✉️️ Opening Note
Dear Neighbors,
Summer is here — and this week, it showed up with big news.
The Belmont Bay waterfront redevelopment has been approved — 348 new homes, an outdoor amphitheater, and 124 acres of preserved open space right along the Occoquan Bay wildlife refuge. It's one of the most significant development decisions in Woodbridge in years, and we have the full story.
We're also celebrating the PWCS Class of 2026, pointing you toward the best bakeries in Old Town Manassas, and spotlighting one of Occoquan's most beloved dining spots.
Father's Day is two weeks away. Last day of school is Thursday. Summer concerts, farmers markets, Kids Fest, Juneteenth — June is stacking up beautifully.
It's a good time to be a neighbor along the Potomac.
— Marie & Dom, The Woodbridge Gazette
🎉 Father's Day is June 21 — Here's Your Local Guide
Sunday June 21 is Father's Day — Prince William County has plenty of ways to celebrate, from classic car shows to craft beer tastings to a BBQ buffet at Quantico. We've rounded up the best of what's happening locally.
🌤️️ This Week's Weather
Summer is fully here in Prince William County — and the thermometer agrees.
☁️️ Sunday June 8 — Hi 78°F / Lo 68°F — Warm and partly cloudy
☀️️ Monday June 9 — Hi 84°F / Lo 68°F — Sunny and warm
☀️️ Tuesday June 10 — Hi 87°F / Lo 68°F — Hot and sunny
☀️️ Wednesday June 11 — Hi 86°F / Lo 62°F — Hot, mostly sunny
🏫 Thursday June 12 — Hi 92°F / Lo 62°F — Hot! Last day of school — early dismissal
☀️️ Friday June 13 — Hi 90°F / Lo 66°F — Hot and sunny
☀️️ Saturday June 14 — Hi 89°F / Lo 71°F — Beautiful summer weekend day
Check pwcva.gov/parks for pool hours — outdoor pools are open for the season.
🌊 Belmont Bay Waterfront Redevelopment — Approved
After nearly seven years of planning, community hearings, and design revisions, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on June 2 to approve the Belmont Bay redevelopment — 348 new homes on nearly 160 acres of Woodbridge waterfront, adjacent to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Developer Miller & Smith is building three distinct sections. Marina Overlook will feature 74 market-rate homes, an outdoor amphitheater, a George Mason University garden, and a new mixed-use amenity building next to the existing Harbor Master building. Taylor Point will offer scenic waterfront parks and walkways near the river. Belmont Landing will include 172 age-restricted units with an expanded wildlife refuge buffer.
The numbers that stand out: 124 acres — 74% of the entire property — will remain open space. A conservation easement with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust will permanently protect the former golf course as green space. All exterior lighting must be dark sky-compliant, protecting nocturnal wildlife along the refuge.
Woodbridge Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix, who called it "six or seven years in the making," praised the developer's flexibility throughout the process. Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson called it "a real gem” according to InsideNova.
🏫 Bennett School — On Virginia's Most Endangered List
The 118-year-old Bennett School in Manassas — slated for demolition as part of the county's $233 million judicial center expansion — has been named to Preservation Virginia's list of most endangered historic places. The building, completed in 1908 and used as a neighborhood elementary school for generations, has been dark since 1989. Supervisor LaCroix has said relocation is too costly and that memorialization makes more sense. Not everyone agrees.
🚧 Interchange Update — Minnieville Road & Prince William Parkway
Construction is underway on the $81 million interchange at one of Woodbridge's most congested intersections. The new design routes Prince William Parkway under Minnieville Road via a new underpass — and unlocks the Quartz District, a 145-acre walkable community with 1,000+ homes, shops, restaurants, and Prince William County's first ever Whole Foods Market, expected in 2028. Detours begin in July — start planning alternate routes now.
📰 Your Weekly News Brief
🌊 Belmont Bay Approved — 348 Homes, Woodbridge Waterfront — The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the Belmont Bay redevelopment on June 2 — 348 homes on nearly 160 acres adjacent to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, with 74% of the property preserved as open space. Full story coming this week at woodbridgegazette.com
🏗️ Development Watch: Dale City
Two new residential projects are moving forward in Dale City. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Neabsco Reserve — 15 single-family homes on Delaney Road near the Sharon Baucom Recreation Center, with over half the site preserved as open space and a $30,000 contribution to county schools. Full story coming at woodbridgegazette.com.
