predicts 31% Less Traffic on

Northern Virginia Roads – In 2025

The following is an excerpt from an article published in InsideNova on August 18th. To read

the full article please visit insidenova.com

The pandemic is likely to impact commuting across the region for years to come, according to a new analysis

from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Its results paint a different picture than existed just

months ago.

Conducted by infrastructure engineering firm AECOM, the analysis predicts far lower vehicle miles traveled

across the region in 2025 than would have otherwise occurred and, as a result, fewer traffic delays for the

area’s commuters. It also projects much lower transit ridership, which could create problems for the region’s

transit providers.

According to NVTA’s Transportation and Programming Principal Keith Jasper and AECOM Consulting

Manager David Roden, the analysis crunched a number of data points to make its projections, including

current economic data, economic projections, traffic information and a weekly nationwide survey of about

1,000 people asking about travel habits and expectations. Participants in that survey, conducted by

Heart+Mind Strategies, say they are expecting to return to work well ahead of when they expected to be

letting a child return to school or daycare.

The analysis projects that, all told, Northern Virginians will spend 31% less time traveling at all in 2025 than

they would have.

“Telework is a phenomenon that’s likely to affect professional services, communication technology folks,

higher income type-industries that have that option and employers are finding that to be a fairly cost-

effective solution for them,” Jasper said. “That may cause more industries to reduce their space, their real

estate, or perhaps move to other locations that don’t require so much direct interaction.”

https://www.insidenova.com/news/transportation/prince_william/report-pandemic-has-reshaped-northern-virginias-commute-for-years-to-come/article_3b00d51a-e157-11ea-b432-97a463864eab.htmlhttps://thenovaauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5.NVTA_R2S-Scenario-Planning_Draft-Presentation_7-8-20_v3.pdf

18


Supervisor Vega Hosts Town Hall on

Proposed Independent Hill Development

On September 30th, Supervisor Vega hosted a virtual town hall with Joe Jacobs of Elm Street Development

regarding a CPA across from Parsons Farm on 234/Independent Hill Road.

The developer, who approached Supervisor Vega with an alternative to the plan introduced by County staff

last year which would have built up to 620 new housing units as part of the “Independent Hill Small Area

Plan” came forward with a plan for 190 single family homes on roughly quarter acre lots. In addition to the

residential aspect, twelve acres would be dedicated to commercial activity to include an office building, space

for stores and restaurants, and a day care.

Over 60 questions were asked by around 40 participants over the course of the two hour town hall. Many of

the questions from residents focused on the project’s density and proximity to the landfill.

Despite being a far lower number than County staff’s original proposal of up to 620 units, and even lower

than their revised plan of up to 270 units, Supervisor Vega said that based on the feedback from her

constituents that the 190 number might still be a “bit too high.”

“I’ve worked with the applicant to bring the number of dwelling units down considerably based on the rural

character of this area and the impact that a massive project would have on the existing problem of

overcrowding at Colgan High School. We’ll continue to work on this to find something the community can

hopefully agree to and support,” said Supervisor Vega.

To view the presentation and a recording of the town hall please click here https://colesdistrict.org/

IndependentHillCPA/


Supervisor Vega Hosting Virtual Town Hall

on Preserve at Long Branch

Supervisor Vega will be hosting a virtual town hall on the Preserve at Long Branch on Monday, October

13th at 7pm via WebEx.

Representatives of the proposal will be present to discuss the plan and answer questions.

To sign up, please visit ColesDistrict.org


https://colesdistrict.org/IndependentHillCPA/https://colesdistrict.org/IndependentHillCPA/http://www.colesdistrict.org

19


Preserve at Long Branch Scheduled for October 20th Project Would Remove 145 Acres From Rural Crescent to Build 102 Homes

The Preserve at Long Branch, the proposed development formerly known as Mid-County Parks and Estates, will be heard by the Board of County Supervisors the evening of Tuesday, October 20th.

The latest iteration of the plan would take 145 acres out of the Rural Crescent for the building of 102 executive level homes. Under the current zoning laws of the Rural Crescent the developer can build 32 homes on the property by-right.

On July 30th, the Planning Commission, with representatives appointed by each Supervisor, denied the rezoning of the plan 7-0 with one abstention. A Board reversal of the Planning Commission’s near unanimous recommendation would be unprecedented.

To make your thoughts known on the Preserve at Long Branch you can e-mail the Board at [email protected], attend the 7:30pm public hearing on October 20th, or sign up to speak remotely by 5pm, October 19th at https://pwcgov.granicusideas.com.


Zoning in on Zoning

This month, Development Services is placing special emphasis on Zoning. Development Services wants the

public to know which zoning district individuals' property lie in, as it is important to know that different

districts have different allowable uses and regulations. Here are 10 easy step-by-step instructions:

Open the County Mapper, by clicking here. It may be a good idea to bookmark the link.

