City of Manassas Park VIRGINIA
Comprehensive Plan November 2007
- Vision 2025 - Transforming Manassas Park from Virginia’s “Newest to the Best”
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements (ii)
Vision Statement (iii)
Chapter One: The Comprehensive Plan Process 1
Chapter Two: Regional Context and Historical Overview 6
Chapter Three: City History and Community Character 11
Chapter Four: Population and Housing 17
Chapter Five: Economic Development and Employment 23
Chapter Six: Parks and Recreation 34
Chapter Seven: Environment 47
Chapter Eight: Human Services 65
Chapter Nine: Education 71
Chapter Ten: Public Safety 89
Chapter Eleven: Land Use and Urban Design 99
Chapter Twelve: Transportation 116
Chapter Thirteen: Public Works 137
List of Figures 153
List of Tables 155
Glossary and Acronyms 156
Appendix A: Park Center Design Standards & Guidelines 163
______i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GOVERNING BODY PLANNING COMMISSION
Frank Jones, Mayor Lawrence E. Ledbetter, Chairman Kevin Brendel, Vice Mayor Ed Rishell, Jr., Vice Chairman Michael Bunner Vera Au Cynthia Gardner Jesse Ludvigsen Bryan Polk Rebecca Villalpando Vonna Privett Oscar Jamilla Noreen Slater Former Members Former Members Lana Conner William Treuting, Mayor Tonya Mills I. Allen Correll Vonna Privett William Wren Matt Reynal Lenard Smith Steve Vogel
CITIZENS CITY STAFF George Chichester Mercury Payton, City Manager Adam Cohen Laura Fitzpatrick, Deputy City Manager Michelle Cohen Will Armstrong, Planning Director Martha Collier John Evans, Police Chief Sharon Corbin Katherine Gammell, Public Works Director Sue DeBolt Stephanie Mehrenburg, Social Services Director Frances Embrey Catherine Moretta, Parks & Recreation Director Douglas Judd John O'Neal, Fire Chief Pat Kelly Dr. Tom DeBolt, School Superintendent Linda Lalande Dean Crowhurst, City Attorney Sridhar Samudrala Jay Johnson, City Engineer Sue Swansby Donna West Al White Carol White
This plan was prepared cooperatively by members of the Manassas Park Planning Commission, City Staff, and Citizen Volunteers with facilitation services of Milton Herd, Herd Planning and Design
______ii Vision Statement
Manassas Park will be an attractive community with many tree-lined streets, a citywide system of sidewalks and parks, and revitalized, well- maintained neighborhoods. Transportation services will be safe, convenient and diverse, including a high capacity road system and commuter rail service. Diverse and vibrant shopping and employment areas will be convenient to neighborhoods, yet residential areas will be protected from industrial uses. The city will be socially unified and will retain its “small town” character, with a strong new “downtown” fostered by the new Park Center. High quality city services such as schools and public safety will be funded from a wide range of sources, including businesses, residents, and state and federal grants. The city will maintain strong regional ties to its neighboring jurisdictions, while maintaining a strong sense of identity and pride in its local community
______iii Chapter One: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
The Comprehensive Plan Process
Comprehensive Plan Purpose thoroughly reviewed, at least once every five years, to determine whether amendments are warranted. The Code of Virginia requires each city’s Planning Commission to prepare Public Hearings & Adoption a Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan should represent The Planning Commission may the community’s vision for the long- recommend the Comprehensive Plan, or range development of the city. parts of a plan, to the Governing Body after it has conducted a public hearing on This plan is to be based on careful it. The Governing Body then considers studies of existing conditions, trends of the plan, and, following a public hearing, growth and probable future may adopt the plan as submitted by the requirements of the community. The Planning Commission or amend it and plan will be a guide that can be used in then adopt it. The Code of Virginia states problem solving and improving the that the Comprehensive Plan… quality of life in the community. The Comprehensive Plan is required to be
…shall be general in nature , in that it shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature shown on the plan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be. …shall include a transportation element that designates a system of transportation infrastructure needs and recommendations that shall include, as appropriate, but not be limited to, roadways, bicycle accommodations, pedestrian accommodations, railways, bridges, waterways, airports, ports, and public transportation facilities. The Virginia Department of Transportation shall, upon request, provide localities with technical assistance in preparing such transportation element. …with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive matter, shall show the locality's long-range recommendations for the general development of the territory covered by the plan. It may include, but need not be limited to: 1. The designation of areas for various types of public and private development and use, such as different kinds of residential, including age-restricted, housing; business; industrial; agricultural; mineral resources; conservation; recreation; public service; flood plain and drainage; and other areas; 2. The designation of a system of community service facilities such as parks, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings and institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community centers, waterworks, sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like; 3. The designation of historical areas and areas for urban renewal or other treatment; 4. The designation of areas for the implementation of reasonable ground water protection measures; 5. An official map, a capital improvements program, a subdivision ordinance, a zoning ordinance and zoning district maps, mineral resource district maps and agricultural and forestal district maps, where applicable; 6. The location of existing or proposed recycling centers; and 7. The location of military bases, military installations, and military airports and their adjacent safety areas.
…shall include: the designation of areas and implementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents of all levels of income in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated. ______1 Chapter One: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
Overview Steering Committee
The Steering Committee was The City of Manassas Park’s comprised of the Planning Director, previous Comprehensive Plan was the Chairman and Vice Chairman of adopted in 1984, with major the Planning Commission and the amendments adopted in 1990. The planning consultant. The Steering City has periodically amended the Committee was responsible for plan to accommodate land use providing overall guidance changes and development needs. throughout the process. These changes have, for the most part, worked well with existing land Technical Committee use designations. However, with very few developable parcels The Technical Committee was remaining in the city, each land use comprised of the Steering decision has proved to be more Committee, Focus Group Leaders, challenging during the last few years. and members of the city staff, as appropriate. The Technical Committee was responsible for the Vision 2025 – formulation of the updated Comprehensive Plan. Transforming Manassas Park from Virginia’s Focus Groups “Newest to the Best” The Focus Groups were each Citizens in Action comprised of a lead, who was a member of the Planning Commission, a city staff representative, and citizen volunteers he City of Manassas Park is not T who were interested in that particular just the Governing Body, the topic area. Focus Groups were Planning Commission, and city staff formed to examine eight key areas: but, more importantly, it is the residents. With this in mind, when Education the need to update the Environment Comprehensive Plan was identified Human Services the Governing Body allocated funding for hiring a planning Land Use & Urban Design consultant to facilitate the updating Parks & Recreation of the plan by the citizens. The Public Safety process was to be led by a Steering Public Works Committee and backed by a Transportation Technical Committee and eight defined Focus Groups.
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A Collaborative Process Forty-three interested people attended the Town Hall Meeting; they consisted of members of the Governing Body, the Planning The process of updating the Commission, city staff, consultants, Comprehensive Plan spanned 27 and most importantly – 16 citizens. months, beginning with the release of a Request for Proposals for Focus Group Meetings selecting a consultant to final adoption by the Governing Body. Highlights of citizen involvement Each Focus Group met were: independently throughout the process, usually once every six Town Hall Meeting #1 weeks. They worked through the input received at the Town Hall, generated ideas for inclusion, Key to the success of the assigned research topics, defined comprehensive plan update was goals, objectives and action plans citizen input. In September of 2003, and continually improve their a Town Hall meeting was held in the Comprehensive Plan sections. Manassas Park High School Commons. The purposes of the Town Hall Meeting #2 Town Hall meeting were: to describe a framework for updating the Comprehensive Plan; to satisfy the A second Town Hall meeting was Code of Virginia requirements; to held on May 1, 2004, at the brainstorm in areas of interests to Manassas Park High School citizens; to highlight areas of focus Commons. The purposes of this through a dot-voting exercise; and to Town Hall meeting were: to solicit volunteers for Focus Groups. highlight the work of the Focus Groups; discuss possible future uses of the undeveloped parcels in the city; present the draft Comprehensive Plan for review; and to propose areas in the draft Comprehensive Plan for improvement.
Figure 1.1 Town Hall Dot Voting Exercise
______3 Chapter One: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
Comprehensive Plan means of obtaining this desired pattern of land use is through zoning Adoption – What’s Next? ordinances and subdivision regulations. Comprehensive Plan in Action The Planning Commission and the The Planning Commission and Governing Body closely evaluate Governing Body will use the applications for rezonings and amended Comprehensive Plan as a conditional use permits to determine guide for making decisions whether they are consistent with the concerning land development. The goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan will also be Comprehensive Plan. Proposed used to guide the setting of priorities revisions of the Zoning Ordinance, for new and expanded community the use of conditional zoning and facilities and other public proffers will also be evaluated for improvements, based upon the goals, consistency with the CIP. objectives, and action strategies. Cooperative Activities Implementation of the Plan In addition to the authority vested in The Code of Virginia authorizes the the Planning Commission and the Governing Body to utilize all legal Governing Body, many of the goals tools in the implementation of a of the Comprehensive Plan can be Comprehensive Plan. The tools most achieved through cooperative and commonly utilized include the joint activities with local, regional, Capital Improvements Program, State, and Federal governments or Zoning and Subdivision Regulations agencies. Maintaining clear lines of and Cooperative Activities. communication with the City of Manassas, Prince William County Capital Improvements Program and other Northern Virginia jurisdictions is of primary The Capital Improvements Program importance to the City of Manassas (CIP) is a listing of all anticipated Park. and necessary public improvements for the five-year period. The CIP is While transportation issues continue prepared annually, reviewed by the to dominate the list of regional Planning Commission, and approved interests, land use and community by the Governing Body. facility concerns are of increasing concern due to local demographic Zoning and Subdivision changes and a decrease in developable land in Manassas Park. Regulations All surrounding governments should maintain and improve on the As previously noted, the established framework for dialogue Comprehensive Plan reflects the on matters of mutual interest for vision for the City. The principal successful resolutions of local issues. ______4 Chapter One: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
Some of the organizations to level by all means possible. The promote this dialogue are: Governing Body should promote appointments of city representatives Potomac and Rappahannock to regional and state commissions, Transportation Commission committees, and associations, and (PRTC) increase the interaction of local governmental officials with state Northern Virginia Regional offices. Commission (NRVC) The Planning Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Governing Body should continue to Council of Governments encourage the participation of (MWCOG) citizens at all levels of planning and implementation of this Finally, the Governing Body should Comprehensive Plan. increase its influence at the State
______5 Chapter Two: REGIONAL CONTEXT AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Regional Context and Historical Overview
Regional Context Prince William County
The City of Manassas Park is located Prince William County and the two approximately 26 miles southwest of independent cities of Manassas and Washington, DC and is bounded by Manassas Park consist of 360 square Prince William County to the north, miles in the northeastern portion of west, and southeast. To the south, it Virginia. The topography of the area borders the City of Manassas. varies from the coastal plain along the Potomac River to the east, through the Piedmont plateau in the center, to the ridges and foothills of the west. Approximately one-half of the county is forested. Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park are part of the Washington – Arlington - Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
History of Prince William County
Figure 2.1 Regional Map Historians say the Doeg Indians inhabited this land when Capt. John Smith roamed up the Potomac River for the English crown. Smith and his men visited with members of the Doeg tribe during their exploration in 1608. Settlers followed, pushing back the Indians and transforming what they viewed as a wilderness. As the population grew, settlers petitioned for a new county to be formed. In 1731, Prince William County was carved out of Stafford Figure 2.2 Manassas Park Map County and would initially include pieces of present-day Loudoun, Fauquier, Arlington and Fairfax
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counties. Prince William County was First Battle of Bull Run named for William Augustus, Duke (Battle of First Manassas) of Cumberland, the youngest son of King George II of England. In 1861, at the First Battle of Bull Run – the Civil War's first major Many colonists came to Prince land battle – Union and Confederate William County to escape religious soldiers fought for control of the persecution. George Brent and three railroads that ran through Manassas partners acquired 30,000 acres from Junction. This battle was won by the Lord Culpeper in 1687 and were Confederacy. granted religious freedom by King James II. They created a town called Second Battle of Bull Run Brenton, or Brent Town, and built a (Battle of Second Manassas) fort to monitor the Indians. A second, bloodier battle was waged A few wealthy men, known as the on the same ground 13 months later, Barons of the Potomac, quickly resulting in another Confederate snapped up most of the land. victory. Many historians consider Englishmen immigrating to Virginia this battle to be General Robert E. in hopes of owning land were often Lee's greatest success. Three days of disappointed to find it already fighting in the Battle of Second parceled out. Manassas opened the way for Lee's invasion of the North, ultimately The treaty of Albany in 1722 opened leading to Gettysburg. more land as the Iroquois Confederacy of Indians moved west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Manassas Park Historic Robert "King" Carter, agent for the Sites proprietary company holding the Northern Neck, issued titles to small Camp Carondelet (Louisiana sections of land. Colonists from Brigade Winter Camp) countries other than England also began to settle in Prince William, including French, German and Known as the home of the Louisiana Scottish people. Troops, Camp Carondelet was the site for the Grand Ball in early February 1862. At this site, soldiers built a series of log cabins to make it through Civil War Battles the harsh winter. In spring, the troops burned all of the cabins, but the Two of the Civil War's key battles foundations remain. The Louisiana were fought on Prince William soil, Brigades had a reputation of being the Battles of First and Second fierce warriors and Camp Carondelet Manassas, also referred to as the is one of only two sites remaining of First and Second Battles of Bull Run. its kind, the other being located near Williamsburg, Virginia. Camp
______7 Chapter Two: REGIONAL CONTEXT AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Carondelet is listed in the National field hospitals. Renowned Civil War Register as an historical landmark. photographer Timothy O’ Sullivan photographed the Conner House in Conner House July 1862, and labeled it “The Yellow Hospital”. A book published after the The Conner House, often referred to Civil War contains another as the Yellow Hospital, served as photograph of the house that is titled headquarters for both Union and “Headquarters of Col. L.B. Pierce”. Colonel Pierce, Commander of the Confederate armies as well as a th Union Field Hospital during the Civil 12 Pennsylvania Calvary, was sick War. Between 1861 and 1862, the at the hospital in August 1862. During Conner House served as headquarters this time, Stonewall Jackson ordered for General Joseph E. Johnston, CSA, General Trimble to capture the Union who was Commander of the Army’s supply depot at Manassas Confederate Forces, as well as for Junction. On the night of August 26, Colonel L. B. Pierce, USA. 1862, Trimble and his troops approached Manassas. In front of this house, Trimble encountered The 19th century red sandstone th structure was more than likely built opposition from the 12 Pennsylvania using material from a nearby quarry. Calvary. Colonel Pierce was taken to To the east of Fairfax Courthouse before Trimble the house lie the captured the hospital. Trimble then present day took the depot at Manassas Junction. railroad tracks. During the Civil Following the war the property was War, the Orange eventually purchased by the Conner & Alexandria Family and used as a dairy farm. The Railroad owned Conner House is listed in the National the tracks. Register as an historical landmark and is part of the Civil War Trails Program.
Figure 2.3 General Johnston
Local historians believe that it was after the First Battle of Bull Run, in July 1861, when General Johnston made the Conner House his headquarters.
In addition to serving as headquarters for both Union and Confederate leaders, homesteads such as the Conner House were also used as Figure 2.4 Conner House during Civil War ______8 Chapter Two: REGIONAL CONTEXT AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Signal Hill
The monument at Signal Hill stands in recognition of the great significance of this landmark. The first documented use of flag signals to communicate USA movement were used at this location by E.P. Alexander, CSA. The movement, noted by the “glean of sunlight” off the blades of the matching troop’s Figure 2.6 Railroad Piers during Civil War bayonet’s, was immediately relayed in the historic message “Look to your left, you are turned”. This message saved the CSA from an impending ambush and almost certain defeat.
The earth still remains trenched and cannon placements are still evident. The Roseberry Family, in 1999, donated acreage to the site to the City. Signal Hill is listed in the National Register as an historic landmark.
