Coles District Newsletter | | October 2026 - 49th Edition | | |
Dear Neighbor,
There is a lot happening in Prince William County, and I want to share a few important updates with you.
As many of you know, I have never voted for a data center outside of the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay during my tenure as your Supervisor. Last week, the Board closed the existing Overlay and significantly reduced where data centers can be developed by right in Prince William County.
What does that mean? Going forward, data centers that do not qualify to remain within the limited Overlay will have to go through the public land-use process, giving residents a voice and requiring projects to come before the Board.
The Board also unanimously decided that changing the rules should include a reasonable 90 day transition for projects. Property owners made decisions and investments based on the rules the County put in place, but that does not mean approval of those projects is guaranteed. Each application will still have to stand on its own merits.
As I told InsideNoVa, I’ve stood my ground when it comes to development, and my standards have not changed. Allowing a project to go through the process does not guarantee my support. Each application will stand on its own merits.
We also have important work ahead as we begin looking toward the next County budget. I remain focused on how your tax dollars are being spent, what our priorities should be, and making sure our decisions are grounded in the facts and needs of our community.
I want to hear from you, too. The County’s Community Survey will open to all residents on October 12. This is an important opportunity to weigh in on County services, priorities, and the direction of Prince William County. When the survey opens, please take a few minutes to complete it HERE.
Finally, our Coles District Annual Coat Drive will be held on Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM–11 AM at the Coles District Office, 13476 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112.
As always, please continue to reach out to my office with any neighborhood issues, safety concerns, or anything you may need assistance with.
For Coles,
Yesli Vega
yvega@pwcgov.org
(703) 792-4620
| | Not seeing the full email? | | A.J. Ferlazzo Bus Stop Renovation | |
Great day celebrating our newly renovated bus stop at the A.J. Ferlazzo Building with OmniRide and AARP! Reliable transit is essential for getting residents where they need to go.
Upgrades like this invest directly in the people who count on them every day. Thank you to all who brought this project to life!
| Breast Cancer Awareness Month | |
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in Virginia. This month, we honor those fighting, celebrate survivors, and remember those we’ve lost.
Early detection matters. Know your risk. Get screened. Wear pink.
| Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Salvadoran Heritage Day | | |
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Salvadoran Heritage Day with pupusas and some of my favorite people.
Extra special having my parents there to celebrate with us.
Gracias to my colleagues for joining me in the celebration as well.
| | Celebrating 99 Years at Birmingham Green | | |
Celebrating 99 years of care, dignity, and vibrant community at Birmingham Green!
Birmingham Green is home to over 300 seniors, providing quality affordable assisted living. We are proud they call the Coles District home.
We gathered to celebrate this amazing legacy and launch the "Road to 100!"
The best is yet to come!
| | September 11 25th Remembrance Ceremony | | |
We must remain ever vigilant in defense of our freedom as we remember, honor, and cherish the 2,977 innocent lives stolen from us on September 11, 2001.
Among those lost were 28 cherished members of our local community. Neighbors, public servants, and military personnel whose absences left an unhealable void in Prince William County and the surrounding area.
For families like the Lynches, that Tuesday began like any other. Mrs. Lynch recalled sharing what she thought was just another routine morning with her husband, James. It was anything but, and she would never see James again. Stories like theirs remind us of the profound human cost of that dark morning and why we carry their memories in our hearts.
In the face of unnamable tragedy, the spirit of our nation was not broken. Today, our resolve as Americans remains unshakable. We carry forward their legacy by remaining vigilant, standing united, and ensuring that light continues to triumph over darkness.
We honor and remember:
- Allen P. Boyle, Fredericksburg
- Sergeant First Class John J. Chada, U.S. Army (Ret.), Manassas
- Specialist Jamie L. Fallon, U.S. Navy, Woodbridge
- Amelia V. Fields, Dumfries
- Lt. Col. Robert J. Hymel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Woodbridge
- Sergeant Major Lacey B. Ivory, U.S. Army, Woodbridge
- Judith L. Jones, Woodbridge
- David W. Laychak, Manassas
- Jennifer Lewis, Culpeper
- Kenneth E. Lewis, Culpeper
- James T. Lynch, Jr., Manassas
- Gene E. Maloy, Manassas
- Teresa M. Martin, Stafford
- Robert J. Maxwell, Manassas
- Molly L. McKenzie, Dale City
- Craig J. Miller, Prince William
- Diana B. Padro, Woodbridge
- Rhonda S. Rasmussen, Woodbridge
- Martha M. Reszke, Stafford
- Edward V. Rowenhorst, Lake Ridge
- Judy Rowlett, Woodbridge
- Donald D. Simmons, Dumfries
- Jeff L. Simpson, Lake Ridge
- Cheryle D. Sincock, Dale City
- Chief Information Systems Technician Gregg H. Smallwood, U.S. Navy, Woodbridge
- Sergeant Major Larry L. Strickland, U.S. Army, Woodbridge
- Sandra L. White, Dumfries
| | Osbourn Park High School Showcase | | |
I welcomed the Governor and state and local leaders to the Coles District for a visit to Osbourn Park High School to showcase the impressive opportunities available to our students.