In the County Mapper, click on the binoculars icon.

Click on Premise Address tab or Location in the dropdown menu.

Enter the street number and the street name in the separate window boxes.

Hit SUBMIT.

If that does not work, use the Location tab, and repeat the steps to enter by street intersections.

At the Top Left Margin, click on the Layers tab,

Then click on the Land Development tab, which is the third tab down.

Then click on the Zoning checkbox, the second one down on the right hand-side of the dropdown menu.

The Zoning layer will display over the property/parcel.

For further assistance, please call Development Services at 703-792-6830 to leave a message for a Zoning

Counter Technician, or email [email protected].

- Prince William County Department of Development Services

mailto:[email protected]://pwcgov.granicusideas.com/https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/development/Pages/default.aspxhttps://gisweb.pwcgov.org/webapps/CountyMapper/mailto:[email protected]

20


School Board Considering Returning Students to In-Person Classes Part Time

At their October 7th meeting, the Prince William County School Board will learn the specifics about a hybrid plan which would allow students will return to school at 50% for the Second Quarter of the school year. Although there is no vote scheduled on the matter this evening, the public is expected to learn greater details about the proposal.

The “Return to Learning and Return to Work Plan” will allow parents to choose for their children to attend in-person classes two days a week starting November 10th. Parents will be able to choose to have their children continue to attend 100% virtually. For students that return to class, Mondays will remain an all virtual day. On days students are not in-person they will participate via Zoom for each class. However, live streaming may not encompass the entire class period.

Prince William County Schools has provided sample daily schedules for what hybrid in-person learning may look like, which can be found below:

Week-at-a glance in the 50/50 hybrid model

Sample in-person daily schedule for elementary school

Sample in-person daily schedule for middle school

Sample in-person daily schedule for high school

To find more details about the “Return to Learning and Return to Work Plan” online, you can visit the school’s Return to Learn FAQ.

October 7th’s School Board meeting will take place at 6:00 PM at the Kelly Leadership Center. The meeting can be watched at the PWCS TV website, or by watching Comcast Channel 18 or Verizon FIOS Channel 36. If you would like to share your thoughts on returning students to class, you can find each of the School Board member’s email and phone number at pwcs.edu.


Prince William Education Association

Opposes Return to Learn Plan

In a statement released on October 5th, the Prince William Education Association announced that they wish

to see “the Division maintain virtual instruction for the forseeable future.” Citing concerns about safety and

equity, the PWEA asked that the School Board object to children returning to classes two days a week.

On Wednesday, the Education Association is rallying members to caravan from Colgan High School to the

Kelly Leadership Center where the School Board will be learning details about the “Return to Learn” plan.


https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MzAuMjc5OTgzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd2NzLmVkdS9jbXMvT25lLmFzcHg_cG9ydGFsSWQ9MzQwMjI1JnBhZ2VJZD00MzYwNjI3NyNRMiJ9.9q86XiKCLCoKdzZhttps://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MzAuMjc5OTgzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd2NzLmVkdS9jbXMvT25lLmFzcHg_cG9ydGFsSWQ9MzQwMjI1JnBhZ2VJZD00MzYwNjI3NyNRMyJ9.-Kgklgm-zZmwStjhttps://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MzAuMjc5OTgzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd2NzLmVkdS9jbXMvT25lLmFzcHg_cG9ydGFsSWQ9MzQwMjI1JnBhZ2VJZD00MzYwNjI3NyNRMyJ9.PVEaJSDiuRIrOGAhttps://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA5MzAuMjc5OTgzMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd2NzLmVkdS9jbXMvT25lLmFzcHg_cG9ydGFsSWQ9MzQwMjI1JnBhZ2VJZD00MzYwNjI3NyNRMyJ9.O05MPOTAB-BgxrShttps://www.pwcs.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=340225&pageId=43606277http://pwcstv.com/https://www.pwcs.edu/Leadership/school_board

21


Eye on Transparency

Increased Transparency Through Technology

Supervisor Candland’s Online Vote Tracker Tops The List

On September 22nd, the Board voted for a series of new methods aimed at increasing transparency and

public participation at the Board of Supervisor level.

Resolution 5-K appropriated $186,000 from the Contingency Fund to go towards adding closed captioning

for the cable television broadcasts of Board meetings, digital conversion of older County records, and

developing a one-stop-shop, online portal where residents can see and apply for open Board, Committee,

and Commission positions.

In addition, it will provide a public vote tracking system for each Supervisor’s votes to be searchable by topic

and/or Supervisor’s name. This particular effort at increased government transparency was spearheaded by

Supervisor Candland after he introduced the idea at our first Board meeting back on January 7th.

I have been very supportive of the vote tracker proposal since Supervisor Candland first introduced it. It

helps to add another layer of accountability to the public which is always a good thing.