Meanwhile, the Planning Commission voted 6-2 to advance Mapledale Plaza — 208 homes at Dale Boulevard and Ridgefield Road across from the Prince William Ice Center. Residents raised concerns about school overcrowding at King Elementary and Beville Middle, both already projected over capacity by 2029-30. Updates next week.
🏫 New School Named — The Prince William County School Board has approved the name Woodbridge Elementary for a new school coming to the growing Woodbridge community.
💻 Data Centers Moving East — And Residents Are Fighting Back — For years, Prince William's data center boom was centered in Manassas, Gainesville, and Bristow. Now it's spreading east — toward Woodbridge and Dumfries. Three new proposals could bring as many as a dozen data centers to eastern Prince William, including a massive complex next to Four Seasons, a 55-plus retirement community of about 800 homes outside Dumfries. Residents chanting 'You can't drink data' protested outside the County Government Center on June 2. A separate proposal called Quantico Ridge would put four data centers on 160 acres at the edge of Prince William Forest Park. Supervisor George Stewart said he opposes putting data centers behind residents' homes. Meanwhile, Amazon Data Services purchased 44 acres near Gainesville for $120 million — the latest in a string of major acquisitions in the county. We are watching this story closely and will continue to cover it.
📸 School Speed Cameras Expanding — Red Light Enforcement Coming — The Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved funding on June 3 to expand its automated traffic enforcement program. School zone speed cameras have already proven successful — generating significant revenue and slowing drivers. Red light cameras are next.
🍽️ Meals Tax Cut Coming January 1 — Good news for diners and local restaurants. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted to cut the meals tax from 3% to 2%, effective January 1, 2027. The reduction is projected to cost the county about $6 million annually in revenue — but puts money back in the pockets of anyone eating out locally.
🏠 Woodbridge Mobile Home Park Residents Get a Reprieve — Residents facing eviction from a Woodbridge mobile home park have received temporary relief — their eviction notices have been rescinded for now. We'll continue to follow this story.
🛴 Haymarket E-Bikes and Scooters — The Town of Haymarket is weighing whether to regulate electric bikes, scooters, and motorcycles after a spirited public debate about safety and road use.
🪧 Anti-Panhandling Signs Coming to 12 Locations — Prince William County will install temporary signs at 12 high-traffic intersections as part of a pilot program to reduce panhandling and connect individuals with services.
🗳️ Zargarpur Announces Bid for Coles Supervisor — School Board member Lisa Zargarpur has announced her candidacy for the Coles District Supervisor seat. We'll have more as the race develops.
🗳️️ District 20 Special Election — Delegate Maldonado's resignation took effect May 31. A special election for House District 20 is expected soon. We'll have updates as they develop.
🎢 Slick City Coming to Woodbridge — The world's first indoor slide park is opening in Woodbridge next month. We'll have details as the opening date gets closer.
🚗 PWC Gets $160K for Transportation Planning — Prince William County received two $80,000 federal grants for transportation studies. One will examine countywide parking demand — notable given the county has an average of 2.6 vehicles per household, the highest rate in the region. The other will study traffic and safety concerns in the Maplewood neighborhood near Yorkshire in Manassas, looking at speeding, cut-through traffic, and aggressive driving. Both studies begin this fall with community input available at pwcworks.pwcva.gov.
📝 PWCS Introducing Minus Letter Grades — Prince William County Schools is adjusting its grading policy to introduce 'minus' letter grades — A-, B-, C-, and so on. The change affects how student performance is evaluated across the county. Details on the rollout are expected from the school division.
🦫 Buc-ee's Coming to Stafford — The beloved Texas-based travel center chain has been officially approved for a location in Stafford County, just down I-95. No opening date yet — but it's happening.
🥐 Old Town Manassas Has Some Serious Bakeries
Fresh pastries, artisan breads, and sweet treats in the heart of Old Town — we've found the best bakeries in Manassas worth adding to your weekend routine. Whether you pair a visit with the Saturday farmers market or make it a destination on its own, Old Town's baking scene deserves your attention.