We visited classrooms focused on automotive technology, biomedical science, engineering, and leadership, getting a firsthand look at the hands-on learning happening every day.
Seeing these programs in action is a reminder of why I place such an emphasis during our budget discussions on where education dollars are actually going. Our investment should be felt in the classroom and in opportunities like these for our students.
We have a lot to be proud of at Osbourn Park and throughout the Coles District!
| | Mayor's Final Official Meeting | | |
Today marked Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger’s final official meeting.
Serving in public office requires immense dedication and sacrifice, and we deeply appreciate her leadership and commitment to the City of Manassas.
Thank you for your service, Mayor Davis-Younger, and best wishes in your next chapter.
| | |
Spent time over lunch with our amazing Litter Crew today at the office. We talked about the vital work they do to keep our community clean.
Next time you see them out on the roads, please slow down, move over, and give them the space to work safely.
Thank you to this incredible team for everything you do to keep Prince William County beautiful!
| | Joint Meeting with the School Board | | Just wrapped up our joint meeting with the School Board. We have our work cut out for us, and I’m looking forward to working together to make sure your tax dollars are working for you. | | Commendations & Proclamations | | |
Brentsville District High School Boys Soccer Team
VHSL Class 3 State Runner-Up
| | |
I presented a commendation to the Brentsville District High School Boys Soccer Team for its outstanding 2026 season and remarkable run to the VHSL Class 3 State Championship Game.
This achievement will forever be part of Brentsville’s history and one these young men can carry with pride for the rest of their lives.
The Board extends its best wishes for their continued success both on and off the field.
| | Recognize & Celebrate the Contributions of Salvadoran-Americans | |
I presented a proclamation to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Salvadoran-Americans to Prince William County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of
America.
| | Childhood Cancer Awareness Month | | |
For the Coles District, this proclamation is deeply personal. Standing alongside Joshua and his family, I was reminded just how much can change in a year, and how grateful we are to be standing here together today.
This month, we honor the children still fighting, remember those we have lost, and stand with every family whose world has been changed by childhood cancer.
Go gold. Pray for these children and their families. And never stop believing that better treatments, more research, and more hope are worth fighting for.
| | | |
Commissioner Karla Justice
"It is an honor to serve the Coles District as Planning Commissioner. Thoughtful planning today helps shape the community our children and grandchildren will inherit tomorrow, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of that process."
Planning Commission
| | See a Development Sign? Here’s What to Do Next | | |
We’ve all driven past one of those big public hearing signs on the side of the road and thought, “Wait…what are they planning to put there?”
The good news is you don’t have to wait until construction starts to find out.
Those signs are posted as part of the public notification process for land-use cases moving through Prince William County’s review process.
Here’s what to do when you see one:
1. Take a picture of the sign.
Look for the case name or case number. Having that information makes it much easier to find exactly what is being proposed.
2. Look up the case online.
Prince William County has a Pending Planning Cases Interactive Map that allows you to search by case name, case number, case type, status, or Magisterial District. Selecting a case provides additional information and links to the case planner, ePortal, and the staff report, when available.
3. Read the staff report.
Staff reports provide information about the proposal and the County’s review of the application. They are available online when completed and can be an excellent resource for understanding a case before the public hearing.
4. Ask questions and share your thoughts.
You do not have to wait until the night of the public hearing to get involved. Residents can contact the case planner or submit comments to the Planning Office while a case is under review.
I always encourage residents to get involved early. Look at what is being proposed, review the maps and plans, ask questions, and think about things such as traffic, surrounding neighborhoods, schools, environmental impacts, and whether the proposed use fits the area.
Most importantly, if you see a sign for a project in the Coles District and have questions or concerns, please reach out to me at colesplanning@pwcgov.org.
Part of my role as your Planning Commissioner is making sure residents have an opportunity to understand what is being proposed and participate in the process before decisions are made.
| | Osbourn Park High School & Saunders Middle School Pay Tribute to 9/11 | |
Thank you for the beautiful 9/11 tributes from students in the Coles District. You make us all so proud!