The vote tracker system will likely take a few months to implement and hopefully be up and running

sometime in early 2021.

- Supervisor Vega

22


Decisions Made After Dark Five of the six longest County Board Meetings since 2008

have taken place in the last nine months

In the last twelve years, five County Board meetings have lasted longer than ten hours.

Four of those five have occurred in the first nine months of 2020.

These meetings, which extend beyond midnight have a negative impact on government transparency says

Coles District Supervisor, Yesli Vega.

“I don’t know what the actual numbers are, but I highly doubt many people are still watching our meetings at

1 or 2am as Tuesday evening rolls into Wednesday morning. We’re making important decisions on the

people’s behalf when they’re literally in bed and have no idea what’s going on.”

Vega blamed the length of the meetings on the controversial nature of the agendas, set by the Board Chair.

“Some people said our last Chairman was controversial, but the record shows that far less controversy existed

at County Board meetings between 2008 and 2020. Oftentimes I’m still responding to emails late into the

night, but when it’s game time, not many of our constituents are able to stay up with us past midnight either

in-person or even in the comfort of their own homes watching on television. The controversial nature of the

items that have been placed on the agenda, which has resulted in intense division and bickering amongst the

Board is clearly the main reason for the meetings going on until all hours of the night.”

The six longest meetings according to the County website since 2008 are as follows:


September 8th 2020 11 hours, 32 minutes

July 14th, 2020 11 hours, 9 minutes

October 6th, 2015 10 hours, 30 minutes

March 10th, 2020 10 hours, 22 minutes

July 21st, 2020 10 hours, 6 minutes

May 19th, 2020 9 hours, 43 minutes

https://www.pwcgov.org/government/bocs/Pages/Meeting-Room.aspxhttps://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2757https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2738https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2030https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2690https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2746https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2713

23


Vote Explanation - 3B

I wanted to take a moment to explain my vote at the beginning of each meeting under “Procedural Matters.”

Since April, we have had an agenda item on the schedule which has stated that because of COVID “the usual

board meeting procedures cannot be implemented safely or practically.” At this time, that is still a necessary

and true statement as due to the pandemic we are still encouraging physical distancing which, at the very

least, does now allow for the seating of guests next to one another in the Board chambers.

However, following this intro there is an “And” clause which states “All Agenda Items are Necessary and

Essential to Assure the Continuity of Government” followed by and/or “the Nature of the Declared

Emergency Makes it Impracticable or Unsafe for the Board to Assemble in a Single Location.”

Clearly, neither of the clauses following the “And” are true. Never has “All” of our agenda items been

“necessary and essential” for our county government to continue to function. As a former law enforcement

officer I can tell you that our government will continue to function whether or not we vote on “National

Crime Prevention Month.” Furthermore, the entire Board has safely assembled in a single location for every

single meeting since at least April or May. Making the and/or clause also false. The nature of the declared

emergency clearly does not make and has not made it impracticable or unsafe for the Board to assemble in a

single location, evidenced by our full presence and assembly at each and every meeting.

My vote against 3B each meeting is not to be difficult or contrarian in any way. I would rather not start off

our meetings having to vote “no,” but a clear reading of the resolution proves that it is false on its face. I

believe starting off our meetings by falsely affirming something to be true which clearly is not sets a bad

precedent for the rest of the Board meeting which is why I have and will continue to oppose.

- Supervisor Vega

Public Hearing on Dunkin Donuts at Woodbine Shopping Center Scheduled for October 21st

The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on the rezoning at the Woodbine Shopping Center, located at 13446 Dumfries Road. This rezoning is to replace the old bank building in the center of the parking lot with a Dunkin Donuts. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 21st at 7:00 PM in the James J. McCoart Building.

For more information on this proposed rezoning, please visit the Development Services E-Portal.


https://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/plan/3850bbce-e197-4caf-802f-3b1b7167c147

24


Resolution to Move Board Items

to Supervisors Time Fails

Supervisor Pete Candland’s motion to move Board proclamations, commendations, and condemnations to

Supervisors Time fell on a party line vote September 22nd.

Citing the new board’s proclivity to use these items as political battering rams and for political gain,

Supervisor Candland sought to take the partisan rancor out of what had formerly been used almost

exclusively to lift up and honor non-controversial members and groups in the community by moving it to

individual members Supervisors time.

Had it passed, individual Supervisors still would have been able to have honored, celebrated, or condemned

any group or action they deemed necessary, on their own time, which would have prioritized more important

agenda items and ridded the ability of the Board to force their colleagues to vote on partisan wedge

messaging issues which do not always have majority support. In politics, this maneuver is called “playing to

your base.”

Supervisor Vega supported the motion and had long before taken to issuing similar proclamations such as

the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, 100th anniversary of Woman’s Suffrage, and Constitution

Day during her Supervisors time.