Orange & Alexandria Railroad Figure 2.7 Railroad Piers Today Bridge Piers
The Civil War era trestle abutment of the defunct Orange and Alexandria Georgia Cemetery Railroad supported the Union Mill Bridge -- a strategic water crossing Within site of Camp Carondelet, the between Washington and Richmond. Georgia Cemetery is the burial site In August 1862, a fierce battle raged for the Georgia Brigade, which between Generals Pope and Jackson. participated in the First Battle of Bull Jackson had retreated from a Run. Gravesites, although pilfered defensive line along the and removed of significant artifacts, Rappahanock River into an area lie as a memorial to all of the fallen along the Bull Run and launched an soldiers who fought during the Civil attack on Popes’ troops. Union War. The Georgia Cemetery was General G.W. Taylor was mortally included in the nomination with wounded in this battle. Today, the Camp Carondelet for historic trestle still bears the original dated registration. cornerstone and 'confederate' graffiti.
______9 Chapter Two: REGIONAL CONTEXT AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Figure 2.8 Georgia Cemetery
Preserving the History of partnered with the City of Manassas Manassas Park and Prince William County as part of the Civil War Trails Tours Program. This partnership will enable the city Preserving the city’s rich past is a to apply for grants, receive state and major goal with the ramifications of federal funding to assist in the such a success extending far beyond preservation of our landmarks; maintaining the historical landmarks. increase tourism in the city, thereby adding a revenue stream; and add Under the direction of the Parks and valuable physical presence to our Recreation Department, the city has school system’s history curriculum.
______10 Chapter Three: CITY HISTORY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
City History and Community Character
A Sole Distinction the 30-year mortgages only required a $43- monthly payment and no down payment. The advertisements Manassas Park has the distinction claimed that the two-bedroom homes of being the last city to be were only a 45- minute commute incorporated in the Commonwealth from Washington, D.C. Stanley of Virginia. This distinction may be Rowland Realtors handled the sales responsible to some degree for the of the first units. The modestly- sense of independence and pride that priced homes proved to be popular. the residents feel and express when Seventy-two homes were sold the talking about the City. first week of April 1955 and by the end of the month 215 units had sold. The road leading to independent city By September 1955, the Prince status was based on the desire of the William County Board of founders to select the form of Supervisors approved the government that would best serve the construction of more homes, needs of the residents. bringing the total units to 1,571.
Early Growth: Breeden Developing a Local Identity Farm In 1955, the Manassas Park Early in 1955, one thousand “low Citizens’ Association was formed. priced” homes were planned on a The first meeting of the Association tract of land known as the I.J. was held on December 9, 1955, Breeden Farm by builders Offutt & when 23 families met to discuss Register. Included in the issues of general concern. development were 12 acres of land donated by I.J. Breeden for the purpose of building a school. By April, the model homes were ready and the builders were busy with the construction of the first section of 200 homes. This housing development would be known as “Manassas Park”. The first homes sold for between $7,000 and $7,200. Advertisements in the Journal Messenger Newspaper were directed at veterans, who were especially interested because Figure 3.1 1957 Newspaper Advertisement ______11 Chapter Three: CITY HISTORY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Community Becomes a possible alternatives to the name Town Manassas Park. Stonehaven At a November 1956 meeting of This alternative was chosen because the Association, residents approved a of the similarities of size between proposal to incorporate. The Manassas Park and a small town in Association justified the decision by Scotland named Stonehaven. claiming incorporation would protect assets and that incorporation was a logical and vital step for the growing Redstone or Redrock community. In January 1957, the Association petitioned the General This name was chosen due to the District Court of the Commonwealth earthen characteristics of Manassas of Virginia to become an Park. incorporated town. Its request was approved and the citizens elected a Lomond Park Mayor and Town Council. The general feeling and circumstances at This alternative was a combination the time indicated that such a change of the names of the Town of would be economically beneficial Manassas Park and the community regarding the financing and of Loch Lomond. operation of a sanitary sewer collection system, a water McLor distribution system and other vital urban services. As a town, Manassas This name was created from the Park boasted a population of 2,500. initials of five people who had helped start the town:
It’s More than “Just a M: Ted McLean, former Name” Mayor C: Colonel George Carl, first Mayor As Manassas Park continued to L: Charles Lucas, former Mayor establish its own identity, the similarities between the names of O: George Offutt, first Manassas City and Manassas Park builder were often confusing to outsiders. R: Lindsey Rowland, real The Association sought to eliminate estate salesman the confusion by proposing that the Town of Manassas Park change its As a result of the Association vote, name. In the fall of 1961, the “Stonehaven” was the most popular Association selected four names as choice. However, action was deferred pending a study to ______12 Chapter Three: CITY HISTORY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER determine the cost of all the 1975 when many residents began to necessary changes. The Governing question the financial burden of dual Body never acted on the name taxation by the town and Prince change. William County. There was also concern about the quality and In retrospect, retaining the name responsiveness of services being “Manassas Park” was a fortuitous provided by the county. development. The name “Manassas Park” is indicative of the strong beliefs of most residents today to Conner Center – Light retain the “Park” in Manassas Park. It is definitely more than just a name. Industrial & Commercial Development 1960 Census – Larger than Manassas The creation of the 200-acre The 1960 Census indicated that Conner Center Industrial and Manassas Park had a population of Business Park became the primary 5,228 residents, while Manassas had commercial and light industrial 3,529 residents. development for the town. This was located adjacent to Manassas Park between Euclid Avenue and the First Business Southern Railroad. Development within this area, combined with additional commercial development adjacent to Virginia Route 28, hen the Manassas Park W provided an excellent balance Shopping Center opened in 1963, the between commercial, industrial and entire town budget was funded by residential land uses within the town. real estate taxes. Real estate taxes in Manassas Park at the time were $4.35 per $100 of assessed value. The “City” is Born The First Annexation In early 1975 it appeared likely that a statewide moratorium prohibiting In 1974, the town annexed 600 towns with less than 10,000 residents acres of land from Prince William from seeking independent city status County and doubled the size of the would be adopted by the state community. By this time, the town legislature. The citizens of was providing many public services. Manassas Park, sensing that their The question of what would be the chance for independence from Prince best form of government for the William County was in jeopardy, citizens began to surface again in petitioned the Court of the 31st ______13 Chapter Three: CITY HISTORY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Judicial District of Virginia for Virginia Railway Express independent city status. On June 30, 1975, the City of Manassas Park was formally incorporated. In 1992, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) began service to As an incorporated city, Manassas Manassas Park and opened up a Park assumed full responsibility for tremendous commuting option for the construction and development of many citizens. Many new residential its own school system as well as the developments may not have establishment of the Departments of developed without the rail service. Public Works and Social Services. The Police and Fire/Rescue Departments were also upgraded over the next year to provide Manassas Park Today increased services to city residents. Today, Manassas Park is an Final Annexation? exciting place. A wide variety of residential communities have developed over the last decade. In 1990 the city signed an These include the single family home developments of Blooms agreement with Prince William Crossing and Blooms Station, the County to annex 463 acres of vacant townhouse developments of Belmont land east of the Southern Railroad. Station, Mosby Ridge and Mosby This new annexation provided Ridge II, and the city’s first further opportunities for residential apartment complex, the 350-unit development and expansion of the Haverhill Apartments, which began city's commercial tax base. leasing units in late 2003. The 148- unit Park Place Senior Apartments One proviso of the annexation was community was completed in 2003 that the city would not be allowed to and offers a unique housing type for annex any additional land for 25 the area. Finally, construction of the years. As this latest annexation is Manassas Park Station condominium almost fully developed, smart growth and townhouse development and development are critical. This underway, providing yet another smart growth decree is the impetus housing alternative to residents. This for the urgency in the successful expanded housing base is expected update of this comprehensive plan. to complement the most innovative development to date – Park Center. As of the drafting of this plan, the moratorium on the city’s ability to annex land is still in effect.
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Park Center subsequently awarded the Outstanding Plan Award for a Site Specific Plan from the Virginia The concept of a town center was Chapter of the American Planning Association. introduced in the 1990 Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Park Center will provide In November 1999, the City approximately 275 jobs, space for sponsored a charette to explore retail, businesses, and professional options for a new mixed-use offices, and multifamily residential development. For three full days, condominiums. over 60 citizens worked with consultants and produced the vision The Park Center development is of the future community, resulting in defined in more detail in Chapter the adoption of the Manassas Park Eleven, Land Use & Urban Design. Urban Design Concept.
The Park Center Advisory Committee (PCAC) was formed in 2002 to work with the design firm Strategic Land Planning, Inc. (now Sympoetica, Inc.), to develop the detailed Park Center Design Standards & Guidelines for the site that would become the Park Center. This document was adopted by the Governing Body in 2003 and was
Underlying Objective
Throughout Manassas Park’s short history, the underlying objective of its government has remained the same: to provide the highest quality of public services to its residents through a government structure that is responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Map of Public Facilities on next page
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Figure 3.2 City Facilities Map ______16 Chapter Four: POPULATION AND HOUSING
Population and Housing
Population Population of State and Neighboring Jurisdictions Population is a key factor to take Table 4.2 State & Regional Population into account when planning for the Year 1990 2000 future of the city. The city has grown Virginia 6,187,358 7,100,702 63% since 1980, which was the first Prince William 215,686 280,813 year an official U.S. Census count Manassas 27,957 35,135 was taken for the city. Prior to 1980, Manassas Park 6,734 10,290 the count was included with Prince Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census William County under the Town of Manassas Park. The release of the With the completion of the Park 2000 Census data helped the city Place Senior Apartments and define its role in meeting its citizen Haverhill Apartments, the build out needs by presenting on-going trends. of Blooms Crossing and Belmont The charts below outline these trends. Station, the Park Station condominium and townhouse City of Manassas Park development and the residential Population – 1970 to 2000 component of the Park Center, it is imperative that city services be planned accurately. This is For the period 1990 – 2000 important to ensure that citizens Manassas Park was the fastest receive the high degree of services growing city in Northern Virginia. that they have come to expect. As a basis for departments to plan, the Table 4.1 City Population Growth following population estimates are % Growth provided. Year Population from Previous Decade Population Estimates for the City 1970 6,844 12 1980 6,524 -5.2 Table 4.3 Population Estimates 1990 6,734 3.2 Year Population 2000 10,290 34.5 1990 (actual) 6,734 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census 2000 (actual) 10,290 2003 (estimated) 12,400 These figures will be of vital 2005 (projected) 11,795 importance to understanding how 2010 (projected) 13,300 other city services must be expanded to meet the growing needs of all city 2015 (projected) 14,550 residents. 2020 (projected) 15,800 2025 (projected) 17,050 Source: Virginia Employment Commission
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Race and Ethnicity Sex Total % Total % Male 3,330 49.5 5238 50.9 Female 3,404 50.5 5052 49.1 Manassas Park, like much of the Washington Metropolitan area, has Average Household Size experienced significant growth in many racial and ethnic groups. The average household size in Manassas Park for the year 2000 was Race and Ethnicity 3.16 persons. The Census Bureau did not report average family size in 1990. Table 4.4 Race & 1990 2000 Ethnicity Total % Total % White 5941 88.2 7,490 72.8 Growing African American 501 7.43 1,149 11.2 Diversity of City Native American 10 0.14 45 0.4 Population Asian 166 2.47 418 4.1 Pacific Islander 0 0 7 0.1 Other Races 116 1.72 838 8.1 The previous charts 2+ Races Not Reported 343 3.3 displayed the growth Hispanic 318 4.72 1,544 15.0 trend of different racial groups in the city. The The U.S. Census Bureau defines the 2000 Census reported that 15 percent Hispanic population as, “people of of the total population is of Hispanic Hispanic origin, in particular, were descent, any race. In the 2003-2004 those who indicated that their origin school year, the City School Board was Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, reported that 30.85 percent of almost Central or South American, or some all the kindergarten class population other Hispanic origin” that may be was of Hispanic descent. “of any race, so all are included in applicable race categories.” Along with other jurisdictions in the Washington, DC area, Manassas Age and Gender Park is experiencing growing population diversity. The good economy, continued increase in Table 4.5 Age & Gender business growth, and proximity to 1990 2000 Washington DC, make Manassas Age Total % Total % Park an attractive location for Group many people. The growing <18 2,138 31.7 3,190 31 population has a range of skills and 18–24 731 10.9 895 8.7 educational background to offer 25-44 2,635 39.1 4,126 40.1 the area. 45-64 968 14.3 1,636 15.9 65> 262 3.9 443 4.3 The city has made efforts to include this diverse population in all ______18 Chapter Four: POPULATION AND HOUSING
aspects of public interest. Many Housing Trends – 1970’s public programs are offered in Spanish and English, increased From 1970 to 1974, the housing English as a Second Language stock diversified with the classes are offered in the schools, introduction of 166 townhouses and and public employees are being 80 condominiums. Another 82 offered opportunities to learn townhouses were constructed in the Spanish. All cultures can contribute city in 1976-1977. All of these positively to our society and townhouses were built along Manassas Park is striving to serve Manassas Drive between Centerville the entire population so that Road (Route 28) and Euclid Avenue. everyone may continue to grow and contribute to the community. Housing Trends – 1980’s
Housing The decade of 1980 through 1989 witnessed more townhouses being built along Manassas Drive between Until the early 1970’s, the housing Centerville Road and Euclid Avenue. stock consisted entirely of the Another 322 townhouses were original Cape Cod style homes built constructed in this area during this after World War II. At that time, time period. This is in stark contrast there were 1,372 housing units. to the 8 single family detached houses built in the city during the same time period.
Record New Home Construction - 1990 to 2000
As a percentage of existing homes, new home construction in Manassas Park during the period 1990 – 2000 was higher than in Manassas, Prince William County and all of Northern Virginia. During this period, 720 Figure 4.1 New Home Construction - 1957 single family detached dwellings, 437 townhouse units and 99 condominiums were constructed in the city. This surge in development was led by the construction of Mosby Ridge, Belmont Station, Blooms Station and Blooms Crossing. The last three developments have all taken place east of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad tracks, whereas prior to
Figure 4.2 Original Cape Cod Style Home ______19 Chapter Four: POPULATION AND HOUSING
this all residential development had been to the west. Figure 4.5 Belmont Station Townhomes Table 4.6 Record New Home Construction Haverhill Apartments is a 350-unit Area New UnitsChange complex constructed by Fairfield Manassas Park 1,253 33.1% Residential developers. It began Manassas 1,882 15.5% construction in 2002 and was Prince William Co 23,299 23.8% completed in 2004. It is the first Northern Virginia 122,424 16.9% true apartment complex developed in Manassas Park. Housing Trends – 2000 to Date
Residential development continued after 2000 in Belmont Station and Blooms Crossing, though by the end of 2005 these developments were complete. This includes the Park Place Senior Apartments, which are between Belmont Station and Blooms Crossing. Figure 4.5 Entrance to Haverhill Apartments
Mosby Ridge II is a 96-unit condominium complex that was constructed off of Kirby Street. It began in 2002 and was also completed in 2004.