The students and staff at Saunders Middle School participated in a September 11th tribute. You can view the video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17igNJgpuJ/
The Osbourn Park High School Madrigal Singers performed at Prince William County's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Watch their performance here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/192YFborsL/
| | National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists | | |
Congratulations to the Coles District students on becoming semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program:
- Sajeela Ahmad - Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- William Hamilton - Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- Samuel Zhang - Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- Devin Wanchoo - Osbourn Park High School
| | Supervisor Vega's Directives | |
- Establishment of a Zoning District in the Occoquan Reservoir Protection Area (ORPA) in the Comprehensive Plan
- Facebook Live
- Proffer Funds Appropriated to Well
- Boards, Committees, and Commissions Update
- Administer Anonymous, Countywide Employee Survey to Assess Employee Perspectives on Authorization Card Practices Related to Collective Bargaining
- Compile Breakdown of all County funds, Services, and Resources that Support Prince William County Schools and other Public Education Programs
- Inventory all Boards, Commissions, Advisory Bodies/Working Groups
- CPA to Remove Route 28 from Mobility Plan/Add Widening of Route 28 from Four to Six Lanes
- Schedule Public Hearing - Parcel B, Section 1, Walton Drive
- Advertise Public Hearing - Sunset Clause
- Route 28 Bypass Project Close Out
- Towing Ordinance
- Analysis of Potential Tax Break for Terminally Ill Residents
- Comprehensive Plan for Development of Recreation and Historic Tourism
- Panhandling Ordinance Amendments
- Authorize Public Hearing - Noise Ordinance
- Traffic Mitigation - Staples Mill Plaza
-
Statistics on Homicides/Acts of Violence in PWC Parks
- Tax Rate for Surviving Spouses
- Schedule Public Hearing - Noise Ordinance
- Create Working Group Related to Noise Ordinance
- Purcell Road CPA Change
To read about each directive, click here.
| | Office of Communications and Engagement | | |
Prince William County will launch its 2026 Community Survey on Sept. 14, beginning with a statistically valid survey of randomly selected households, followed by an open participation survey available to all residents beginning Oct. 12.
The county has conducted community surveys since 1993 to better understand residents’ experiences and perceptions regarding Prince William County and county services. The survey provides county leaders with data that can help identify community priorities and inform decisions about services, programs and initiatives.
The 2024 Community Survey demonstrated the impact residents can have by sharing their feedback. Responses to questions about the future of Prince William County helped shape the county’s current Strategic Plan, including the goals and priorities that guide the county’s work today. The 2026 survey provides another opportunity to hear directly from residents and use that feedback to inform how the county moves forward.
“The Community Survey is an important way for us to hear directly from the people we serve, and every perspective helps us better understand our community,” said County Executive Christopher Shorter. “We saw the impact of that participation in 2024, when resident feedback helped shape the goals and priorities in our Strategic Plan. The more we hear from residents across Prince William County, the better we can understand what is working, where we need to improve and what matters most as we plan for the future.”
Beginning Sept. 14, invitations to participate in the survey will be mailed to a random sample of households throughout Prince William County. Paper surveys will follow beginning Sept. 21.
Residents who receive an invitation are encouraged to complete the survey online or via paper using the instructions provided with their invitation. Because these households are randomly selected, their responses are used to produce statistically valid results that provide a representative measure of resident perceptions across the county.
Residents who do not receive an invitation during this phase will still have an opportunity to participate.
Beginning Oct. 12, the county will open an online version of the survey to all Prince William County residents, providing the county with additional insight into the experiences and priorities of people throughout the community.
The 2026 Community Survey will close Nov. 2.
Learn more about the Community Survey and view results from previous surveys.
| | Prince William Public Libraries | | |
U.S. Passport Services are available by appointment only at the following locations:
Central Library
8601 Mathis Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
703-792-8360
Mondays and Wednesdays:
2:00 - 6:00 PM
Haymarket Gainesville Library
14870 Lightner Road
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-792-8700
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays:
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Potomac Library
2201 Opitz Boulevard
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-792-8330
Tuesdays:
12:00 - 7:00 PM
- Passport Services are closed on federal holidays.
- You are responsible for having all application materials.
- Schedule one appointment per application.
- Individuals who are 10 minutes late to their scheduled appointment time will need to reschedule.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, click here.
| | Prince William Public Library Events Calendar | | Prince William Public Libraries have a full calendar of events planned throughout October, including story time, crafts, reading activities, technology help, conversation groups, and programs for all ages. Click below to explore upcoming October events near you. | | Department of Parks & Recreation | | |
It’s officially fall, y'all. The cooler temperatures are finally here and in just a few weeks the beautiful colors of fall will make their appearance all around us. We’ve got an October filled with too many programs and events to name—everything from fun fitness classes to an evening hike, an outdoor movie, a kayaking class, and more.