Supervisor Vega also announced that she would be joining Supervisors Candland and Lawson in abstaining

from all future Board proclamations, commendations, and condemnations.


Strategic Plan Update

The county has now concluded the initial community engagement phase of the Strategic Plan development

process. The county’s Office of Management received over 2,800 responses to the online Strategic Plan

community survey. More than 350 residents participated in community conversations, including a virtual

town hall event hosted by Supervisor Vega. The Office of Management and Budget is now reviewing the input

received from the community, and the findings from the community engagement phase are scheduled to be

presented at the Board of County Supervisor’s October 20th meeting.

Please visit the Office of Management and Budget’s page for more information on the 2021 - 2024 Strategic

Plan development process.


https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/budget/Pages/Strategic-Plan-Detail.aspx

25


Directive Issued To

Look Into Pay Increase

for County Staff

At the September 15th meeting, Chair Ann Wheeler

issued a directive to look into a 3% pay increase for

county government staff. The cost of a 3% pay

increase for a full year, including benefits, would

cost the county an additional $12 million.


Woodbine Update

The Woodbine Baptist Church has been granted a

deferral by the Board of Zoning Appeals for their

appeal of property code violations. These hearings

were initially scheduled for October 19th. These

cases are now scheduled to be heard at the

November 19th BZA meeting. Supervisor Vega will

continue to follow this situation as it develops.


Supervisor Vega Speaks at

American Legion POW/MIA Ceremony

On September 18th, Supervisor Vega had the

honor of speaking at the American Legion #364’s

POW/MIA Ceremony in Woodbridge.

Since World War II, over 138,000 Americans have

been held as Prisoners-of-War. 16,837 of them

died in captivity. Additionally, the whereabouts or

final resting places of 83,114 Americans are still

unknown.

Supervisor Vega noted that the POW/MIA flag

took on extra meaning for her during her

husband’s first overseas deployment.

Supervisor Vega would like to publicly thank the

American Legion Post #364’s for the very much

appreciated, but wholly undeserved Certificate of

Appreciation.


26


Major Caraveo’s Name

to Be Added to County

War Memorial Next

Memorial Day Weekend

In our August Edition of The Coles Newsletter we

mentioned that the County had agreed to adding

the name of former Woodbridge resident, Major E.

Libardo Caraveo, to the County War Memorial.

Major Caraveo was murdered in the line of duty in

November of 2009 in the terrorist attack at the Fort

Hood Military Base in Texas. After making contact

with his widowed wife, who now resides out-of-

state, Supervisor Vega was able to work with the

County Department of Communications to schedule

a special ceremony to add Major Caraveo’s name to

the Memorial (located at the McCoart Complex) on

Friday, May 28th at 12pm.

Safety permitting, we invite you to come out the

Friday before Memorial Day to help us honor one of

our local fallen heroes and his family at this very

special ceremony. Special thanks to the County

Department of Communications for helping to

make the day a reality.


Scouts Retire Flags

with Dignity

On September 11th, an estimated 4,500 to 5,000

American flags collected by local Scouts were

retired in a dignified manner. David Byrne (former

BSA Occoquan District Chair) and his two sons

Jake and Thomas took the flags to the Fairfax

County Energy Resource Recovery Facility for

retirement.

The Prince William County American Flag

Collection Program, which has retired more than

20,000 United States flags since 2014, is available

at the Prince William County Landfill and Balls

Ford Road sites during normal hours. Citizens can

drop off their torn and tattered flags at one of the

special collection bins at each of the facilities.


27


Landfill Update

The Prince William County Landfill and Balls Ford

Road Compost Facility will reopen on Sundays

starting on October 11th. Both locations will be

reopening for their normal Sunday hours of 8:00

AM to 5:00 PM.

The Prince William County Landfill and other Solid

Waste Division facilities will continue to operate

with certain restrictions. Only credit or debits cards

are currently can be used for payment, as no cash

and checks are not accepted at this time. Bulky

items and construction debris can only be brought

to the Landfill, and the Donation Center and

donation bins are still unavailable.


Service Authority

Easement Clearing

The Prince William Service Authority will be

conducting easement clearing near the Winding

Creek Estates, Meadows at Barnes Crossing, and

Hope Hill Crossing neighborhoods. This work will

start on October 12th and will be completed on or

before October 23rd. Workers will be on site from

7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Service Authority crews will be clearing the

easements of trees and shrubs, and those in the

area may see workers in the woods and hear

chainsaws, tractors, lawn mowers, or other

equipment.


28


Earn an Accredited High School Diploma

at Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) is offering qualified community members the opportunity to earn an

accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School

(COHS), a program brought to public libraries by Gale, a Cengage company. In Prince William County, it is

estimated that 40,000 adults – more than 10% of the County's population – do not have a high school

diploma.

"Earning a high school diploma is a life-changing achievement," said Deborah L. Wright, library director. "By

offering Career Online High School, we're empowering our residents to seek new opportunities and

transform their lives."