Table 4.7 Average Cost of Housing Average Cost Type Figure 4.3 Entrance to Blooms Crossing 1999 2001 2003 Single Family 171,586 208,610 259,634 Townhouse 120,142 136,043191,542 Condominium 65,735 100,055 191,266 Source: Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office
The city has approved a new 395- unit townhouse and condominium development to be called Manassas Park Station. It is under construction north of the intersection of Carondelet Drive and Digital Drive. It will be one of the last large Figure 4.4 Entrance to Belmont Station residential developments in the city ______20 Chapter Four: POPULATION AND HOUSING
with the possible exception of Park to obtain unless measures are put in Center and residential construction place to maintain quality housing. that may occur along Digital Drive. Housing Conditions The city has also acknowledged the need for affordable, age-restricted Overcrowding complaints have housing, which led to the increased over the last several years development of the 148-unit Park in the city. The reasons for this Place Senior Apartments for citizens increase include a growing over the age of 55. population, the rising cost of housing, a healthy economy and cultural preferences of residents. The zoning inspector, police, and building officials are tasked to conduct visits of residences when overcrowding complaints are received. These city officials, along with other members of city staff, have formed an overcrowding taskforce to address overcrowding and housing-condition issues in a manner that provides for the Figure 4.6 Park Place Senior Apartments health, safety, and welfare of all the city's citizens. Housing Characteristics The city works with Prince William Manassas Park enjoys a relatively County and the City of Manassas on high homeowner occupancy rate of a five-year Consolidated Housing 78.7%, according to the 2000 and Community Development Plan Census. Though still relatively that includes an annual action plan. affordable, the average price of The current plan is in need of housing in Manassas Park has updating. The plan addresses city increased, as is the trend in the housing needs and conditions and region, especially in the last decade. makes recommendations to improve the status of affordable housing, The city recognizes that every where needed. The plan is also the resident should have an opportunity basis for Community Development to afford decent, safe, and sanitary Block Grant Funding. housing. Therefore, the city is committed toward providing and preserving housing to meet the entire range of housing needs. This objective will become more difficult
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Home Ownership Table 4.8 Unit Type of Housing (2003) Number of Manassas Park also enjoys a very Type Percent Units high percentage of home ownership. Single Family 2,443 65.3 Of the 3,254 occupied homes in the - detached city at the time of the 2000 Census, Single Family 1007 26.9 78.7% were owned by the residents. - attached Apartments 18 0.5 Table 4.10 Owned vs. Rented Condominium 272 7.3 Units (2000) Source: Commissioner of the Revenue Number of Percent Units Occupancy Occupied 3,254 100 Owner 2,560 78.7 Manassas Park enjoys a noteworthy Renter 694 21.3 occupancy rate. At the time of the Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000 2000 Census, only 3.3% percent of the units were recorded as vacant.
Table 4.9 Total Housing Occupancy (2000) Number of Percent Units Total Units 3,365 100 Occupied 3,254 96.7 Vacant 111 3.3 Seasonal 4 0.1 Source: U.S. Bureaus of the Census, Census 2000
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Economic Development and Employment
Introduction Most of the remaining undeveloped parcels are currently zoned for commercial or industrial Most of the factors analyzed in development although there is this Comprehensive Plan affect the pressure to reclassify some of them City’s economic structure. The size, to allow additional residential skill and educational levels of the development. If these parcels do not workforce; the availability and develop as commercial or industrial suitability of sites and buildings; the uses then the city will remain availability of utilities; and access to dependent upon residential property telecommunications and taxes for funding its operations. transportation all affect the local economy. Even the variety and affordability of housing and other General Economic Trends quality of life components affect the attractiveness and marketability of the City. The Northern Virginia area is fortunate to have one of the strongest A vital economy is important in economies in the United States. creating a solid base to ensure the Being located in this region, viability and sustainability of Manassas Park benefits from this Manassas Park’s quality of life. The regional economy, as is reflected in economic base provides goods, the high demand for housing, services and employment for citizens increased real estate assessments and and generates tax revenues which low unemployment levels. Each pay for services needed by residents. jurisdiction in the region contributes A city is often compared to a living to and benefits from the regional organism in that it is either growing economy in different ways, based or dying. Cities must continually upon their respective internal grow in order to meet the needs of its dynamics. residents. This means encouraging and accommodating new Manassas Park has historically been development or redevelopment. a bedroom community for people who work in other communities in Manassas Park is at a crucial point in the region. Due to the primarily its history. The city has few residential character of the city, there remaining undeveloped parcels of is a high dependency upon the land left and revenue generation is revenues generated by residential greatly imbalanced between that property taxes for funding city generated by residential properties operations and services. In 2005, and a lesser amount coming from approximately 43 percent of the total commercial and industrial land uses. ______23 Chapter Five: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
city revenues were derived from this for securing additional revenue- source. generating uses.
Revenues from sale tax do not compare very well to those derived Labor Force from the residential property tax. In 2005, only 6 percent of the city’s total revenues came from sales tax, The city’s labor force, which is reflecting the fact that Manassas defined as all non-military residents Park currently has a very limited between the ages of 16 and 64 years amount of retail activity. The city’s old and who are either employed or relatively short frontage along Route unemployed, grew from 3,866 in 28 offers very few opportunities to 1990 to 5,638 in 2000. This is an capture funds from motorists increase of 45.8 percent. Likewise, traveling along this route. In total employment, or the number of addition, the Manassas Park city residents employed, has grown Shopping Center, located at the from 3,692 in 1990 to 5,513 in 2000, intersection on Route 28 and an increase of 49.3 percent, Manassas Drive, does not currently according to the U.S. Bureau of the contain the types of businesses that Census. compete very well with other, newer and more up-scale centers located Employment Opportunities in along Route 28 in other jurisdictions. There are a few other retail uses Manassas Park located in the city that also produce Manassas Park’s employment base is sales tax revenue, the Manassas Park dominated by construction and trade Village located at Manassas Drive sector jobs. The lack of significant and Andrew Drive being the most retail areas and office buildings is notable. overshadowed by the businesses located in and around the Conner Given the imbalanced mix of uses in Business Center. It is interesting to the city and the resulting higher note that not only have the dependence on residential property construction and trade jobs been the tax, the city is intent on encouraging dominant type of employment in the development of new retail and Manassas Park since the city was office uses on the remaining founded, the actual percentage of undeveloped land in the city. The these types of jobs has increased vacant land along Manassas Drive during the past decade. For between the railroad tracks and example, in 1994, construction and Andrew Drive, together with the trade account for 55 percent of the Park Center project and the city’s job base; in 2000 these sectors redevelopment of Euclid Avenue accounted for 67 percent of the city's north of Manassas Drive for job base. commercial and office uses, represents the greatest opportunity
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Table 5.1 Employment within Manassas Park 1990-2000 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Agriculture ** ** ** 99 126 144 Construction 441 453 587 967 1240 2,029 Mfg -total 57 44 90 86 201 259 Transportation ** ** ** 36 16 34 Trade- 91 95 184 221 166 250 Wholesale Trade – Retail 292 219 138 144 204 326 Services 203 259 329 364 417 421 Gov - State 0 0 1 1 1 2 Gov - Local 317 296 303 343 379 440 Total 1,449 1,410 1,658 2,260 2,759 3,910 Source: Virginia Employment Commission ** indicates no data available
One positive development in the and have experienced the highest region's job market is the creation of growth rates during the 1990’s. professional, technical and Historically, these high-paying jobs managerial service jobs that provide have made up a small percentage of information and knowledge-based the private sector jobs in and around services to the region, as well as the Manassas Park. The area of Western national and international Prince William County has begun to communities. These are the types of see an increase in these jobs in the jobs that have been fueling the rapid last few years, though, and the city, employment growth in neighboring with its economy closely tied to that jurisdictions. These positions tend of Prince William County, is likely to have the highest average salaries to see similar changes. Table 5.2 Resident Employment by Occupation 1990 - 2000 Employees Employees Occupation Percent Percent 1990 2000 Managerial, Professional & 872 23.6 1,683 30.5 Related Service 537 14.5 791 14.3 Sales & Office 876 23.7 1,406 25.5 Farming, Fishing & Forestry 27 .07 0 0 Construction, Extraction & 949 25.7 1,034 18.8 Maintenance Production, Transportation 431 11.6 599 10.9 & Material Moving Totals 3,692 100 5,513 100 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census
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Development Patterns Unemployment
Typically, as raw land develops, the According to the Virginia first uses that come in are residential. Employment Commission, as of The buyers of these new residences December 2003, Manassas Park’s are looking for less expensive homes unemployment rate was 1.9% while and are willing to do without a few the lowest unemployment rate in conveniences like nearby shopping Virginia was 1.8% compared against areas and employment Table 5.3 Annual Statistics for Unemployment centers. As a critical mass Labor Unemploy- Rate of residents populate an Year Employment Force ment (%) area and traffic counts rise, 2002 5,766 5,635 131 2.3 retail uses will start to 2001 5,669 5,601 68 1.2 locate nearby to fill the void 2000 5,556 5,512 44 0.8 that exists. Companies looking for open land to 1999 4,247 4,193 54 1.3 build offices, factories, 1998 4,166 4,095 71 1.7 laboratories, and other types 1997 4,462 4,371 91 2.0 of employment are then 1996 4,477 4,306 171 3.8 attracted to the nearby areas 1995 4,072 3,980 92 2.3 due to the available employee base. Source: Virginia Employment Commission Manassas Park has been following this pattern. a statewide average of 3.6%. For an historical perspective, Manassas The development of the west side of Park’s annual unemployment rate is Manassas Park in the nineteen- provided in Table 5.3. fifties, as well as other residential development in the neighboring counties and the City of Manassas, Income and Wage Levels provided the worker base to fuel the development of the Conner Business Income and poverty levels are Center. The subsequent important indicators for determining development of Bloom Crossing, social and economic health of a Haverhill Apartments and Park community. Though most of Station, which is under construction, Manassas Park’s residents work will provide the mass needed to outside of the city the incomes they support Park Center and other earn are used for paying taxes and commercial and office uses along making purchases in the city. Manassas Drive between the railroad tracks and Andrew Drive and along The State of Virginia’s median Euclid Drive north of Manassas household income in 2002 was Drive. $48,224. The median household income of Northern Virginia’s localities was considerably higher, and Manassas Park was no
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exception: in 2002 the City's median The threshold for the poverty level household income stood at $63,931. fluctuates yearly and is dependent on This is a substantial rise from the family size; a family of three persons 1990 level of $40,213 and is a good will have a lower threshold than a indicator of the strong growth in the family of five persons. In 1999, the local and regional economy. threshold for a family of three was $13,290 and $20,127 for a family of Table 5.4 Median Incomes five. The threshold for a single 2002 person was $8,501. Northern Virginia Median Jurisdictions Incomes In Manassas Park there were 120 Alexandria $59,173 families consisting of 530 individuals that were at or below the Manassas $62,728 poverty level in 1999. This equates Manassas Park $63,931 to 5.2 percent of the city’s Arlington $67,106 population. Though the percentage Prince William $70,555 of residents living below the poverty County level has increased by 1.4 percent Fairfax City $70,976 over the past decade, the total Falls Church $81,280 population has increased by 53 Fairfax County $82,834 percent. Source: Virginia Employment Commission
Per capita income is the total income For all of Prince William County received by all persons divided by there were 2406 families or 12,182 the total population of the locality. individuals that fell into this group in According to the Federal Bureau of 1999. This equates to 4.4 percent of Economic Analysis, between 1999 the population at or below the and 2003 per capita income in the poverty level. The increase in the Prince William County-Manassas- percentage of the population below Manassas Park area rose from the poverty threshold of 1.2 percent $28,145 to $32,849. is about the same percentage increase as Manassas Park Poverty Level experienced.
Northern Virginia has been Revenue Generation experiencing a sustained period of economic growth for more than a he City of Manassas Park has decade. An unfortunate reality of T life is that even though most been fortunate over the past decade residents of the region are gainfully in the number of quality residential employed there is still a segment of developments constructed within the the population, spread across the city. The types of housing products region, that exists at or below the available have also expanded with poverty level. the construction of the Park Place Senior Apartments, the Haverhill ______27 Chapter Five: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
Apartments and the Park Station Park, the percentages are 85.7% for developments. Unfortunately, residential and 14.3% for though, there has not been a commercial/industrial. substantial amount of new commercial or office development Comparatively, the City of taking place over this same time Manassas’ split is 68.9% residential period. This has created a situation and 31.1% commercial/industrial and where the city is highly dependent the City of Fairfax has 67.4% upon residential property tax as a residential and 32.6% dominant source of city revenues. commercial/industrial.
The real property tax collected in Personal property tax, as with real Manassas Park, as a percentage of property tax, is comprised of total local tax revenues, is higher business and non-business sources. than the regional average but not the The share of total city revenue that highest of all jurisdictions. personal property tax makes up in Manassas Park is at 11.5%, slightly The regional average is 61.6% and lower than the regional average of Manassas Park’s percentage is 11.7%. As with real property tax, 65.5%. Real property tax is the two components in Manassas comprised of real residential Park are heavily comprised of non- property tax and real business sources with a ratio of commercial/industrial property tax. 83.9% to 16.1%. The City of Manassas has a ration 60.9% from In Manassas Park the relative business to 39.1% non-business. percentage of these components is The City of Fairfax is more more heavily dependent upon comparable to Manassas Park’s residential when compared to other ration with 70.9% non-business to cities within the region. In Manassas 29.1% business. Table 5.5 Percentage of Revenue Generation by Jurisdiction Regional Manassas Prince Fairfax Fairfax Falls Manassas Alexandria Arlington Average Park William City County Church Real Property Tax 61.6% 65.5% 57.4% 68.3% 50.9% 66.3% 67.9% 64.6% 56.4% Real Residential Property 71.8% 85.7% 68.9% 85.7% 67.4% 81.8% 76.3% 59.8% 48.6% Real Comm/Ind Property 28.2% 14.3% 31.1% 14.3% 32.6% 18.2% 23.7% 40.2% 51.4% Personal Property 11.7% 11.5% 15.4% 10.8% 18.4% 9.0% Tax Personal Property - 65.6% 83.9% 39.1% 10.4% 70.9% 65.4% 6.3% 68.6% 13.9% Non Business Personal Property - 34.4% 16.1% 60.9% 29.1% 34.6% 31.4% Business Local Sales Tax 8.3% 8.2% 8.8% 8.0% 15.3% 5.4% 9.1% 6.4% 4.7% Business License 6.2% 3.1% 3.1% 3.4% 11.3% 3.9% 6.2% 7.0% 7.4% Vehicle License 2.0% 1.4% 1.0% 1.3% 0.0% 0.8% 0.6% 0.6% 8.7% Hotel/Motel 0.8% 0.2% 0.3% 0.6% 0.3% 0.4% 1.6% 2.4% Meals 2.5% 1.3% 3.3% 2.9% 3.8% 2.6% 3.6% Other 6.9% 9.0% 9.7% 8.2% 8.2% 4.9% 5.7% 8.2% 2.9%
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Manassas Park’s sales tax collections Economic Advantages are close to the regional average but revenues from other tax sources such It is important for cities to recognize as vehicle licenses, business licenses, their strong points when it comes to and prepared meals lags behind the being competitive in the economic regional averages. Since the city development world. Often a city’s does not have any hotels or motels it relative location to a major cannot realize any revenues from this metropolitan area or some other permitted source. attraction gives it an advantage over other cities in the region. The These statistics indicate that disposable income of the residents Manassas Park collects a within a certain distance of a city disproportionate share of its city (i.e. one mile, three miles and five revenue from residential-related land miles) can also be an asset when that uses as compared to other number is particularly high communities in the region. This compared to other areas. The higher level of dependence has led to availability of transportation the highest real property tax rate in facilities including major highways, the region. While steadily airports and rail service may also decreasing, Manassas Park’s real make some cities preferred locations property tax rate is currently $1.29 for new development compared to compared to the regional average of those locations that are lacking in $1.12. In order for Manassas Park to such amenities. eventually be able to lower the tax rate and even out the disproportionate dependence on Location residential taxes, more non- residential land uses must be Manassas Park is blessed in many of developed in the city. The city is these attributes. Being located just approaching build-out of all land 30 miles outside of Washington, DC within its boundaries. The land still sets the city apart from many other vacant on Manassas Drive between cities and towns in Virginia. With Andrew Drive and Euclid Avenue the center of the federal government are key parcels for commercial and so close the city's residents enjoy the office uses. This area contains the benefits of a strong economy that Park Center site already planned to experience very few economic be a mixed-use town center declines that often impact other areas development scheduled to be of the country. Manassas Park also underway soon. The other parcels, is able to benefit from its closeness especially those on the east side of to the tourist attractions of our the Norfolk and Southern Railroad nation's capitol, the Atlantic Ocean tracks, should be developed only as shoreline, historical areas and major commercial/office uses even if this amusement attractions. means not developing them for several years until the demand exists.