Click here for more details.
| | Historic Programs & Events to Check Out this Fall | | |
Looking to explore Prince William County’s rich history this fall?
The Office of Historic Preservation has a full lineup of programs and events offering something for everyone—from lecture series and historic bus tours to guided tours of the County’s historic sites and more.
Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, there are plenty of ways to learn about the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community. Not sure where to start?
We asked some of our Historic Preservation staff for their recommendations. View the Fall Staff Picks here.
| | PWC Fire and Rescue 3rd Annual Expo and Fall Festival | | |
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pfitzner Stadium
7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA 22192
| | 43rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee | | |
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Historic Downtown Manassas
9431 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110
Come out and enjoy some family fun at the 43rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee!
This family-friendly, community-focused event features over 100 craft and community booths, delicious food and drinks, live music, entertainment, and more! It's the perfect way to enjoy the season with something for everyone. Best of all, it's free!
| | PWC College & Career Fair | | |
Thursday, October 8
6 PM - 8 PM
Gainesville High School
13150 University Blvd, Gainesville, VA 20155
Wednesday, October 14
6 PM - 8 PM
Forest Park High School
15721 Forest Park Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22193
Students and families are invited to attend our upcoming PWCS College & Career Fairs. New this year, our fairs will expand beyond a traditional college focus to include members of the business community, giving students the opportunity to explore employment options available immediately following high school graduation, as well as internships and scholarships.
Students can also connect with representatives from colleges and universities, trade and technical schools, businesses, and the military while learning more about financial aid and the many pathways available after graduation.
Visit PWCS College & Career Fairs for more information.
| | |
Monday, October 12, 2026
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Life Sciences and Engineering Building
10930 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Register Here!
Step into the world of the ultra-small at Nanotechnology Day on October 12, 2026, at George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus.
Designed primarily for K-12 students, this free event welcomes learners of all ages to explore how nanotechnology is shaping medicine, materials, energy, and everyday life.
Enjoy interactive demos, hands-on activities, and live talks with researchers pushing the field forward. Wander through booths, test out experiments, and discover the tiny innovations making a big impact on our future.
| | KABOOM! Build Week at George Hellwig Memorial Park | | |
Tuesday, October 20 - Friday, October 23
George Hellwig Memorial Park
14420 Bristow Rd., Manassas, VA 20112
George Hellwig Memorial Park | Sponsored by KABOOM!, Amazon and Prince William Parks & Recreation
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BUILD WEEK
A new playspace design for George Hellwig Memorial Park has been chosen - now, come help us build it! Volunteers will be assigned various tasks to help complete the new playspace.
THE NEW PLAYSPACE DESIGN
View the full design here.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Tuesday, October 20: Build Week Kickoff Event with Prince William Parks & Recreation, KABOOM! and Amazon on-site! Get the full scoop on the work area, your volunteer duties, pick up any tools and supplies needed.
Wednesday & Thursday, October 21-22: Prep Days (help prepare the playspace for the playground equipment). Work is available for volunteers of all levels of skill and ability. Sample activities include: assembling play equipment, mixing concrete, and painting murals
Friday, October 23: Build Week Celebration! Finish the playspace project, and stick around as we enjoy food, music and more!
- All tools, safety glasses and gloves will be provided
- Please wear comfortable, appropriate work attire and closed-toe shoes
- Lunch, water and snacks will be provided to all volunteers
- Volunteers must be 18+. There are very limited tasks for volunteers ages 14-17; most volunteers must be older than 18 years old
- Ample parking available
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE
| | Paul Davis National Fallen Firefighters Golf Tournament | | |
Monday, October 26, 2026
7:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM Shotgun start
Piedmont Club
14675 Piedmont Vista Dr.
Haymarket, VA 20169
For more information about the NFFF, please visit their website at: www.firehero.org.
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Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Looking for your next opportunity? Join us for the Nexus234 Career Fair and meet companies and organizations from across Northern Virginia that are looking for talent.
Explore job opportunities and internships, meet employers face-to-face, and learn about career paths you may not have considered before. Bring your questions, make new connections, and see where a conversation could lead.
Attendance is free for job seekers. Free parking will be available in the Tower Lot behind the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Register Here!
| | Career Fair Exhibit & Sponsor Opportunities | | |
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Connect with the region's next generation of talent. Join employers, business leaders, and workforce partners from across the greater Prince William region at the Nexus234 Career Fair.