PWPL will award scholarships for COHS to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and

advance their careers. The first step for interested applicants is to take COHS's self-assessment. The short

online assessment helps to evaluate if the program is right for the potential student and if it will meet their

educational and career needs.

Once enrolled, COHS pairs each student with an academic coach, who assists with developing an individual

career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, and more. Classes are supported by board-certified

instructors, and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight

high-growth, high-demand career fields, before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able

to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up

to 18 months to complete the program.

Residents can learn more at www.pwcgov.org/cohs.

- Prince William County Public Libraries

Community Matters: Internet Safety

In a typical summer month, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children refers 65-100 lead cases

to the the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) of Northern Virginia. The recent surge in

internet usage since Covid-19 has quadrupled the referrals reaching approximately 250-400 lead cases per

month.

Join us in an important discussion on how we can better educate our youth on ways to interact safely on the

Web on October 15, 2020 at 6:30PM. To register, click here.

-- Prince William County Department of Community Services

file:///C:/Users/jxm4620a/Desktop/art/www.pwcgov.org/cohshttps://pwc-doit.webex.com/pwc-doit/onstage/g.php?

29


Economic Impact of Tourism in Prince William

County Exceeds $643 Million In 2019

According to data released this week by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and the U.S. Travel

Association, in 2019, Prince William County maintained its position as the ninth largest tourism economy in

the Commonwealth with a record setting $643 million spent locally by visitors, an increase of $118 million

since 2014. In addition, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, local tourism-supported careers totaled 6,782

individuals throughout Prince William, while local tourism-related taxes paid by visitors last year were $37.8

million.

2019 Tourism Economic Data** in Prince William County:

• $643 million in travel-related expenditures in 2019, an increase of 4% vs. 2018.

• Prior to the COVID-19 era, tourism supported 6,782 hospitality careers locally vs. 6,662 in 2018.

• Local and state taxes paid by visitors to the County provided over $37.8 million of (an annual

increase of nearly $3.7 million)

**Data provided by US Travel Association and Virginia Tourism Corporation

“Now more than ever, these economic numbers bring to light the importance of tourism in our community –

and last year’s record-setting economic impact data reinforces why the Prince William County Board has

taken measures to help keep businesses open and focused on the road to recovery,” stated Ann B. Wheeler,

Chair-at-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “Even with the many COVID-19 obstacles,

the business community in Prince William continues to invest and innovate, and we thank them for

remaining resilient,” she added.

Only six days after the United States declared COVID-19 a national health emergency, Prince William

County’s Office of Tourism and Department of Economic Development quickly pivoted to deploy business

support resources. In addition, as a component of the County’s COVID-19 ‘Support Local’ economic recovery

plan, an advertising campaign delivered over 10 million advertising impressions to the region, encouraging

consumers to mask-up, spread-out, shop, dine, and support local businesses in Prince William County.

According to the VTC, tourism in Virginia generated $27 billion in visitor spending in 2019. The tourism

industry also supported 237,000 jobs for Virginia communities and provided $1.8 billion in state and local

revenue. Virginia ranks eighth in the nation for domestic travel spending. All data is from the U.S. Travel

Association and is based on domestic visitor spending from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

- Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

30


Police Blotter

Local Police Officers Could Be Decertified Over Unproven Claims

In the wee hours of their September 8th meeting, the Board of County Supervisors received a presentation from John Stirrup with Alcalde & Fay on an update pertaining to the special session of the House of Delegates and State Senate convened by the Governor on August 18th.

Many bills were discussed, including those pertaining to law enforcement.

Of particular interest to Supervisor Vega was the vague language of HB5051 (Decertification of a Law Enforcement Officer) introduced by Delegate Simon of Falls Church.

The bill would allow the Criminal Justice Services Board to begin decertification proceedings against a member of law enforcement who has received three complaints of excessive force in the previous five years. Supervisor Vega questioned Stirrup on whether these complaints had to be proven. At both the meeting and in subsequent follow ups it has been confirmed that the bill, if passed into law as written, does not make the distinction on whether or not an allegation must be proven, leaving the door open for a member of law enforcement to have their livelihood taken away from them over unsubstantiated, falsified, or proven claims.

When asked, Acting Prince William County Chief of Police, Jarad Phelps, confirmed that the bill would have a “dramatic impact” on the recruitment of new police officers.

A similar bill was introduced in and passed in the Senate. At the time of print the two Houses are reconciling their bills for final language. If you are concerned about your local law enforcement officers being decertified over false allegations please contact your local representatives in Richmond listed on page 37 as soon as possible.

Another bill, SB5032, authored by Senator Surovell of Alexandria, would have decriminalized assault and battery against police officers, firefighters, judges, and other members of law enforcement from a felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Supervisor Jeanine Lawson inquired whether or not the authors and supporters of the bill had lowered the threshold for an attack on themselves as elected officials from a felony to a misdemeanor and the answer was “No.” A similar attack on the author and supporters of the bill would be kept as a felony.