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Regional Income Levels provides good access to eastern Prince William County and to The strength of the local economy is Interstate 95, which leads south to evident when one looks at the level Florida and north to Maine. of disposable income that exists for residents in the area surrounding and Virginia Railway Express including Manassas Park. Residents who reside within a one-mile radius The Virginia Railway Express of the land where the Park Center is (VRE) located a station in Manassas to be developed had an average Park in 1992. Though it has been a household income in 2002 of tremendous asset for the residents of $72,138. Within a three-mile radius Manassas Park in providing a the average household income in convenient means of commuting into 2002 increases to $79,496 and a five- Washington, DC, only recently has mile radius represents an average the city begun to experience its income, of $97,300. All of these ability to attract new development. levels are impressive to developers The 350-unit Haverhill Apartments and business owners and represent a development, which was constructed desirable factor in weighing a by Fairfield Residential, is located location's attractiveness for new immediately adjacent to the VRE development. station. With one- and two-bedroom apartment units, it is oriented to Dulles International Airport young, singles and couples who are professionals and commute into the Dulles International Airport is a very Washington area. Next to Haverhill desirable neighbor to have even if it Apartments is Park Station, which is is actually twenty miles away. This under construction by Centex and is one of a handful of major airports will be a 400-unit townhouse and in the country and provides condominium development. Park convenient access to the world. The Station is also geared toward young airport is close enough to the city to professionals with similar provide ready access for its commuting patterns. businesses and residents but is also far enough away that its related The convenience of the VRE station noise, fumes and congestion, typical is also a strong component of the of large airports, do not impact the Park Center project. Park Center city. Highway access in and out of will be the downtown that Manassas Manassas Park is very good and Park does not have and will consist connects us well with the of a mix of retail, office and surrounding region. Route 28 is a residential uses. Collectively, all of direct connection to Dulles Airport these recent developments fall into as well as to Interstate 66 which is the popular nomenclature of being the western gateway into Transit Oriented Development Washington, DC. The Prince (TOD). TOD is designed to have a William Parkway is close by and higher density than typical ______30 Chapter Five: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT
developments and takes advantage of largest group (17.7%) work in Prince a commuter rail facility. The goal is William County. A smaller group to provide shopping, work and (3.4%) commutes to Maryland and commuting amenities to residents an equally sized group travels within walking distance of their outside of Northern Virginia. homes. As the city attracts more professional Commuting Patterns and technological jobs, the commute time of its residents should decrease somewhat. Though it is not likely Virginian’s spend an average of that this percentage would drop 27.0 minutes commuting each way to significantly, it would be expected work. Northern Virginia commuters that some residents would choose to generally have longer commuting work nearer to home if the times than residents in other parts of opportunities become available. the commonwealth, and the city's residents are no exception: Table 5.6 Resident Commuting Time Manassas Park residents spend an 1990 2000 Change Manassas average of 35.7 minutes commuting. 31.1 35.7 14.5% Park Prince The 2000 Census reported that only 35.9 36.9 2.8% 9% of Manassas Park residents work William within the corporate limits of the city Manassas 30.7 32.4 5.7% and the remaining 91% commute Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. elsewhere. The largest percentage of Census 2000 the city's commuters (35.7%) travel daily to Fairfax County. The second
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Goals and Action Strategies
Goal ED1
The city should guide the development of the remaining undeveloped parcels in the city so that their development offers the most benefit to citizens.
Action Strategy ED1.1 Parcels that front on Manassas Drive between the railroad tracks and Andrew Drive should not be allowed to be rezoned for residential development. Vacant parcels in this area should be developed as either commercial or office uses regardless of how long it takes to attract such development.
Action Strategy ED1.2 Parcels north of Manassas Drive along Euclid Drive should be rezoned to allow commercial and office uses.
Action Strategy ED1.3 The city should actively promote the development of the remaining parcels by marketing the properties via whatever channels are available to attract commercial or office uses.
Action Strategy ED1.4 The interior parcels on Digital Drive, from Lot 4 to 7, should be allowed to develop as residential uses.
Action Strategy ED1.5 The city should remain an active partner in the Park Center project; to ensure that its development is first class and that it becomes a true downtown.
Goal ED2
The city should prepare an Economic Development Plan that will examine the current economic situation and define a strategy for improving it as well as for balancing the revenue generation in the City.
Action Strategy ED2.1 Review the existing employer base in the city and identify the types of businesses that are either missing or are underrepresented and target specific, desirable fields for recruiting purposes.
Action Strategy ED2.2 The city should participate in regional economic forums in order to become better informed of the regional business climate and to take advantage of opportunities for improving our economy as they arise.
Action Strategy ED2.3 Examine ways for making Manassas Park more competitive in the regional market for attracting new businesses.
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Goal ED3
The city should work toward maximizing the revenue generating capacity of all exiting commercial and industrial land uses
Action Strategy ED3.1 The city should promote the redevelopment of key parcels that are currently underutilized, such as the Manassas Park Shopping Center, the parcels adjacent to Park Center within the area planned for the town center, and within Conner Business Center.
Action Strategy ED3.2 The city should work with property owners to explore ways for improving their properties. Such improvements can include outward appearance, productivity, revenue generation, and marketing of their products or services.
Action Strategy ED3.3 Facilitate the increased membership of local businesses in the Greater Prince William and Manassas Chamber of Commerce.
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Parks and Recreation
Overview systems utilizing the resources of the public and, to some degree, the private sector, to maximum agency The City of Manassas Park potential. contains a diverse and well- maintained network of public parks History and public open space areas, including athletic fields, natural areas, informal open spaces, As a town, Manassas Park recreation facilities, and a system of acquired several land assets for trails and greenways that meet a recreational purposes, including variety of the active and passive Signal Hill, Costello Park, the recreational needs of the citizens. Birmingham Tract and the Bobby Tract, through various processes. Manassas Park has 12 parks located on approximately 169 acres of land. In 1979, not long after Manassas Within the context of the Park was incorporated as a city, the Comprehensive Plan, these parklands Governing Body decided to establish and recreational facilities play a key a recreation budget to support an role in shaping both the landscape organizational structure that would and the quality of life through direct an ongoing and active parks conservation of natural and heritage and recreational program. resources, protection of environmental quality, provision of From 1979 until 1982, the small public facilities and human service, agency operated with one full-time and management of urban growth. employee and several part timers with an average budget of $18,000, The existing and proposed system of approximately $2.71 per capita parks, recreation and open space is expenditure. Costello Park was the intended to offer residents, workers primary City Park, while and visitors the opportunity to make Independence Elementary School constructive use of their leisure time, provided facility space to implement utilizing safe, accessible and a few programs. Recreation enjoyable parks, community programming included: fireworks on recreational facilities and programs. July 4th, the Fall Festival, men’s drop in basketball, Recreation Adventures Adverse impacts of development on (a free after school and summer parks and recreation resources are program), extended care, a small pervasive and growing. These preschool, a playground outreach concerns necessitate a program at The Pines townhouse comprehensive and integrated complex, and then swimming in the approach to the planning for City summer at Costello Pool. parks, recreation and open space
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Chapter Six: PARKS AND RECREATION
The City also made use of Signal Staffing Hill Park (purchased from Prince William County in 1972 with grant funding), then a passive natural The Parks and Recreation resource park, and Union Mill Park, Department has a full time staff of a heavily forested park with over sixteen: one director, one deputy eight miles of nature trails. director, one parks superintendent, two programmer coordinators, one As the City continued its growth, so recreation specialist, four crew did citizens’ expectations for quality leaders, four childcare coordinators, leisure services. From 1982 through and one administrative assistant. 1987, as commercial and residential development ensured the viability of Additionally, the Department Manassas Park, the Governing Body employs 40 part-time staff in the off- renewed its commitment to enhance season and 90+ during the summer the quality of life of each resident months. and continued to increase the departmental budget. Programs such The seven-member Parks and as the annual Independence Day Recreation Advisory Commission event and the Fall Festival emerged advises the Parks and Recreation as regional events. The Extended Department. The membership of Care program was licensed and PRAC includes five citizens. successfully serves the needs of our citizenry with a low cost alternative to private/commercial daycare. Virginia Outdoors Plan
The Recreation Department began to he City follows standards set in take shape in late 1988 when the city T broke ground on a community center the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP). in Costello Park. Staffing levels The VOP is Virginia’s guide to all increased to two full-time positions, the levels of government and the one director and one programmer, private sector that endeavor to meet with various part-time support the conservation, outdoor recreation, personnel, to maintain and enhance and open space needs of Virginia. the park assets of the City. In 1990, Implementing recommendations the Costello Park Recreation Center from the VOP plan can ensure that was officially dedicated, providing the rich outdoor heritage for which further evidence of the City’s Virginia is known is passed on to continued commitment to making future generations. Manassas Park a full service city with a high quality of life for its In addition, the VOP meets the residents. criteria the National Park Service requires for Virginia, to participate in the Land and Water Conservation Fund program that provides 50% matching funds to localities for the
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Chapter Six: PARKS AND RECREATION
acquisition and development of Types of City Parks outdoor recreation resources.
The VOP plan also serves as a The City’s parks fall into five guidance document for protection of distinct categories, as defined by the lands through actions of the Virginia Virginia Outdoors Plan: Land Conservation Foundation. Important natural, cultural, and open Regional Parks space resources are identified in each Community Parks of the 21 planning regions of the Neighborhood Parks state. Special Use Parks Through the plans, identification of ‘Vest Pocket’ or ‘Block’ resources and those who play a role Parks in managing them can be made. Following the plan can contribute to Regional Parks a seamless delivery of recreation services. The public does not often Regional Parks are large parks distinguish between the levels of designed to serve a wide geographic government that provide parks and area with a diverse range of equipment and Table 6.1 VOP Facility Standards 2002 facilities. Signal Hill Park, which Service Park Acres/1000 Size Population with 108 acres, Area Type persons (Acres) Served (miles) provides active and Regional 6.0 100+ 10+ 17,000 passive recreational 7,000 – opportunities the Community 4.0 20 -100 2 -10 17,000 region.
Neighbor- 3,000 – 1.0 5 - 20 1.5 – 2 hood 7,000 Community Special Use 2.8 Varies 20+ 25,000+ Parks .5 or Vest/block <1.0 Varies 1,500 less Community Parks are larger recreation Source: Virginia Outdoors Plan parks designed to serve urban and rural residents and include a wider open space. It is, therefore, most range of equipment and facilities. important that citizens' expectations Costello Park provides these active be met in the care and management and passive recreational of these resources with respect to opportunities. allowable public utilization. Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood Parks are relatively small local parks designed to serve densely populated areas that include
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Chapter Six: PARKS AND RECREATION
specialized equipment and facilities. pavilion. Costello Park is open year The City’s only neighborhood park round from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. is the 10-acre parcel that was previously Independence Elementary Signal Hill Park School. Signal Hill Park is a 108-acre site Special Use Parks home to Signal Bay Water Park. Signal Hill Park has four Special Use Parks are highly multipurpose fields, an ASA specialized parks designed to serve regulation softball field, a the entire City with unique facilities playground, one mile of asphalt and activities, such as marinas, historic areas, recreation centers, golf courses, equestrian facilities, greenway and equestrian trails, and similar facilities. The Conner House, Camp Carondelet, Signal Hill, the three-acre parcel at the corner of Manassas Drive and East Carondelet, Baker Street Park and various independent trail segments are the special use parks currently in the City.
Vest / Block Parks
Also known as ‘mini-parks’, they take advantage of odd-sized parcels of land, vary in size and serve neighborhoods by providing open Figure 6.1 Map of Signal Hill Park space and play areas. Vest/Block parks includes Scott Drive Park, Polk trails, a large pavilion with Street Park, and Independence Park. restrooms, pond areas and several picnic areas with grills. Signal Hill Current Park Assets Park is open year round from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Costello Park Independence Elementary Costello Park is a 25 acre park School Site featuring a recreation center, a community pool, a playground, five 10 acres of open space that will be baseball fields, tow softball fields, utilized in the future. two tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, a skate park, several picnic areas with grills and a covered
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Baker Street Park custodian for the historic resources located in Manassas Park. Baker Street is a 2-acre block park with a composite play structure, a Current Facility Assets covered pavilion and generous open space. Baker Street Park primarily serves the residents in close A community center is a facility or proximity to the park and is open combination of facilities that are from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. used for social, cultural and recreation needs of individuals or Scott Drive Park groups.
Scott Drive is 0.15 acres in size with The City of Manassas Park has one a composite play structure and dedicated community center, several picnic tables. Scott Drive Costello Park Recreation Center, Park primarily serves residents in located in Costello Park. The close proximity to the park and is Recreation Center has a gymnasium, open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. an activity room, two classrooms and also serves as headquarters for the Polk Street Park Park Department.
Polk Street Park is 0.35 acres in size Use of the Recreation Center is free with a composite play structure, one for all residents of Manassas Park. basketball court and generous open Many of the 270 yearly programs space. Polk Street Park primarily offered to the residents of Manassas serves residents in close proximity to Park are implemented at the the park and is open from 7:30 a.m. Recreation Center. Additionally, the until dusk. School System allows the Department, through a Memorandum Independence Park of Understanding, to utilize school facilities on an ‘as requested’ basis if Independence Park is 0.15 acres in the space is readily available. This size and is a passive site, with partnership allows the Department to landscaping features in memoriam to expand its program offerings in an those who have served the city. effort to maximize participation. In response to the growing demand for Manassas Drive & East recreation programs, leisure services, Carondelet and general facility space, the Department will break ground on a
new recreation center in April 2006 3-acre parcel. Currently green space. and anticipates a fall 2007
completion. Historic Sites The aquatic facility of today, The Department of Parks and responding to the growing demand Recreation also serves as the of users, evolved from a traditional
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‘box of water’ to the ‘leisure pool’. Highly interactive with beach (or zero depth) entries, the leisure pool concept introduced creative active play in the swim environment. Shallower by design, the leisure concept endeavored to maximize the user experience through play and Figure 6.2 Signal Bay Water Park marked the end of pools as places to simply swim laps. and rails for the recreational skateboarder, biker and skater. The Signal Bay Water Park, developed at culmination of a three-year process Signal Hill in 1996, responded to this initiated by the teens of Manassas trend by providing the residents of Park, this additional facility is Manassas Park with a 27,000-gallon reflective of the City’s responsive activity pool featuring water nature to community recreation. cannons, slides, play features and a lazy river. Trails and Greenways
With over 20,000 visitors a season, The majority of the trails in the City Signal Bay Water Park, a multi- are multipurpose recreational trails million dollar venture, provides a located in Costello Park and Signal regional attraction for the City. Hill Park, although several connector Costello Park Pool has been serving segments do exist throughout the Manassas Park since 1972. As one City. of the two remaining community pools in the region, Costello Park Pool offers the traditional summer outdoor swimming opportunities with four (4) 25-meter lanes and a deep well of 9 feet. A small wading pool complements the larger pool so the entire family can enjoy a day at the pool.
The Department, in response to community needs, has proposed a renovation to the current pool design to transform the facility from a seasonal outdoor pool to a year round indoor facility. Figure 6.3 Nature Trail
The department’s most recent addition is a Skate Park at Costello These trails serve the citizens by Park. This 4500 square foot facility providing alternatives to traditional includes a series of jumps, ramps, modes of transportation, encourage environmental awareness and
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provide safe areas to perform championship course for the golf continuous exercise (jogging, biking, enthusiast. The Department skating). Please refer to the collaborates with Generals Ridge to transportation chapter for additional provide camps and programs for the information. youth of Manassas Park. Generals Ridge Golf Course
Located in Manassas Park but not operated by the Department, the Generals Ridge Golf Course provides an 18-hole, 6,651-yard
Figure 6.4 Generals Ridge Golf Course
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Figure 6.5 Parks and Recreation Map
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Analysis of City Parks
space standards for facilities in each To complete an analysis of the park. Based on the Virginia adequacy of the City Parks, a Parks Outdoors Plan standards, the supply and Recreation Inventory was of city parkland, as well as the conducted. This inventory was distribution and range of park types, weighed against the Virginia more than adequately meets the Outdoors Program which identifies needs of city residents.