🎖️️ Military & Veterans
by Domenic Clementi, Military & Veterans Editor
Photo: Unsplash
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services
My Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to read this column. While I am certainly not young, I completed over thirty years of service in the U.S. Army not that long ago. Yet I feel like I still have a great deal to learn about being a veteran — very much to figure out about what benefits are available to me, and so much I am still figuring out about how the various complementary and overlapping benefits systems and networks operate. Here's how I hope to help you in this column. I will endeavor to provide a useful tip, observation, or a link to a website that may be of use to you.
This week: The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) 👉 dvs.virginia.gov
Please take a minute this week — over your coffee or beer — to click on the link above. Although I have lived here in Woodbridge for several years, both in and out of uniform, I neither knew nor bothered to find out if the State of Virginia had a department devoted to veterans and their issues. Well, yes, they do, and I think it's a pretty good one.
The Virginia DVS has 38 offices across the state and can help with:
— Advising Veterans on Disability Claims and Pensions — Support for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders — Assistance to Military Spouses (Employment, Child Care, Professional Licenses and Certifications) — Education Benefits — Tax Exemptions
When you visit the website, you will find so many more areas where the DVS can assist you and your family.
If you are like me, you may want to speak to someone in person. The Manassas office is the nearest one to Woodbridge:
Virginia Department of Veterans Services — Manassas Office 9300 W. Courthouse Rd, Suite 305, Manassas, VA 20110 📞 703-479-7437 By appointment, Monday–Friday, 9–11 a.m. & 1–3 p.m. Limited walk-ins every Friday, 9–11 a.m.
I hope this information was of use to you. Have a great week — and be proud of your service.
Honoring service. Covering community.
— Dom
📸 Occoquan Dining Spotlight — Graffiti Cat
Graffiti Cat Pizza, Historic Downtown Occoquan. Photo: Marie Clementi
Quirky, colorful, and completely Occoquan. Graffiti Cat is one of those spots that captures everything that makes historic downtown special — the kind of place you stumble into and end up telling everyone about. Art on every wall, personality in every corner, and food worth the trip. If you haven't been yet, put it on the list for your next river day.
📍 Historic Downtown Occoquan
📅 Events & What's On
June Is Stacking Up Beautifully
Save this. Share it with a neighbor. June in Prince William County is worth showing up for.
🌽 Dale City Farmers Market — Every Sunday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Fresh produce, local vendors, baked goods, and more. One of the county's longest-running community markets.
📍 VDOT commuter lot, 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City
🌽 Long Family Farmers Market — Every Thursday, 2–7 p.m.
A veteran- and family-owned market at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center through October 15. Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, honey, cheese, and artisan goods. Cash, credit, and EBT/SNAP accepted. Rain or shine.
📍 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge
🌽 Historic Manassas Farmers Market — Thursdays & Saturdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, baked goods, and artisan crafts. One of Northern Virginia's best.
📍 Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St (Thursdays) · 9024 Prince William St (Saturdays)
🎭 Disney's Newsies at Hylton — Through June 21, Fri/Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.
It's New York City, 1899 — Jack Kelly rallies newsboys to fight back against powerful publishers. High energy, great for families and teens. Tickets: 703-993-7759.
📍 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas
🎬 Fridays at 5 — Free Outdoor Concerts — Select Fridays all summer
Prince William County Parks & Recreation's beloved free outdoor concert series is back by popular demand. Live music, food trucks, beer and wine garden. Check pwcva.gov/parks for the schedule.
📍 Select PWC Parks locations
🎬 Free Drive-In Movie Nights — Select nights all summer
Free family movie nights in county parks. Bring your lawn chair or blanket — popcorn and water provided. Check pwcva.gov/parks for upcoming dates and films.
📍 Select PWC Parks locations
👦 Montclair Kids Fest — Saturday June 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Free
An unforgettable day packed with activities: laser tag (11 a.m.–2 p.m.), sensory station, extreme air jumper, drift karts, foam party pit, petting zoo, craft booths, and a bubbleologist.