The bill was passed on a party line vote with 21 Democrats voting for and 15 Republicans voting against on August 26th.

Fortunately, the House of Delegates voted to “pass by” the bill indefinitely on September 22nd.

In response to the seeming hypocrisy of politicians protecting themselves while allowing attacks on members of law enforcement and first responders to be treated differently, Supervisor Vega was strongly opposed.

“This is what people hate about politicians and what instills distrust in the process. One set of standards for the ruling class and another for those they rule. I’m glad the House declined to take up this bill for now but it’s unnerving that one of our elected body’s in Richmond thought this would be ok.”


https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?202+sum+HB5051

31


Police Blotter

National Night Out is Tuesday, October 6

The Prince William County Police Department will observe the

37th National Night Out celebration on October 6th this year, to

coincide with October’s Crime Prevention Month, although

COVID-19 restrictions will be in place for the safety of the

community and police officers.

Police encourage County residents to lock their doors, turn on

outdoor lights and spend the evening of Tuesday, October 6,

outside with their families and neighbors – using appropriate

social distancing, of course – as a symbol that community and

law enforcement are essential to neighborhood quality of life.

National Night Out – coordinated by the Crime Prevention Unit

of the Police Department in partnership with the Prince William Crime Prevention Council – creates healthy

neighborhoods block by block, to help neighbors know one another, to celebrate community, and to take

steps to make neighborhoods safer for all residents.

Additionally, National Night Out helps build positive relationships between the community and the Police

Department. Neighborhood Watch programs, and National Night Out, help to create a neighborhood

network to prevent crime and enhance the quality of life in the County.

Watches throughout the County will host motorcade stops where police officers and other law enforcement

personnel can meet neighbors. COVID-19 restrictions will necessitate some changes from previous years,

primarily not having the public enter police vehicles.

For more information, call the Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.

- Prince William County Police Department

32


Police Blotter

Introducing the Co-Responder Program

Prince William County Community Services (CS) and Police Department have worked hard over the past

several months developing the new Co-Responder Program that was approved by the Board of County

Supervisors for fiscal year 2021.

This new program will be operational by the end of the calendar year and will include a response team

composed of a CS Emergency Services Clinician and a Crisis Intervention Team certified police officer. While

on duty, the team will respond to calls for service that involve mental health concerns, as well as conduct

follow-up with residents who may need outreach assistance to connect them with appropriate services within

the community.

This collaboration, which brings clinicians and police officers together, has been shown throughout the

country to reduce inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations by connecting members of the community with the

crisis resources and treatment they need. This is an exciting and valuable addition to the services available to

Prince William County citizens. Look for additional details in the coming months.

- Prince William County Police Department & Department of Community Services

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Fire & Rescue Members Taking it to New Heights

On Sunday, October 4th, Technician II Carolyn "Keri" Ackerman, Lieutenant Pecola “Coco” Francois and

recently retired, Battalion Chief Tracey LaBass, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the fourth highest mountain in

the world. Technician Ackerman is the veteran mountaineer among the group. In 2017, she participated in

the Tenzin-Hilary Everest Marathon with over 200 participants from across the globe. The final leg of the

marathon, to climb Mt. Everest!

This past year, Keri realized she needed a new inspiration to keep her healthy, fit and climbing ever upward.

“We are living in a very historic moment of #metoo, women empowerment and recognition, as well as the

emergence of prominent female figures in politics, sports, and business – just to name a few”, states Keri.

“My dream was to take a group of women firefighters to the top of Africa with me.” In September 2019, Keri

contacted the women of DFR inquiring if anyone had an interest in the trip. Due to commitments, expense

of the journey, amount of leave required, family obligations, physical ability, etc., the list of interested parties

and participants narrowed to three. After a year of research, rigorous training, gear buying, and Zoom

meetings, required in preparation for the journey, Keri, Coco & Tracey emerged as the fire and rescue

members about to embark on an extraordinary once in a lifetime journey. Together, these three have 70

years of combined firefighter service.

As spokesperson for the group, Keri states “We can’t express the significance of this trip and what it means to

us as women. Women of color, women of age, women who’ve had to prove themselves in a male dominated

organization.” She goes on to say, “We have accomplished our dreams, worked harder than most or our

(male) counterparts, have “sucked it up” and, fought for every ounce of respect due to us. And now! Now, we

are joining hands (as women) together to climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain in the world. We

are proud, we are strong, we will conquer together!”