Table 6.2 Parks and Recreation Inventory 2004
Pool Trails Historic Skate Park Size/ Acres Playground Open Space Picnic Shelter Public Restroom Recreation Center Athletic Fields/Courts
Costello Park 25 Signal Hill 108 Independence Park .15 Independence 10 School 3-acre Parcel 3 Baker Street 2 Polk Drive .35 Scott Drive .15 Camp Carondelet 8 Georgia Cemetery .10 Signal Hill 12 Conner House .1 Source: Parks and Recreation Department
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Table 6.3 Local Park Area Standards & Results Net Units per City City Surplus Active Facilities Acres Population Need Supply (deficit) required
Archery (range) .85 1 per 50,000 - - *1 Baseball 3.0 1 per 6,000 2 5 3 Basketball .15 1 per 5,000 2.48 4 1.52 Community Center*2 Varies 1 per 25,000 1 1 - Field Hockey 1.6 1 per 25,000 1 0 (1) Football 2.25 1 per 10,000 1.24 1 (.24) 50 9 holes per Golf acre/9 - - *3 25,000 holes Hiking and Jogging 2 miles per Approx. 2 Varies 12.4 (10.4) Trails 1,000 miles Horseshoes .4 1 per 10,000 1.24 1 (.24) Outdoor Theatre Varies 1 per 20,000 1 0 (1) 10 tables per Picnicking Variable 12.4 50+ 37.6 1,000 Racquetball .15 1 per 20,000 1 0 (1) Soccer 2.25 1 per 5,000 2.48 3 (.52) Softball 2.10 1 per 3,000 4.13 4 (.13) Skate Park .25 1 per 25,000 1 1 - Skating Rink .4 1 per 30,000 - - *4 Swimming Pool 25-meter Junior .5 1 per 10,000 1.24 1 (.24) Olympic 50-meter Olympic .75 1 per 20,000 1 0 (1) Tennis .2 1 per 2,000 6.2 4 (2.2) Track Quarter mile 1 per 20,000 - - *5 Volleyball .1 1 per 1,000 12.4 1 (11.4) *1 Regional service provided by NVRPA *2 Not based on facility square footage *3 Community service provided by Generals Ridge through PWCPA *4 Community service provided by Manassas City outdoors and PWCPA indoors *5 Community serviced by MPHS and Osbourn Park High school in PWC
Note: These are state standards and deficit for volleyball courts, do not account for needs assessments Department statistics indicate there is or community survey responses. little demand in our community for Although the city records an 11.4 this amenity.
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
The intent of the Parks and Recreation Plan is to ensure that a system of well-maintained parks, park and recreation facilities, public open space, and recreational programming are readily achievable and meet the variety of active and passive recreational needs of the citizens of Manassas Park. In this regard, the plan is to be used to facilitate the development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of recreation, park and leisure services and do this in a way as to support the Department Mission:
“The Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to the improvement of public understanding of the significance of leisure in a full and meaningful life. Facilities will be made available to provide every citizen of Manassas Park the freedom to enrich their lives through recreational activities and leisure opportunities.”
Goal PR1
Provide a park system and program of a quantity, variety, and quality appropriate to meet the needs of the Citizens of Manassas Park within the next five years.
Objective PR1.1 Establish level of service standards to ensure adequate sites and facilities carry out effective park and recreation programs.
Action Strategy PR1.1.1 Implement baseline level of service (LOS) standards and criteria for park sites and facilities based on characteristics of the development and proximity of parks sites and facilities encouraging such standards to apply during the development review process.
Action Strategy PR1.1.2 Ensure the consistency and coordination of interagency planning techniques provide for an appropriate quantity, variety, and quality of park sites and facilities.
Action Strategy PR1.1.3 Create and maintain records of participation rates and demand for services for use in future park analysis.
Action Strategy PR1.1.4 Create and maintain an inventory of existing private sector and regional parkland facilities for use in future park analysis.
Action Strategy PR1.1.5 Provide current and updated demographic data relevant to parks and facilities on a regular, ongoing basis.
Action Strategy PR1.1.6 Coordinate where feasible, park and facility planning with the recommendation of the VOP, to optimize the information gains and other benefits associated with coordinated intergovernmental planning.
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Objective PR1.2 Maintain current facilities, park acreage, future facilities and park development at a rate consistent with population growth, in accordance with adopted standards, through an appropriate development process.
Action Strategy PR1.2.1 Encourage voluntary monetary contributions from developers in lieu of land dedications that do not meet minimum acreage standards for each park category.
Action Strategy PR1.2.2 Encourage the use of conservation easements or restrictive covenants, as appropriate, by private landowners, in order to protect and preserve historic sites and sensitive environmental areas.
Action Strategy PR1.2.3 Encourage the use of public-private partnerships for the purposes of acquiring, construction of and/or operating park and park facilities.
Objective PR1.3 Optimize the use of existing parks and related facilities and ensure that park sites are located and designed in a manner that optimizes their accessibility, safety, and usefulness to the populations intended to be served.
Action Strategy PR1.3.1 Locate, where possible, parks in a way as to minimize the potential traffic impacts on residential neighborhoods
Action Strategy PR1.3.2 Utilize the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) practices for points of access to trails and greenways.
Action Strategy PR1.3.3 Ensure that there are adequate park facilities in the proximity of senior citizen centers to serve the specialized needs of senior citizens.
Action Strategy PR1.3.4 Encourage the shared use of parks and schools to include after school hours for community recreation purposes, maximize utilization of limited space and funds, and to optimize citizen investment.
Action Strategy PR1.3.5 Utilize where possible, monetary contributions to provide needed facilities to existing park sites.
Action Strategy PR1.3.6 Renovate and expand existing park acreage and facilities to address identified demands
Action Strategy PR1.3.7 Ensure that all parks and facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
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Action Strategy PR1.3.8 Provide and manage facilities and public park grounds which enable citizen to participate in individual and/or group activities of their choice.
Objective PR1.4 Optimize programming opportunities
Action Strategy PR1.4.1 Charge appropriate fees for residents and non- residents to recover some to the City’s operating costs.
Action Strategy PR1.4.2 Continue to provide special events and whenever possible, sponsor these events in partnership with community organizations and groups and private corporate sponsorships.
Action Strategy PR1.4.3 Expand, renovate, or reconstruct the Costello Park Recreation Center to meet future demands.
Action Strategy PR1.4.4 Ensure that citizens of Manassas Park are able to freely participate in all programs regardless of race, culture, language proficiency or mobility.
Action Strategy PR1.4.5 Provide assistance to local organizations for the promotion of their own recreation programs through usage of facilities.
Action Strategy PR1.4.6 Present a variety of recreational leisure activities to citizens that enhance self-awareness, personal achievement, intellectual growth, and civic responsibility.
Action Strategy PR1.4.7 Analyze and study the feasibility of adding programs to fill the needs of teens, at risk youths and senior citizens.
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Environment
Overview The area is characterized by deeply weathered, poorly exposed bedrock with a high degree of geological Many natural environmental complexity. Although depth to features characterize Manassas Park. bedrock varies in most places, it is Natural features such as streams, generally within two to six feet. ponds, wetlands, floodplains, woodlands, steep terrain and wildlife With the exception of designated habitats create natural borders floodplains, most areas of the city around its urban neighbors. As the are generally suitable for city develops, consideration should development if the site is properly be given to preserving some land in engineered. Developers must refer its natural form, conserving open to the city’s Planning and Public space and minimizing pollution. Works Departments for more information and recommended The planning, development and use resources concerning the engineering of any place is strongly affected by limits of the underlying geology. the characteristics of the land, including geology, climate, soils, Air Quality topography and streams. From the earliest development through the Ambient air quality is not a measure most recent, these characteristics for the city alone but rather for the remain an important part of life in region. National Ambient Air Manassas Park. Quality Standards (NAAQS) exist for seven pollutants established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Natural Features Agency (EPA) and adopted by the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Geology Board. The city lies astride the boundary between the Piedmont Uplands and the Triassic Basin or Piedmont Lowlands. The line runs through south central Fairfax County along the valley of Russia Branch, skirting the western boundary. Figure 7.1 Geologic Regions of Virginia ______47 Chapter Seven: ENVIRONMENT
The air quality in the region is includes more stringent vehicle determined through measurement of emissions inspection, requiring Stage seven pollutants. Existing levels of II vapor-recovery nozzles at gasoline six of the seven pollutants, sulfur pumps and clean fleet standards for dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide both public and private vehicle (NO2), hydrocarbons (HC), lead fleets. (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO) and suspended particulates, pose little or Soils no threat to air quality in the region. These six pollutants are all a direct Soils developed from rocks and result of reactions caused by minerals from the Piedmont division combustion engines. Ground level form acid, infertile soils, with sandy ozone, the seventh pollutant, is a loam surfaces. Many of the clayey colorless gas formed by a chemical sub-soils are red or yellowish-red reaction between volatile organic due to the oxidized iron weathered compounds (VOC) and oxides of from the primary minerals. Natural nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. fertility is low, however, so these The Washington Metropolitan area, soils respond well to liming and based on the 1990 Clean Air Act fertilization. With some exceptions, Amendments, is classified as a the soils of the city are well suited “serious non-attainment area” with for urban development. Much of the respect to ground-level ozone land within the floodplain is poorly pollution. drained, subject to flooding, and is not considered suitable for urban Since 1990, the region has violated development. Shrink-swell soils are the federal standard for ozone an associated with substantial shrink average of six days each summer. and swell behavior in response to Metropolitan Washington Council of changes in water content, resulting in Governments (MWCOG) declares ground instability. Developments in air pollution alerts in response to the these areas are discouraged, unless accelerated ozone levels. These adequate engineering measures can alerts are directed toward the young, be taken to prevent future structural elderly and individuals with damage. Developers must refer to respiratory disorders. the city’s Planning Department for more information and recommended The city, as a member of MWCOG, resources concerning the engineering integrates its planning efforts with capacity of the underlying geology. those of the region. While local jurisdictions are cooperating to Climate control ozone, the Commonwealth of Virginia is required to develop Virginia's climate is a diverse one, control strategies for regions with with temperature and precipitation non-attainment status. The federally- that vary significantly throughout the mandated State Implementation Plan state. See chart below. (SIP) for the Northern Virginia region (reviewable by the EPA)
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Table 7.1 Average Climate and Weather Conditions
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days with 10 9 10 10 12 10 11 10 9 8 9 10 precipitation Wind speed (mph) 8.3 8.8 9.2 9.0 7.6 7.0 6.4 6.0 6.4 6.8 7.8 7.9 AM humidity (%) 76 77 77 76 82 83 85 87 89 88 82 78 PM humidity (%) 58 54 52 49 55 56 55 55 56 54 54 58 Sunshine (%) 46 50 55 57 58 64 62 62 61 59 51 46 Days w/no clouds 7 7 7 7 7 6 8 8 9 11 7 7 Partly cloudy days 7 6 8 9 10 12 11 11 9 8 8 7 Cloudy days 17 15 16 14 14 12 12 12 12 12 15 17 Snowfall (in) 7.3 6.3 3.3 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 3.3 Average temp (°F) 31 34 43 53 62 71 75 74 67 55 45 36 High temp (°F) 42 46 55 66 74 82 87 86 79 68 57 46 Low temp (°F) 21 23 31 40 50 59 64 62 55 42 33 25 Precipitation (in) 3.2 2.8 3.7 3.3 4.4 3.9 3.7 3.8 4.0 3.5 3.4 3.1 wildlife habitat corridors for Topography movement and should be considered during development. Manassas Park is situated on a relatively flat or gently rolling land If improperly developed, these areas between Western Fairfax County and may lose soil stability and increase the greater Eastern Prince William storm water runoff, causing County region. construction failure, erosion, downstream flooding, and other Any development or redevelopment hazards. Development on steep within the city must take topographic slopes requires high volumes of constraints into consideration. Steep “cut” and “fill”. Such earthmoving slopes in excess of 15% and slopes is subject to erosion and located along streams are susceptible sedimentation causing adverse to erosion, and therefore particular effects on surface water quality. care must be taken when planning to develop a site with these Major Streams and Watersheds characteristics. The City of Manassas Park is located Few areas of the city’s land area in the Chesapeake Bay and the have slopes greater than 15%. These Occoquan River Watersheds. areas are primarily associated with Watersheds and their associated the eastern side of the city. Truly stream floodplains are an important steep slopes, greater than 25%, occur environmental concern. They along the banks of the Bull Run. provide natural storm drainage Stream valley slopes often serve as systems that are susceptible to vegetative buffers that filter storm erosion and pollution resulting from water runoff, while providing urbanization.
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the Union Mill Tract drains into Russia Branch and the remainder of the tract drains into Bull Run via various small streams.