📍 Dolphin Beach, Montclair
🎆 Juneteenth & Me Festival — Thursday June 19, Noon–9 p.m., Free
The second annual Juneteenth & Me Festival returns to Pfitzner Stadium celebrating the theme: Black Renaissance: Leading the Path Forward. Last year drew nearly 5,000 attendees. Over 100 vendors, live performances, food trucks, wellness resources, and family activities.
📍 Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge · pwcva.gov
🌳 4th Annual Park Day — City of Manassas — Saturday June 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Free
The City of Manassas Parks & Recreation hosts its annual Park Day as part of Virginia's statewide Play All Day VA initiative. Up early or out late — get outside and play.
📍 City of Manassas · cityofmanassas.gov
🎺 Sounds of Summer — 257th Army Band — Saturday June 27, Free
The Town of Occoquan presents a free outdoor concert on the waterfront featuring the 257th Army Band. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the river breeze, and let the music carry the evening.
📍 Historic Downtown Occoquan · visitoccoquan.com
🛍️️ Tackett's Mill Community Market — Coming August 22 — Every third Saturday starting August 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Something new is coming to Lake Ridge. Vintage clothing, handcrafted goods, antiques, and specialty items. This is not a traditional farmers market — mark your calendar.
📍 2241 Tacketts Mill Dr, Lake Ridge
🌐 Now Live on the Website
Supervisors Say Bennett School Will Be Torn Down
The full story on the 118-year-old Bennett School, what the county has planned, and what the community is saying.
👉 woodbridgegazette.com
Bakeries Worth the Drive in Old Town Manassas
Our guide to the best bakeries in Old Town Manassas — fresh pastries, artisan breads, and sweet treats close to home.
👉 woodbridgegazette.com
$81 Million Interchange — What It Means for Woodbridge
The full story on the Minnieville Road interchange, the July detours, and the Quartz District development.
👉 woodbridgegazette.com
Father's Day in Prince William County
Everything you need to plan a great Father's Day right here in the county.
👉 woodbridgegazette.com
Belmont Bay — Full Feature Coming This Week
The complete story on the 348-home Woodbridge waterfront redevelopment, the three distinct neighborhoods, and what 124 acres of preserved open space means for the community. Live at woodbridgegazette.com this week.
🎓 PWCS Class of 2026 — Congratulations
To every graduate who walked across a stage in Prince William County last week — congratulations. You did it. The Woodbridge Gazette sends its warmest wishes to the Class of 2026 and every family who cheered them on.
The last day of school is Thursday, June 12 — an early dismissal day for all students. Summer officially begins.
Before you put the backpack away — Prince William Public Libraries' summer reading program, "Level Up Your Reading," is running now for K–12 students, with prizes and a grand prize drawing. Register in person at any of the 12 branches, online at pwcva.gov/library, or through the Beanstack app. Pizza Hut's Book It program is back, Barnes & Noble has a free summer reading journal, and Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a reading log you can pick up in store.
Photo: Unsplash
🚌 Fourth of July — Skip the Traffic
Heading into D.C. for the Fourth? Leave the car at home. OmniRide is offering free bus service to Metrorail, and once you're on Metro, fares are free after 5 p.m. on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess through closing. Parking is also free all day at Metro-owned garages and lots.
If you're driving locally and want a safe ride home, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program typically partners with Lyft to offer free rides from 4 p.m. on July 4 through 4 a.m. July 5 — check wrap.org/soberride for the promo code on the day. Plan your trip at omniride.com.
A full Prince William County July 4th guide is coming in an upcoming issue.
📣 Want to Reach Your Neighbors?
The Woodbridge Gazette goes out to readers across Woodbridge and Prince William County every Monday morning. Email us at [email protected] to find out about advertising.
💛 Until Next Monday
Last day of school is Thursday. Summer is officially here. Get out to a farmers market, take the kids to Kids Fest this Saturday in Montclair, and find yourself an outdoor concert — there's no shortage of reasons to be outside in Prince William County this month.
See you next Monday.
Marie Clementi
Publisher & Editor · The Woodbridge Gazette
Your weekly neighbor along the Potomac.
Domenic Clementi
Military & Veterans Editor · The Woodbridge Gazette
Honoring service. Covering community.
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Photos: Marie Clementi / Unsplash