Ackerman, Francois & LaBass are scheduled to fly out on Sunday, September 27th and begin their journey to

“The Roof of Africa” (aka Mt. Kilimanjaro) on Tuesday, September 29th. They will summit Mt. Kili, at

sunrise, on Sunday, October 4th. Whether you are a prolific athlete or one who dabbles in sports, to climb

the Seven Summits, the highest peaks of the world’s continents, is among the most respected and highest

accomplishments of any sport. The Prince William County Fire & Rescue System would like to extend best

wishes and a safe journey to Technician Ackerman, Lieutenant Francois and Chief LaBass!

- Prince William County Fire & Rescue

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Passing of the Torch at Lake Jackson

Volunteer Fire Department

After 14 years at the helm of the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, and 24 years of service total, Walt

Davis (right) has stepped into a well deserved retirement.

I was honored to attend Chief Davis’s retirement party last month and presented him with a certificate of

appreciation on behalf of the Coles District thanking him for his many years of service to Prince William

County and the Lake Jackson area.

Stepping in to fill his shoes is new Chief Carl Hood (left), and Assistant Chief, Greg Jones. In addition to

serving as Chief, Chief Hood also serves as a school teacher at Alvey Elementary.

Thanks to Chief Davis, Chief Hood, Assistant Chief Jones, and all of our brave personnel at the Lake Jackson

VFD and around the County! We appreciate you!

- Supervisor Vega

35


Days:

6th – League of Women Voters 100th Anniversary

10th – Mental Health Day

12th – Columbus Day

Weeks:

4th to 10th – 4-H Week

4th to 10th – Fire Prevention Week

Month:

September 15th to October 15th – Hispanic Heritage Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Crime Prevention Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Pedestrian Safety Month

October

36


Coles Land Use Cases

Upcoming

The Preserve at Long Branch

The Preserve at Long Branch, formerly known as Mid County Park and Estates. Would amend the

Comprehensive Plan to rezone 325.6 acres out of the Rural Crescent to build 118 homes with sewer

in addition to 195.6 acres for open space and a park. Located off of 234 East/Dumfries Rd, behind

Canova Dr. UPDATE: RECOMMENDED DENIAL BY PLANNING COMMISSION 6-1-1

(7/29). UPDATE: SCHEDULED FOR BOARD HEARING ON 10/20. Please click here to

view the case under “Board Scheduled”.

Kline Farm Development

Located at the corner of Liberia Avenue & the Parkway to Buckhall Road (South/Southeast).

Would rezone 92.19 acres from A-1 Agricultural to Planned Business District, Planned Mixed

Residential, and Semi-Rural Residential Cluster to develop mixed residential, retail, commercial,

office, and recreational uses. A mixture of up to 250 multi-family townhomes and single family

detached residential dwellings surrounding a 145,000 square foot commercial center are being

proposed.

Twenty-four acres would be devoted to a new school or parkland. In addition, the Comprehensive

Plan would be amended for up to forty-nine acres, and a Special Use Permit needed for a CVS

pharmacy with a drive through which would also be built. The development would add an

additional 9,400 vehicle trips per day to area roads according to Stanley Martin Homes. Please

click here to view the case under “Pending UPDATE: TENTATIVE DATE FOR BOARD

HEARING IS 11/17.

Dar Al Noor Mosque Expansion

The Dar Al-Noor Mosque, located on Hoadly Road between Purcell Road and the Parkway, is re-

questing a Special Use Permit to expand its current 12,000 square foot structure to 88,276 feet.

The expansion would include three stories with a basement, along with an updated prayer hall, a

multi-purpose banquet hall, a youth and senior center, meeting rooms, play areas, daycare, a

private school for 200 students, and an auditorium. The expansion may also include a medical

center.

The Special Use Permit would allow the applicant to increase its number of prayer rugs from 502

to 1,782, resulting in an increase of daily vehicle trips from 1,761 to 6,250 according to county esti-

mates. Please click here to view the case under “Under Review”.

https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/planning/Documents/DAPS.pdfhttps://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/plan/bbec829c-3e03-4d7c-a001-c4f3ac7736ffhttps://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/plan/ab4a48b0-e73f-45f2-ad85-f8bbb6d8fa58

37


October Board of Supervisors Meetings

Links To Watch

August Board of Supervisors Meetings

October 6th 2:00 PM Regular Meeting

October 13th 2:00 PM Work Session

All Board of County Supervisors Meetings Are Broadcast Live:

• Comcast: Channel 23

• Verizon: Channel 37

• County Website: pwcgov.org/bocs

September 8th 2:00 PM Regular Meeting

September 15 2:00PM Regular Meeting

September 22nd 2:00PM Regular Meeting

October Planning Commission Meetings

October 7th 7:00 PM Public Hearing

October 21st 7:00 PM Public Hearing

https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2724https://www.pwcgov.org/government/bocs/Pages/Meeting-Room.aspxhttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/bocs/Pages/Meeting-Room.aspxhttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/bocs/Pages/Meeting-Room.aspxhttps://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2757https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2761https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=23&clip_id=2763https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/planning/Pages/Planning-Commission.aspxhttps://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/planning/Pages/Planning-Commission.aspx

38


Board / Commission / Committee Meetings

Animal Advisory Committee October 20th —6:45

Zoom

Northern VA Regional Commission October 22nd - 7:30 PM

novaregion.org

Arts Council October 13th at 6:30 pm

Webex Virtual, invite sent to all members.