Bull Run is a major tributary of the Occoquan River Watershed and contributes to the regional drinking water supply. The estimated 100- year floodplain of Russia Branch was designated a “Zone A – Special Figure 7.2 Pond at Signal Bay Park Flood Hazard Area”. Development expands the amount of impervious surface, increasing storm water runoff. Increased runoff may exceed the capacity of the natural flood plain to contain the flow, resulting in flood damage. In addition, contaminants washed into the runoff contribute to the pollution of surface and groundwater for miles downstream. The city, therefore, has a vital interest in the protection of its watersheds and streams. Figure 7.3 Location of the Occoquan Basin
Two perennial waterways, Russia Branch and Bull Run, bound the City Natural Resources on the west and north, respectively. Both are considered Class 3 streams, free flowing streams categorized The city has several categories of below mountain streams but above natural resources that are easily estuaries. Russia Branch is a second impaired by urban land uses. Of order stream, receiving small particular concern are water quality, tributaries, and flows along the floodplains, wetlands, woodlands western boundary of the Signal Hill and wildlife. Tract, which drains and then flows into the Union Mill Tract and Surface Water Quality parallel to its western border. It also flows into Bull Run, another second It is imperative that the city preserve order stream, at the northwest corner the quality of both surface and of the Park. The western portion of groundwater through sound quality
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management programs. Of during much of the year can also particular concern are the many support active and passive recreation pollutants that can affect with little disturbance. groundwater quality in urban areas. These materials include motor oil, Though not extensive, wetlands are road salt, and pollutants from found throughout the City of underground storage tanks. Once Manassas Park. The federal these materials find their way into government, through the U.S. Army the groundwater, they may be Corps of Engineers, regulates transported through the soil to construction in wetland areas. The contaminate surface waters. city requires that development proposals involving wetlands The City’s water resources are under demonstrate compliance with federal increasing demand as the area policy. becomes more urbanized. Manassas Park obtains it water from city wells Floodplains and the City of Manassas. The City discharges wastewater to the Upper A floodplain is land along a natural Occoquan Sewage Authority drainage way that is subject to (UOSA) which treats the wastewater continuous or periodic inundation or to a high level before discharge. All flooding. For the purpose of of the city residents receive their protecting the general public from water from the city’s public water the hazards of flooding, the City of system. Manassas Park establishes and regulates an official 100-year To preserve the water resources, the floodplain. This especially city seeks to protect its waters from designated area comprises lands with the effects of point sources such as at least a one percent chance of being leaking underground storage tanks or flooded in any given year. In the above ground chemical spills and City of Manassas Park, the official non-point sources such as erosion, 100-year floodplain is generally runoff containing fertilizer, limited, for regulatory purposes, to pesticides and other chemicals. lands associated with a watershed of at least 100 acres. Wetlands Floodplains in the city lie throughout Wetlands are an important natural the city and consist of either natural resource because they store land surface or impervious surfaces floodwater, perform a filtration associated with development. City function that can improve water ordinances regulate development quality, and provide essential habitat within the floodplain to protect the for wildlife. Wetlands can continue community from loss of life and to perform these vital roles in the property and to maintain the natural midst of development if they are integrity of streams. Any alteration carefully incorporated as natural of floodplains to make land areas. Wetlands that are not “wet” developable requires prior approval
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by FEMA, which establishes the appropriate procedures to protect floodplain boundaries. clusters and individual trees throughout development. Particular Woodlands/Tree Cover attention should be given to native species. Because the City of Manassas Park is almost entirely developed, few Saving mature trees to minimize net significant vegetation stands remain. loss of tree cover as the city reaches Those that still exist, whether public build-out is important to the health of or private, deserve special attention the city’s urban forest and so that their aesthetic and ecological microclimate. Where realistic, benefits to the city are not lost. In developers should seek to transplant addition to these stands, city streets trees that are removed during the and medians are lined with trees, development process, perhaps in shrubs, and ground cover. These public areas or rights-of-way, at the provide both the aesthetic benefits of city’s discretion. The overriding goal a canopy and the framing of streets, is the preservation of a mix of older as well as cooling of microclimates. specimen trees along with planted or saved saplings to ensure the The largest city-owned vegetation abundance of healthy, valuable trees. stand is located in Signal Hill Park. The park covers 108 acres, of which One tree, a white oak, located in approximately 30% remains in a Costello Park, has been identified by natural state. Signal Hill contains arborists as being noteworthy due to oaks, hickories, and chestnuts as well size, age, and significance of species. as a beech understory. The city continually seeks grants to supplement city funding of landscape Other woodland species predominant plantings and maintenance efforts. in the city include a bottomland hardwood mixed with beech, maple, Wildlife sycamore, tulip and black cherry. Other forested areas show signs of The tree canopies of residential Virginia pine thickets being replaced neighborhoods and city parks by young hardwoods of the oak- support many species of birds and hickory association. other animals. The variety of species that remain in the city, though, is No large privately-owned tract of limited. Much of the wildlife that land in the city remains heavily once existed no longer finds a habitat wooded. Although the development in the city. The varied requirements of property generally requires the that are necessary to support the removal of a large proportion of the entire activities through the life cycle site’s tree cover, it is often possible of many plants and animals native to to designate areas of tree protection the area are no longer supported by to include clusters of trees or the city’s environment. Maintaining individual trees of significance. wildlife habitats in open space Developers should follow the corridors and in city parks will help
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Figure 7.4 Floodplain Map
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preserve the diversity of life while Radon levels can be highly variable, providing animal species with more therefore concerned private and desirable alternatives than invading public entities should use readily human living spaces. available test kits to measure radon at their particular structure. If radon Because the city has very little land levels are found to be high, they that has not been actively should take mitigative action such as appropriated for human use in recent sealing foundation cracks or times, the small amount of natural installing a specialized ventilation area that remains is all the more system. valuable to the city. Solid Waste Management Storm Water Management Through a private contractor, the city provides once-a-week curbside The purpose of storm water collection in all residential areas. management is to reduce the adverse The same contractor collects waste effects of storm water and enhance deposited in dumpsters at water quality. The city’s storm commercial establishments, as well water management system is as recyclables. Recyclable materials composed of natural drainage ways are trucked to a commercial such as streams and manmade recycling operation; other waste is structures such as storm drains in disposed by the private contractor. public and private ownership. The manmade structures minimize the Noise negative effects of land development such as flooding and erosion. City residents are increasingly Radon aware of noise as an unwanted intrusion. Noise in the city is primarily produced by surface The City of Manassas Park is vehicles, construction, and to a lesser located within the Triassic Basin, an degree, by airplanes. Additionally, area that is known to have high the City Code contains noise-related radon potential. Radon is a naturally regulations, which are enforced by occurring gas that is radioactive, the Police Department. Over the invisible and odorless. It forms from past several years, the city has taken the natural breakdown of uranium an active role in amending its noise and radium in the rock. Research ordinances and working with has shown a link between lung businesses to find ways to contain cancer and high levels of exposure to and minimize noises found to be radon. particularly objectionable to neighbors in certain areas.
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
The goal is to ensure that in developing the city, the natural beauty is preserved; water quality is protected; property values and quality of life are enhanced; wildlife deaths are mitigated; and ecological diversity is preserved. With sound protection measures, City of Manassas Park residents, business community, and visitors enjoy a healthy environment together with a vibrant economy. In this regard, the plan is to be used to address environmental issues, evaluate development proposals in their earliest stages, and develop ordinances to support these goals.
Goal E1
Preserve, protect, and enhance the significant environmental resources and features of the city, including air quality, topography, soils, ground and surface water, biotic communities, sensitive plant and animal species, and natural view sheds.
Objective E1.1 Consider environmental concerns at all levels of land use associated with decision-making.
Action Strategy E1.1.1 Update the zoning ordinances to require rezoning and special use permit applicants to submit an environmental constraints analysis. This analysis shall provide information with the applications where such environmental conditions exist:
A description or generalized mapping of natural site conditions with an emphasis on significant environmental features possibly affected by the proposed development and retained upon completion of the project. The mapped information shall address the following: o Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas; o Areas of 15 percent slope and greater; o Impervious and proposed pervious surfaces; o Existing natural ground surface features and drainage patterns; o Areas that will remain in a natural or undisturbed state upon completion of a project; o Critical habitat, that have been listed as Federal or State threatened or endangered species, or species of special concern, by the US Fish and Wildlife Service or the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; o 100 – year floodplain boundaries; o Areas of highly erodible and permeable soils;
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o A description of appropriate avoidance and/or mitigation efforts, including preservation or conservation areas that will be provided as part of the proposed development; o A study of steeply-sloped and sensitive soil areas.
Action Strategy E1.1.2 The city departments involved in land use will coordinate with local, federal, state, and regional environmental organizations to facilitate the exchange of data and implementation of environmental protection measures.
Action Strategy E1.1.3 Encourage developers to incorporate into site planning various environmentally sensitive approaches to storm water management, including low-impact development techniques and preservation and restoration of natural landforms.
Action Strategy E1.1.4 Ensure that open space is maintained in the city and that a minimum of 30% of the total land area in the city will be retained as open space by build-out, through appropriate amendments to the zoning ordinances to increase open space requirements.
Action Strategy E1.1.5 Amend the open space requirements in the zoning ordinance to ensure preservation and provision of open space within all developments.
Objective E1.2 Increase the environmental awareness of residents.
Action Strategy E1.2.1 Develop educational programs regarding important environmental issues for the business and residential communities. Provide developers with information on city conservation requirements, such as tree preservation requirements.
Action Strategy E1.2.2 Seek grant funding from the federal and state governments to print educational materials regarding environmental resources and conservation methods.
Action Strategy E1.2.3 Continue to expand and promote the city’s recycling program, aiming for a minimum goal of 25 % of the total waste stream.
Action Strategy E1.2.4 Maintain current informational brochures for public distribution, that explain the importance of protecting and managing the city’s soils. In addition, the Soil and Conservation District, Department of Public Works, and the Cooperative Extension Service should be encouraged to collaborate to develop a single environmental
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education publication that meets the needs of all three groups and educate the citizens.
Action Strategy E1.2.5 Develop public service announcements providing information about timing, selection, and appropriate application of appropriate chemical applications for residential and business landscaping, with a preference for environmentally-friendly amendments.
Action Strategy E1.2.6 Prepare or acquire informational brochures and public service announcements that explain the importance of water conservation and water quality protection.
Action Strategy E2.1.7 Prepare and distribute information on the appropriate handling and disposal of household hazardous waste.
Action Strategy E1.2.8 Enhance the litter control program.
Objective E1.3 Improve air quality within the City of Manassas Park.
Action Strategy E1.3.1 Establish procedures to monitor air quality.
Action Strategy E1.3.2 Encourage the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to site additional air quality monitoring stations in the city.
Action Strategy E1.3.3 Seek input from the DEQ and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) on rezoning or special use permit applications for facilities likely to emit air pollutants or produce particulate pollution.
Action Strategy E1.3.4 Review and consider air quality impacts of public utilities and private industries as part of the rezoning and/or special use permit application process.
Action Strategy E1.3.5 Encourage and pursue the development of inter-jurisdictional agreements and contingency plans to deal with stationary and mobile sources of pollution to protect residents, especially the young, elderly, and medically sensitive populations.
Action Strategy E1.3.6 Determine if adequate controls are in place to prevent metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other carcinogenic materials from contaminating the emissions from public and private incinerators. Monitor this issue and ensure adequate controls are in place to maintain the safety of the environment.
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Action Strategy E1.3.7 Encourage the reduction of point source pollution within the city.
Action Strategy E1.3.8 Monitor air quality along major transportation corridors and at congested intersections to better define the effects of vehicle-generated pollution.
Action Strategy E1.3.9 Encourage the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and developers to preserve vegetation buffers along arterial roadways as a means of filtering and absorbing pollutants.
Action Strategy E1.3.10 Reduce pollution from vehicles by encouraging the use of advanced technology and alternative modes of transport, including public transit, van/carpooling, bicycles, light rail, and pedestrian paths. Encourage the use of alternative fuels (such as natural gas and/or electric power) for public transit.
Action Strategy E1.3.11 Encourage utility companies to share easements where technically feasible.
Objective E1.4 Protect and manage the soils and natural vegetation in the city.
Action Strategy E1.4.1 Preserve and conserve important natural landforms to achieve water quality targets, good community design objectives, and ecological diversity. Accordingly, discourage development adjacent to a perennial stream in the following areas:
Wooded slopes of 25% and greater with highly erodible and permeable soils; Wooded slopes of 25% and greater having a continuous area of 10,000 square feet; Wooded slopes of 15% and greater with highly erodible and permeable soils; Wooded 100-year flood plain; Non-wooded slopes of 25% and greater with highly erodible and permeable soils; Non-wooded slopes of 25% and greater having a continuous area of 10,000-square feet; Non-wooded slopes of 15% and greater with highly erodible and permeable soils; Non-wooded 100-year flood plain.
Action Strategy E1.4.2 Seek commitments prior to rezoning and special use permit approval that many of the landforms identified in AS-2 (above) will be set-aside as preservation and conservation areas.
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Action Strategy E1.4.3 Use native plants that are adapted to local soils and weather conditions when re-vegetating disturbed areas.
Action Strategy E1.4.4 Request that a rezoning and/or special use permit applicant submit the results of soil testing as part of the application when soil contamination is suspected, such as brownfields.
Action Strategy E1.4.5 Prohibit development at toxic waste sites to the extent provided by law.
Action Strategy E1.4.6 Maximize clearing of vegetation and disturbance of soils.
Objective E1.5 Maintain or enhance the integrity of surface water and watersheds.
Action Strategy E1.5.1 Encourage the use of no-net-gain standards to prevent nutrient loading and sediment runoff to nearby streams resulting from development practices.
Action Strategy E1.5.2 Encourage water quality amelioration during the redevelopment of properties located in intensely developed areas, through adoption of best management practices (BMPs); replacement of inefficient sanitary sewer lines or failing septic systems; use of low-impact development techniques; and re-vegetation along streams.
Action Strategy E1.5.3 Locate nonresidential activities that use, store, or manufacture significant quantities of hazardous substances away from the city’s water bodies.
Action Strategy E1.5.4 Study and recommend measures to improve contingency planning by parties who use, handle, or store hazardous substances in sufficient quantities and pose a threat to surface and groundwater quality. The measures should identify: trigger amounts; procedures for prevention of leaks or spills; and materials or procedures for containment of leaks, spills, and runoff from fire fighting.
Action Strategy E1.5.5 Require industries and utilities to monitor for chemical leaks to the extent permissible under law.
Action Strategy E1.5.6 Develop general design evaluation guidelines, criteria, and techniques that promote the preservation of natural landscapes and apply them in the evaluation of rezoning and/or special use permit applications.
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Action Strategy E1.5.7 Pursue and promote an “Adopt – A – Stream” program.
Action Strategy E1.5.8 Encourage leaving a natural buffer of existing woodland or forested area of at least 45 feet along each side of all waterways that are not otherwise protected under the Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area regulations or similar legislation.
Action Strategy E1.5.9 Encourage cluster development in areas of the city that are steep slopes with highly erodible soils.
Action Strategy E1.5.10 Require rezoning and special use permit applicants to describe, in general detail, the natural character of significant creeks, streams, rivers and ponds located on the property, as well as the 100-year flood plain and any Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area (RPA). Require applicants for such rezoning and/or special use permits to explain how the significant bodies of water to be retained upon completion of the project or protected during construction.
Action Strategy E1.5.11 Implement a watershed management program to provide regional storm water management and flood control facilities, where such facilities are feasible and permitted by federal and state agencies.
Action Strategy E1.5.12 Require adherence to the following guidelines for determination of density or intensity of development:
Residential: Preclude the development of habitable structures within 100-year flood plains. Non-residential: On non-residential zoned property encumbered with portions of the 100-year flood plain the allowable intensity is determined based on the floor area ratio (FAR) specified by the existing or proposed zoning district and the total site area. Development within the 100-year flood plain is to be precluded.
Action Strategy E1.5.13 Develop and distribute public service information to reduce nutrient loading from storm water runoff.
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Objective E1.6 Limit the amount and extent of impervious surfaces.
Action Strategy E1.6.1 Encourage the minimization of impervious surfaces from development and utilize acceptable retrofit techniques in redevelopment to minimize storm water runoff by using appropriate low- impact development techniques.
Action Strategy E1.6.2 Encourage the use of semi-pervious or pervious surfaces and other low-impact development techniques.
Action Strategy E1.6.3 Require, as part of an application for a rezoning and/or special use permit, the identification of impervious surfaces and include a statement indicating what the maximum quantity of impervious surfaces will result upon completion of the development.
Action Strategy E1.6.4 Continue a monitoring and enforcement program to ensure that, during and after development, peak storm water flows do not exceed pre-development peak flows, in terms of quantity, quality, and volume.
Action Strategy E1.6.5 Seek commitments to use low-impact design to mitigate the impact of parking areas and encourage structured parking at the time of application for a rezoning or special use permit.
Objective E1.7 Promote the preservation and use of natural ground surface features that effectively manage storm water runoff.
Action Strategy E1.7.1 Investigate and implement innovative storm water management measures. These may include low-impact development standards that require all development projects to establish systems, preferably natural, for filtering the “first flush” of urban runoff (delivery of disproportionately large amounts of pollutants that occurs during the early stages of a storm) near its source.
Action Strategy E1.7.2 Require the installation of sediment-trapping devices close to the sources of soil erosion.
Action Strategy E1.7.3 Maintain or establish areas of natural vegetation downstream of disturbed soils to help filter sediments and other pollutants.
Action Strategy E1.7.4 Request the applicant to show the natural ground surface features and drainage patterns that will be preserved for purpose of managing storm water runoff on rezoning applications that
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include generalized development plans or on special use permit applications.
Action Strategy E1.7.5 Incorporate options for low-impact development techniques in the City of Manassas Park.
Objective E1.8 Protect the City’s groundwater and aquifers.
Action Strategy E1.8.1 Identify Critical Ground Water Areas (CGWAs) in coordination with the Health Department and State Water Control Board.
Action Strategy E1.8.2 Develop procedures to protect or improve the quality of CGWAs.
Action Strategy E1.8.3 Evaluate potential pollution of ground water from leaking underground storage tanks by using available data from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Action Strategy E1.8.4 Promote the use of secondary containment storage tanks for petroleum products and other hazardous materials.
Action Strategy E1.8.5 Review and upgrade best management practices for soil and erosion maintenance enforcement programs for all types of development.