Hosted in partnership with Prince William Economic Development, the City of Manassas, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Career Works, this premier hiring and networking event brings together community college students, university talent, recent graduates, and experienced professionals seeking their next career opportunity.
Whether you're recruiting for current openings, building your talent pipeline, or increasing your company's visibility in the region, the Nexus234 Career Fair offers a valuable opportunity to engage with a diverse and motivated workforce while supporting the region's growing innovation ecosystem.
| | Coles District Coat Drive | | |
Saturday, November 7
9 AM - 11 AM
Coles District Office
13476 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA 20112
Advance registration is required to receive a coat. Please register with Marina Santos by email at msantos@pwcgov.org or text (703) 357-3704. Please provide the coat size needed for each child (sizes 5-14) by October 10th.
We look forward to seeing you there!
| | Colgan High Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Fair | | |
Sunday, November 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Colgan High School
13833 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112
The 7th Annual Colgan High Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Fair is Back! Join us for a day of community, creativity, and holiday shopping hosted by the Colgan Athletic Boosters!
Can't attend? You can still support our student-athletes by becoming a sponsor via our silent auction!
Thank you so much for supporting Colgan High School athletics and our student-athletes!
| Calling All Vendors & Food Trucks! | | |
Sunday, November 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Colgan High School
13833 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112
Vendor inquiries are officially open for local crafters, food trucks, and specialty vendors.
Spaces start at $100 (available in 10x12 and 12x12 sizes in the Exhibit Gym and Commons areas). Booths are first-come, first-served, and electricity options are limited!
Vendor setup begins at 8:00 AM.
Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSednVMtohHAmb.../viewform
| | Make Your Mark Awards Ceremony | | |
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6:30 PM
National Museum of the Marine Corps
1775 Semper Fidelis Way
Triangle, VA 22172
Registration is now open for the fourth annual Make Your Mark Business Celebration and Award Ceremony!
Join Prince William County’s business community on November 12 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for an evening of connection, celebration, and recognition of the businesses, organizations, and leaders making their mark across our county.
Save your seat by registering today: https://pwcded.typeform.com/makeyourmark26
Thank you for helping us make this a great evening for Prince William County’s business community. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you and the Supervisor in November!
| | PWCPD to Begin Towing for Excessive Parking Violations | | |
*SCAM: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, and advises that you've missed jury duty, this is a scam. Hang up. Never give personal or financial information to unknown parties.
Learn more at: pwcva.gov/fraud-scams
- PWC Police Department
| | Manassas Man Charged With Rape Of 16-Year-Old Girl | | | Two additional suspects arrested in Manassas First Friday shooting | | | Woman loses baby after being struck by hit-and-run driver | | | Police arrest Manassas man after indecent exposure at Dumfries Target | | | Police Daily Incident Reports | | |
The Department of Public Safety Communications (911 Communications) recently hosted a special story time at the Montclair Library, reading various books to the children. Technician II Kevin Sweeney read "Max Learns Fire Safety," helping them learn important fire safety tips while enjoying a fun and engaging story.
- PWC Fire & Rescue System
| | Prince William votes to end by-right data center development countywide | | Supervisors block $300 million Vint Hill electrical switching station upgrade | | | Prince William County schools announce 2027 graduation dates | | | Water tasting funky in Manassas? Here's what's causing it | | | In rare move, SCC orders three in-person hearings for NextEra-Dominion merger case | | | Manassas pauses October First Friday after teen killed at packed downtown event | | | Prince William County's 9/11 remembrance ceremony honors the local lives lost | | | Kelso, Chavez shine as Colgan Sharks thrash Unity Reed | | | A kind and caring personality': Community rallies for family of teen killed at First Friday in Manassas | | | Board of County Supervisors Meetings | | |
October 06 – 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting
October 13 – 2:00 p.m.
Work Session
October 20 – 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting
November 17 – 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting
| | | | Planning Commission Meetings | | |
October 14 – 7:00 p.m.
October 21 – 6:00 p.m.
(Legal Training Work Session)
October 28 – 7:00 p.m.
November 4 – 7:00 p.m.
November 18 – 7:00 p.m.
| | | | |
October 7 – 7:00 p.m.
October 14 – 6:00 p.m.
(School Board Special Meeting Superintendent’s Goal Setting Conference)
October 21 – 7:00 p.m.
November 4 – 7:00 p.m.
November 17 – 7:00 p.m.
| | | | Other Resources & Information | | | | |