Parks & Recreation Commission October 21st- 7:00 PM

Helwig Park Administrative Building

Commission on Aging Meeting Cancelled for October

Planning Commission October 7, October 21- 7:00 PM

McCoart Building, Board Chambers

Board of Zoning Appeals October 19- 2:00 PM


(Not open to public)

PRTC October 1st—7pm

youtube.com/PRTCtransit

https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/

planning/Pages/Planning-Commission.aspx

Community Services Board October 15th - 6:30 PM

McCoart Building, Powell’s Creek Conference Room

Trails & Blueways Council October 27- 6:30 PM

Helwig Park Administrative Building

Historical Commission October 13th- 7:30 PM

Development Services Building, Room 202 A&B

School Board Meeting Schedule

Watch at pwcstv.com

Human Rights Commission October 8th - 7:30 PM


Service Authority October 8th—6:45 PM

4 County Complex Court, Woodbridge

Regional Jail Board No meeting in October

Watch at youtube.com

Social Services Advisory Board October 20th- 6:00 PM

Sudley North Govt. Center, Jean McCoy Room

Library Board October 22nd - 6:30 PM

Library Administrative Support Center Chinn library

VRE Operations Board October 16 at 9:00 AM

PRTC Boardroom

https://www.novaregion.org/http://www.youtube.com/PRTCtransithttps://www.pwcs.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=340225&pageId=921573http://www.pwcstv.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2UPCuCUvAvyrOLM3YedW1w

39


Contact Information

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega

(703) 792-4620 | [email protected] | [email protected]

Board of Supervisors

District Name Phone Email Address

Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler (703) 792-4640 [email protected]

Brentsville Jeanine Lawson (703) 792-6190 [email protected]

Gainesville Pete Candland (703) 792-6195 [email protected]

Neabsco Victor Angry (703) 792-4667 [email protected]

Occoquan Kenny Boddye (703) 792-4643 [email protected]

Potomac Andrea Bailey (703) 792-4645 [email protected]

Woodbridge Margaret Franklin (703) 792-4646 [email protected]

[email protected]

School Board

District Name Phone Email Address

Chair At-Large Babur Lateef (571) 353-6469 [email protected]

Brentsville Adele Jackson (703) 791-8709 [email protected]

Coles Lisa Zargarpur (703) 791-8709 [email protected]

Gainesville Jennifer Wall (703) 791-8709 [email protected]

Neabsco Diane Raulston (571) 251-3467 [email protected]

Occoquan Lillie Jessie (571) 659-1636 [email protected]

Potomac Justin Wilk (703) 791-8709 [email protected]

Woodbridge Loree Williams (571) 242-8259 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

40


Contact Information

Airport Authority, Stafford Regional Desi Arnaiz [email protected]

Animal Advisory Committee Ron Crigger [email protected]

Architectural Review Board Michael Garcia [email protected]

Board of Equalization Willie Deutsch [email protected]

Board of Zoning Appeals Davon Gray [email protected]

Commission on Aging Chris Dorcsis [email protected]

Community Services Board Pat Sowers [email protected]

DCSM / Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee Steve Mitchell [email protected]

Historical Commission John DePue [email protected]

Historical Commission Erin Shockley [email protected]

Housing Board Robert Gudz [email protected]

Industrial Development Authority VACANT

Lake Jackson Sanitary District Advisory Cmte Bill Berry [email protected]

Lake Jackson Sanitary District Advisory Cmte Howard Smith [email protected]

Lake Jackson Sanitary District Advisory Cmte Jason Curtis [email protected]

Lake Jackson Sanitary District Advisory Cmte Michael Trentacoste [email protected]

Library Board Catherine Turner [email protected]

Parks and Recreation Committee Jane Beyer [email protected]

Persons with Disabilities Sarah Pitkin [email protected]

Planning Commission Joe Fontanella [email protected]

Trails and Blueways Council Michael DePue [email protected]

Trails and Blueways Council Eric VanNortwick [email protected]

Prince William County Arts Council Ron Crigger [email protected]

Service Authority Paul O'Meara [email protected]

Social Services Advisory Board Jacob Mosser [email protected]

Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group Harris Glasgow [email protected]

Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group Joseph Chisholm [email protected]

Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group James Gestrich [email protected]

Strategic Plan Development Team Martin Jeter [email protected]

Taxicab Review Board Ellen Miles [email protected]

Weapons Control Committee Robert Gudz [email protected]

Supervisor Vega’s Citizen Appointments

If int