Action Strategy E1.8.6 Promote the use of lined catchments or water quality inlets for storm water runoff and small spills or leakages on sites where petroleum products or hazardous wastes are handled.
Action Strategy E1.8.7 Encourage the use of appropriate vegetation in the storm water system that will remove nutrients from the storm flow.
Objective E1.9 Set sewer force mains and petroleum and hazardous substances lines away from the water’s edge.
Action Strategy E1.9.1 Encourage the location of sewer force mains and petroleum and hazardous substances lines outside stream channels and other water bodies except where a crossing is needed.
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Objective E1.10 Ensure the high quality of public drinking water
Action Strategy E1.10.1 Continue to support the Occoquan Watershed Program
Action Strategy E1.10.2 Continue to support Prince William County and the City of Manassas to ensure that the public water supply uses best management practices, since they are the primary drinking water sources for the City of Manassas Park.
Action Strategy E1.10.3 Support Prince William County’s effort to restrict by ordinance the use of internal combustion engines on the Occoquan Reservoir.
Objective E1.11 Preserve natural vegetation, especially mature trees, and provide for the replacement of trees.
Action Strategy E1.11.1 Maintain and update the city’s buffer areas, landscaping, and tree cover requirements contained in the zoning ordinances. Promote tree preservation instead of tree replacement.
Action Strategy E1.11.2 Adopt a ‘Tree Preservation Ordinance’, as allowed by state law.
Action Strategy E1.11.3 Adopt a ‘Tree Replacement Program’, as allowed by state law, and in coordination with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Action Strategy E1.11.4 Identify the mature hardwood canopies and the location of those areas deserving special protection through the services of an arborist.
Action Strategy E1.11.5 Consider acquisition of select sites for public parks and encourage the dedication of such sites by private property owners.
Objective E1.12 Identify, manage, and protect all ecological communities and wildlife, as identified in official federal and state lists.
Action Strategy E1.12.1 Establish an identification and monitoring system for the city’s resident animal or plant species.
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Action Strategy E1.12.2 Develop and implement protective guidelines for endangered and threatened populations of plants and wildlife that occur in the city.
Action Strategy E1.12.3 Identify areas suitable for wetlands restoration and develop procedures whereby a developer/landowner can contribute to such wetlands when no alternative to wetland preservation exists on-site.
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Human Services
Mission Statement Temporary Financial Assistance The mission of the Department of The categories include Food Stamps, Social Services is to prepare TANF, Medicaid, FAMIS, General citizens to achieve and maintain Relief, AFDC-FC, Diversionary self-sufficiency and assist them in Assistance, State and Local attaining an outstanding quality of Hospitalization Program, Auxiliary life. All program services pursue Grant, Emergency Assistance, this mission through the following Energy Assistance and Refugee key business areas, which are Resettlement. provided by both city-operated programs and contracted services: Protective Services
Education and Employment; Child Protective Services, Adult Temporary Financial Protective Services, Foster Care Assistance; Services and Adoption Services Protective Services; comprise the Protective Services Building Life Skills and Division. Social Workers receive Strong Families. and investigate reports of possible abuse or neglect and investigate custody and visitation cases. They Education and Employment are also responsible for the Human Services recipients are recruitment, training, and monitoring assisted through various activities, of Foster Care Homes as well as the programs, and services to obtain the recruitment and screening of education and training needed to adoptive parents through home secure employment. This allows the visits. recipient and their family to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of Building Life Skills and Strong self-sufficiency in the provision of Families health care, food, clothing and shelter. Virginia’s Initiative for Manassas Park citizens will have the Employment (VIEW) Not Welfare knowledge, skills and positive establishes a two-year time limit on encouragement necessary to identify Temporary Assistance to Needy and meet their personal needs and Families (TANF) while recipients the needs of their dependents; to are involved in activities to prepare manage their daily life, plan their them to secure employment. future and be protected from physical abuse, neglect, and threats to safety, including:
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Provision of residential and such an array of options, staff can outreach services as ordered respond to each individual’s and by local courts; family’s unique strengths and needs, Assessment, case positively impacting their overall management of, and payment quality of life. of residential and treatment services for at-risk youth, in Department Personnel and collaboration with the Organization Juvenile Probation Unit, Schools, and Community Services Board; he Department of Social Services Provision of therapeutic T counseling both individual (DSS) employs 14 people, serving in and family, and training in the following capacities. life skills, decision-making, and conflict resolution, as Director well as other programs; 4 Case Workers Provision of follow-up 1 Social Work Supervisor services for youth and their 4.5 Eligibility Workers families; Office Manager Provision of adult mentors, 1.5 Receptionist/ tutors, student internships, Administrative Assistants summer programs and so on Interpreter for youth; Provision of intervention, To provide the optimal level of case management, and shelter services, the department is divided services for the homeless, into three divisions: Services, including rent assistance and Eligibility and Administrative. transportation; Oversight of distribution of Services Division government funds to local programs; Overseer of child and adult Educational courses in protective services, foster care and nutrition, budgeting, and so adoption, educational achievement, forth; and family stabilization initiatives. Provision of domestic violence intervention and Eligibility Division shelter services. Administers temporary financial The Department works assistance programs such as Medicaid, collaboratively with city Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance to departments, non-profit agencies, Needy Families (TANF), Emergency local, state and federal governments Assistance and Employment Training. to provide clients with a continuum of services and resources. Using ______66 Chapter Eight: HUMAN SERVICES
or she was to experience a financial Administrative Division or medical crisis, unexpected unemployment, life-altering Responsible for the planning, disability, hardship in caring for their organizing, setting objectives, family, a natural disaster or fire, or formulating policy, directing and needed education and/or support evaluating benefits, services and services. programs according to federal, state and local legislative rules, Benefits of Social Services regulations, and policies.
The administrative division has the By utilizing all resources, the responsibility for the preparation and Department provides citizens with justification of the operating budget. the skills and opportunities required to meet the basic needs critical to In conjunction with the services and achieving self-sufficiency. These eligibility divisions, the elements include: administrative division projects resource requirements and works Safe, affordable housing; with the local Social Services Education and job skills; Advisory Board to keep it informed Adequate, continuous and seek necessary guidance and income; direction. The division coordinates community resources and monitors Transportation; social, economic, and demographic Medical and mental health trends in the community. Further, it care; maintains effective communication Development of life, social, between the agency and other and daily decision-making community programs and services, skills. local government and the State Department of Social Services. In doing so, these programs directly enhance the city’s economy, protect public safety, decrease the need for Client Base more expensive programs, help families remain together and care for he majority of all clients are their dependent members, while T transforming today’s youth into representative of populations we are tomorrow’s productive adult mandated to serve by law. Others, population. like our youth population, are targeted to prevent the development of at-risk behaviors and dependency Funding on public assistance programs. he Department of Social Services It is important to note that any T resident could become a client if he is supported primarily by federal and ______67 Chapter Eight: HUMAN SERVICES state funds. The funds are provided and long-term intervention in whole or part to allow mandated services. services and benefits set forth in the Increased aging population. federal regulations/law and the state Increasing demands of hard- policy/law to be met by the to-serve clients who have Departments of Social Services. multiple problems but few resources. Local governments are required by The need for programs regulations/law to provide the promoting healthy youth services funded by the federal or development and prevention state governments. of at-risk behaviors, including skills development Approximately 65% to 70% of the classes for parents. cost of operating the Department of Development of collaborative Social Services is borne by the regional partnerships with federal and state governments. other local governments and nonprofit agencies to Strategic Direction stabilize current programs, address gaps in services, and processes. The most significant strategic Need to identify issues confronting the Department opportunities for cost sharing during upcoming years include: and/or garnering additional resources to offset the lack of Increasing state mandates adequate federal, state, and governing services for local funding. juvenile offenders, who are requiring more residential
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
Goal H1
Maintain a well educated and trained staff of professionals
Objective H1.1 Ensure compliance with all mandates and required deadlines, while increasing the staff’s knowledge and skills, improving morale and job satisfaction, and recruiting and retaining well-qualified staff.
Action Strategy H1.1.1 Provide staff with necessary training on program mandates, eligibility criteria, systems training, new and innovation program models, accordingly.
Action Strategy H1.1.2 Continue to provide cross-training opportunities for staff.
Action Strategy H1.1.3 Continue to hold joint planning meetings among staff.
Action Strategy H1.1.4 Develop an Employee Development and Recognition Program with mentoring, job swapping, and internships.
Action Strategy H1.1.5 Maximize use of Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities (VISSTA) training center and expertise.
Action Strategy H1.1.6 Fill all staff vacancies on a timely basis.
Action Strategy H1.1.7 Implement a state recommended “pay for skill attainment” program, creating a two-tiered certification and pay system for eligibility and social work staff.
Action Strategy H1.1.8 Monitor staff caseloads to ensure appropriate and timely processing of applications and payment of benefits..
Action Strategy H1.1.9 Collaborate with the state to develop functional, user-friendly computer systems.
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Goal H2
Maximize Use of State and Federal Funding
Objective H2.1 Increase revenue reimbursement from federal and state funding for local human service programs by 25%, increase revenue for program services overall by 10%, increase services available to citizens by 10%.
Action Strategy H2.1.1 Establish a Revenue Maximization Program to educate human service agencies about eligible programs.
Action Strategy H2.1.2 Pursue funding for Independent Living Program administration.
Goal H3
Increase collaborative efforts to maximize utilization of program and financial resources
Objective H3.1 Increase effectiveness of program services, while decreasing duplication of services, increase revenue for program services overall by 5%, increase number of clients served by programs by 5%, develop universal process for needs assessments and outcome measurements
Action Strategy H3.1.1 Increase shared ownership and funding among local governments for Juvenile Justice Programs
Action Strategy H3.1.2 Increase shared ownership and funding among local governments and non-profit agencies for human service programs.
Action Strategy H3.1.3 Increase collaborative efforts with Manassas Park City Schools, Parks & Recreation, and the Police Department to coordinate, develop and implement needed programs.
Action Strategy H3.1.4 Advocate for legislation mandating and funding Mental Health Services for youth.
Action Strategy H3.1.5 Pursue opportunities for cost-sharing and/or garnering additional resources to offset the lack of adequate federal, state, local funding.
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Education
Overview accredited by the Virginia Department of Education, the Southern Association One of the most important services that of Colleges and Schools, and each the City of Manassas Park provides its school has achieved Annual Yearly citizens is an educational system that Progress (AYP) under the No Child meets the highest standards of learning. Left Behind Federal Legislation Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) (NCLB). enrolls approximately 2400 students in grades PreK-12. Enrollment will grow The school division has developed to approximately 2,650 by the year outstanding programs and initiatives in 2010. The school system for the year the following areas: vision and 2003-04 is composed of two elementary planning, student achievement, schools (PreK-3—Cougar Elementary curriculum/instruction, staff School and 4–5—Manassas Park development, technology, school design Elementary School), one middle school and construction, fiscal management (6-8—Manassas Park Middle School), and school-community relations and one high school (9-12—Manassas Park High School). History of Manassas Park City Schools MPCS employs an “all-city concept” which features all of the City’s children Manassas Park received city status in in a particular grade attending the same 1975 and began its own school system school. in the Fall of 1976. Two new elementary schools, Independence Elementary School and Conner Elementary School and one secondary school, Manassas Park High School, were completed in ninety days during the Summer of 1976. All three buildings were constructed of wooden modular trailers with a maximum life span of twenty years. City Council also purchased Manassas Park Elementary School from Prince William County in Figure 9.1 Students in Computer Class September of 1976. It was built in 1958 with an addition added in 1960 and MPCS have achieved a remarkable located on 12 acres record during the last ten years of significantly increasing performance in Schools opened in September 1976, every measure of student achievement. with Independence Elementary School, Today student achievement scores Conner Elementary School and compare very favorably to other very Manassas Park Elementary School successful Virginia school divisions and serving students in grades K-6. each of our four schools is fully Students in grades 7-12 attended ______71 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION
Manassas Park High School. Conner Elementary School serve grades Approximately 2,100 students were 4-6, Manassas Park Intermediate serve enrolled in September 1976. grades 7-8, and Manassas Park High In September 1977, the seventh graders School serve grades 9-12. were placed in the three elementary schools and remained there until 1981. As MPCS entered the 1993-94 school In 1981 the seventh and eighth graders years, several conclusions were evident. were consolidated to form an First, the City did not previously have intermediate school in one wing of the the fiscal resource base to appropriately high school. provide for a successful school division. During the previous seventeen years, During the 70’s and 80’s, Manassas the lack of resources contributed to Park High School and Manassas Park below average student achievement, Intermediate School had no cafeteria; high staff turnover, inadequate school food was prepared at Conner facilities and inadequate instructional Elementary School and served in the materials. The culture and climate of the gymnasium of the high school division was one of pessimism school/intermediate school. The and defeat. vocational facilities were added to the High School and Intermediate School in Most educators saw and used Manassas 1977 and expanded in 1981. The Park City Schools as a place to gain vocational wing contained facilities and some valuable experience and advanced programs in carpentry, cosmetology, their careers elsewhere. To compound home economics, auto repair and matters further, the wooden modular business education. Both high school school buildings were deteriorating and students and intermediate school with the annexation of the Blooms students shared the library and Crossing area, enrollment could begin gymnasium. to rapidly rise. Interestingly, the successful development of Blooms In 1990 a cafeteria/multipurpose room Crossing depended heavily upon the and two music rooms were added to the significant improvement of the School facilities. From 1976 to 1993 school Division. Initial attempts to secure enrollment declined to under 1,300 developers for Blooms Crossing were students. Due to the loss of enrollment, unsuccessful primarily because Independence Elementary School was potential developers were concerned closed in 1981 and reopened in 1984 about the relationship of perceived with one wing serving weak schools and residential home Kindergarten/Pre-school students and sales. Progress toward improving the the other as the offices for the School schools occurred during the mid-90’s Division/Social Services/Parks and through the leadership of educators, Recreation. In 1985-86 the School School Board members and several Division implemented the all city Governing Body members. concept by having Independence Elementary School serve Preschool and Approval and funding for the new Kindergarten, Manassas Park Manassas Park High School in 1997 Elementary School serve grades 1-3, was the salient issue. With this positive
______72 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION development came a gradual increase in general fiscal support for MPCS. With July 1999 was the ground breaking for construction started on a world-class the new Cougar Elementary School. high school facility, gradually With leadership from the School Board improving funding for schools, and and strong support from the Governing improving performance on many Body, the second major piece of facility measures of student achievement the replacement was designed, constructed development of Blooms Crossing and opened in January 2001. With the accelerated. opening of Cougar, Conner Elementary School and Independence Elementary Manassas Park had taken the first bold School were closed and Manassas Park steps toward improving the quality of Elementary School received a modest children’s education in the public renovation and became the home for school, as well as providing a partial grades 4-5 in September 2001. Grade 6, solution to dealing with the problems of formerly housed at Conner Elementary school funding, a rapidly rising School, moved to Manassas Park enrollment resulting in a critical Middle School in April 1999, after shortage of capacity, and the critical grades 9-12 moved next door to their need to replace the deteriorating new building. wooden school building and renovate or replace the remaining school facilities. Enrollment Trends FY 01 to FY 05 The importance of adequate school Number of Students funding cannot be overstated. It has a 2,500 direct relationship on the quality of 2,300 teachers and principals, curriculum and 2,100 instructional materials, instructional delivery and the level of student 1,900 achievement. Inadequate funding had 1,700 Number of Students 1,500 hindered the school system during its FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY2005 first 21 years, and would remain a September 30 2,057 2,169 2,327 2,288 2,358 Enrollment (Pre-K - 12) challenge to gradually overcome for the next ten years. Table 9.1 Enrollment Trends FY01 to FY05
From 1997 to 2006 every major By September 2002, enrollment had indicator of student achievement increased by 85% since 1992 and by showed a dramatic improvement. 2006 enrollment had risen to over 2,370 Gradually the school division developed PreK-Grade 12. Along with changes in outstanding programs in vision and enrollment came a tremendous increase planning, curriculum/instruction, staff in diversity. For example, from 1998 to development, technology, school design 2006 the Hispanic population increased and construction, fiscal management from 12% to 30%; Limited English and school community relations. Most Proficient Students from 4% to 21%; importantly, the School Division and Free and Reduced Eligible Lunch radically reduced staff turnover and students from 29% to 35%. Standards of recruited and retained the finest Learning Scores revealed that three of educators. the city’s schools were fully accredited
______73 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION by the Virginia Department of Through 2007, the most recent facility Education. By September 2003, all improvements involve the construction schools were fully accredited by of a new Manassas Park Middle School Virginia Department of Education and (March 2005 through October 2006.) the Southern Association of Colleges This project involves 100,000 sq. ft. of and Schools and enrollment reached new construction, 46,000 sq. ft. of 2300 students. renovation and the removal of the 100, and 200 wings and the former MPCS Student Demographics gymnasium, library and office complex. Breakdown of Fall Membership FY00 to FY 05 Significant site work improvements including an additional playing field are 100% also included in this project. These 80% improvements will increase the capacity 60% of Manassas Park Middle School to 725 40% students. The final components of 20% facility improvement for Manassas Park 0% City Schools involve the replacement of FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2005 our fourth and fifth grade school; White/ Not of Hispanic 65.6% 61.0% 55.8% 50.7% 47.0% 43.5% Origin Manassas Park Elementary School and Hispanic 15.3% 18.9% 22.5% 27.8% 30.9% 34.8% the construction of a pre-school facility. Black/Not of Hispanic 14.6% 15.2% 14.9% 14.3% 14.2% 14.3% Origin Work on the education program for the Asian/Pacific Islander 4.0% 4.6% 6.5% 7.0% 7.4% 6.7% Manassas Park Elementary School American Indian/Alaskan 0.5% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% replacement is now complete with Table 9.2 MPCS Student Demographics design work scheduled to be undertaken during 2006-2007. Understandably, the increasing diversity in Manassas Park City Schools is a Limited English Proficient (LEP) and direct reflection of the changing Special Education Students as a Percent demographics of our city. It is of Fall Membership 25.0% 23.2% noteworthy that Manassas Park is a city 21.3% 21.7% composed of a high percentage of 20.0% 16.3% 15.3% children and most of these are enrolled 14.2% 13.6% 15.0% 14.4% 12.4% 11.0% in Manassas Park City Schools. 9.6% 10.0% 8.0%
When examining students as a 5.0% percentage of population, MPCS has the 0.0% highest percentage (18.2%) as FY FY FY FY FY FY compared to the eight other school 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 divisions in Northern Virginia. During LEP Students Special Education Students 2003-2004 Manassas Park High School Table 9.3 Limited English Proficient and Special was expanded by 41,000 sq. ft. and two Education Students playing fields were added. This improvement increases the capacity of Staff members, parents, students and the high school from 650 to 1,025 other city residents express great pride students. in the progress of Manassas Park City Schools. Significantly increasing
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student achievement and earning fully Manassas Park City Schools’ accredited status for all four schools mission is to motivate parents, provides an excellent beginning for the community and staff to inspire early years of the new century. With students. enhanced fiscal resources through the Manassas Park City Schools Revenue Sharing Agreement, a solid believes that…. foundation has been established for All things are possible. delivering exemplary programs, All children will learn. facilities, and student achievement for People make the difference. many years to come! Empowered people make good decisions. The school division has developed Leadership embodies a mix of outstanding programs and initiatives in personal humility and professional the following areas: vision and will. planning, student achievement, Data drives decisions. curriculum/instruction, staff Professional development is the development, technology, school design cornerstone of our success. and construction, fiscal management and school-community relations. Manassas Park City Schools’ values center on….. Standards of Learning Scores and Accreditations Ratings People – We are dedicated to providing personalized attention to individual and group strengths and Standards of Learning Scores show that needs, honoring fairness, dignity, all Manassas Park City Schools are and respect. Personalization allows fully accredited by the Virginia us to understand and attend to each Department of Education. individual’s potential. Sensitivity is vital when differentiating SOL Test Scores and State Accreditation for 2004-2005 communication appropriate School Grades English Math History Science Accreditation to individuals and groups. Cougar Pk-3 89 96 92 94 Fully Inclusiveness mandates that Accredited everyone is given a fair MPES 4-5 93 93 86 81 Fully chance. Accredited MPMS 6-8 82 97 80 86 Fully Commitment – We Accredited persistently and MPHS 9-12 97 94 83 98 Fully passionately pursue our Accredited vision. Persistence – stay Table 9.4 SOL Test Scores and State Accreditation the course. Passion – apply yourself with energy and enthusiasm. Mission and Vision Promise – dedicate yourself to the Manassas Park City Schools vision. Manassas Park City Schools’ vision is to foster a learning Community – We work together as community inspiring competence, a family in the best interest of confidence, and commitment. ______75 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION
Manassas Park. Collegiality – of Learning tests scores has problems are not insurmountable significantly increased, thus resulting in when we work collaboratively to all schools being fully accredited by the solve them. Cooperation – we all ~ Commonwealth of Virginia. Of the 361 parents, teachers, students, leaders, total staff members in the school and governing entities ~ have a division, 210 are professionally stake. certified, and fifty-four percent of the certified staff have a master’s degree or Quality – We meet challenges with higher. The breakdown by category is creative and innovative solutions; if as follows: we do it, we do it right. Competence – we have the most qualified and Doctoral Degrees: 2% capable staff, state-of-the-art Master’s Degree: 37% learning facilities and great student 2nd Advanced Degree: 2% outcomes. Innovation – we find Bachelor’s Degree plus 15 creative solutions to challenging hours: 11% problems. Master’s Degree plus 15 hours: 13% Clarity – We know where we are Bachelor’s Degree: 35% going; and we know where we have been. School Construction – A New The Professional Staff Era
Every organization’s productivity is Manassas Park embarked on a school directly dependent upon the quality of construction program opening a new the adults that work in the organization. high school building in February 1999, During the last six years Manassas Park a new elementary school for 900 City Schools has been successful in students in January 2001, a 41,000 attracting, hiring, and retaining square foot addition to Manassas Park outstanding educators. Improved salary High School in April 2004 and a new schedules for professional staff and Manassas Park Middle School in world class school facilities at October 2006. By the close of 2005, Manassas Park High School had Cougar Elementary School, Manassas received seven awards for architectural Park Middle, and Manassas Park High excellence and Cougar Elementary School and coupled with plans to School had received four awards. These improve the Manassas Park Elementary projects were completed on-time, within School were key to this success. budget, but at a square foot cost significantly below any school Through these efforts, the school construction in Northern Virginia and division has seen significant significantly below most all school improvement in all areas of the school construction throughout the division with student performance Commonwealth of Virginia. For having the most dramatic success. example, Cougar Elementary School Student performance on the Standards was the second least expensive ______76 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION elementary school project of fourteen construction of new housing elementary schools placed under developments. The student population contract during the fiscal year 2000. is expected to reach 2,650 actual Virginia Department of Education’s students by 2010. The timing of this statewide average for elementary school increase is driven in part by the pace of building construction costs in fiscal year construction and changing residential 2000 was $92.99 per square foot and density in the city’s western sector. The Cougar Elementary School’s building state uses a standard method of construction costs were $80.30 per square foot. Enrollment Projections FY 2004 to FY 2010*
2900 Partial renovations have taken place at 2700 Manassas Park Middle School and 2500 Manassas Park Elementary School from 2300 2000 to 2003. Major new construction 2100 and renovation is scheduled for 1900 1700 completion at Manassas Park Middle Students of Number 1500 School by October 2006. Manassas FY FY FY FY FY FY FY 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Park Elementary School is scheduled September 30 Enrollment 2252 2,314 2,378 2,443 2,510 2,579 2650 for replacement during 2007-2009 (Pre-K - 12) along with the completion of a pre- * Number of student projections based on FY 2004 September count plus assumed growth of 2.75% per year. school facility. A revenue sharing Table 9.5 Enrollment Projections agreement approved by both the Governing Body and the School Board in January 2004 provides MPCS with School Bldg (sq. ft.) Campus Capacity consistent local fiscal resources equal to our two immediate neighbors, Manassas Cougar 121,000 sq. 22.4 900 City Schools and Prince William Elementary ft acres County Schools – 57% of uncommitted revenue and 43% of proffers. It also Manassas *32,324 sq. 11 acres 400 moves the responsibility for debt Park ft service and capital projects both past Elementary and future, from the City Government Manassas 140,000 sq. 59 725 to the School Board. This agreement Park ft. acres** will increase the level of fiscal Middle resources to the school division thereby School strengthening the School Division’s ability to deliver a high quality Manassas 144,000 sq. 59 1,025 education product in modern state-of- Park High ft. acres** the-art facilities. School Table 9.6 School Facilities & Campus Data Facilities & Enrollment *with 19 modular classrooms MPES has additional square footage totaling 14,822 The current projections indicate that the sq. ft. student population will continue to **Manassas Park Middle School and Manassas grow at a moderate rate with the Park High School share a 59 acre campus. ______77 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION calculating school capacities that is learning. A fully developed student, based upon a theoretical maximum however, must also be exposed to social number of students in each classroom. studies, science, and technology. Too In reality, students do not distribute into often in schools throughout the country, even maximum numbers so that a the latter are forsaken for the former. schools’ functional capacity is Even language arts and mathematics approximately 85% of its stated rated may be compromised by the bevy of capacity. Manassas Park is going to extracurricular activities that fill the need a state rated capacity of 3,100 to typical school day. The result is 3,200 to accommodate the actual children who cannot read at grade level student enrollment functional capacity and are unprepared for the challenges expected in 2010 (2,650). they must face in middle and high school. The goal, when designing the new elementary school in Manassas Park, was to first redesign the curriculum to focus on language arts and mathematics while still providing a strong social studies, science, and technology component. The school building was then designed to reinforce this curriculum.
The resulting program, embodied in the parallel block schedule, is one in which student-to-teacher ratios are Figure 9.2 Cougar Elementary School significantly reduced for four out of seven instructional blocks. Social Cougar Elementary School studies and science are taught in specially designed laboratories by full- Opened in January 2001, Cougar time elementary social studies and Elementary School provides the City’s science teachers, and technology preschool, kindergarten, first, second, becomes an integral part of classroom and third graders with an exciting, learning. Within the parallel block meaningful place in which to begin schedule, students have both large their academic careers. Programmed by group and small group instruction in a select group of teachers, school language arts and math. Small group administrators, and regional and instruction may be targeted at specific national experts in school technology, skill development while large group educational best practices, and facility instruction allows for guided practice, design, the new elementary school is discussion, and group projects. aimed at developing life-long learners Students receive language arts and math prepared for Virginia’s rigorous, instruction in the homeroom setting and Standards of Learning. change classes for social studies, science, technology and “specials” At the elementary level, research shows (physical education, music, art, and that language arts and mathematics library.) This combination lends itself provide the basic building blocks for ______78 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION to a balanced curriculum bolstered by Accommodates 900 students and more “engaged learning time” for is expandable for an additional students. Furthermore, to ease transition 450 students. to kindergarten for students at risk, Three distinct K-3 academic preschool was incorporated in this schools or cities (Sunshine City, design. Evergreen City and Skyline City)—each accommodates 300 This building’s placement atop an K-3 students in its own three- existing knoll allows the middle floor story academic wing. Each (containing the entrance and most contains 12 regular classrooms, public spaces) to align with the second one reading classroom, one floor of the academies; thus circulation specialist classroom, one science is concentrated on the middle floor of lab - 25 students, one social the school. The constituent academies studies lab - 25 students, one are located in a radial pattern against the technology lab - 52 students, hillside, which both nestles the three special education rooms, academies against the public spaces and one instructional leader office opens the classrooms to abundant and one counselor office sunlight. The future preschool 22.4-acre campus featuring three community building will be centrally large playing fields, three paved located among shared public spaces, play areas and three playgrounds outdoor play areas, and parent and bus with age-appropriate playground drop-off zones. A series of prominent equipment indoor and outdoor gathering spaces Unique student commons or suggests that this campus is a place of “city square” and fitness center civic importance. Visual arts laboratory, music laboratory, library media center, Significant building components and TV production studio\ include sloped roofs, traditional red “Wee Deliver” Post Office, brick, and aluminum window systems classroom mailboxes and for copious daylight. State-of-the-art hallways designated as streets, lighting and mechanical systems avenues or parkways enhance the comfort of students and 62 total classrooms teachers alike. Computer technology is Three academic 52-computer an integral part of the new school laboratories, 900 computer ports design, as well. The new elementary with Internet access, destination school provides a bright beginning for presentation system with 32” young students who will eventually monitor, DVD, and video in graduate from the new Manassas Park each classroom and laboratory— High School. each regular classroom features 4 computers and each social Basic Facts studies or science lab features 8 121,000 sq. ft., three-story computers building with large windows and Six interdisciplinary teacher natural lighting office complexes
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600 computers, 25 miles of fiber mathematics while still optic and CAT5 cable providing a strong focus upon Total cost $14.2 million for social studies, science and building, furnishings, technology technology and surrounding The parallel block schedule, one campus improvements in which student-to-teacher $80.30 per sq. ft. for building ratios are significantly reduced costs only and $89.39 per sq. ft. four out of six instructional for building and site blocks (11:1 — 12:1) development costs—this is the The schedule provides more second least expensive extended blocks of uninterrupted elementary school project of “engaged learning time” for fourteen elementary schools students placed under contract during Social studies and science taught fiscal year 2000. Statewide in specially designed average for construction in fiscal laboratories by full-time year 2000 was $92.99 per sq. ft. teachers energized to teach their for building costs only and favorite subject area $107.51 per sq. ft. for building Technology is an integral part of and site development cost. all classroom learning (Virginia Department of Students within the parallel Education) block schedule have both large Extensive cabinetry and and small group instruction in provisions for storage of language arts and math provided instructional materials in the homeroom setting by their throughout the facility homeroom teacher Innovative and graduated color Elementary students change coding of each academic city classes for science, social and each floor building studies, technology, physical incorporates the concept of education, art, music, and library auditory privacy and visual Special curriculum offerings— openness art, music, physical education and library--are on a 6-day Highlights from the Educational rotational cycle providing for Program consistency and predictability Educational program and The combination of routine architectural design developed movement and more “hands-on” cooperatively by a select group activities reduces restlessness, of teachers, school decreases disciplinary issues and administrators, regional and allows students to form national experts in facility relationships with additional design, technology and students and teachers educational practices Collaborative and The curriculum designed to interdisciplinary planning, place an extraordinary focus teaching, learning and pacing of upon language arts and the curriculum by multiple ______80 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION
teachers ensures that students are learning the appropriate material across grade levels Strong emphasis upon the personalization of each student’s educational experience; the school within a school concept and instruction in daily small group settings allows for such personalization A highly accessible, organized and aligned curriculum Figure 9.3 Manassas Park Elementary School Library is visually connected to both the city square and academic cities allowing for Manassas Park Elementary greater participation and School information distribution Unique city square and physical Fourth and Fifth graders formerly fitness center providing a variety housed in Conner Elementary School of educational functions were relocated to Manassas Park Professional interdisciplinary Elementary School in September 2001, teacher offices foster a 12 acre campus on Tremont Street collaboration, encourage adjoining Costello Park. This facility program development “Wee has undergone moderate renovations Deliver” Post Office, Writing from 2000-2003, and will continue to and Communication Center that receive moderate renovations from are integral components of the 2004-2007. Long-term plans of MPCS curriculum call for a replacement of the entire A building of enormous facility one of the two sites on Cougar educational importance and Elementary School’s campus or on the community use Costello Park Manassas Park Before and After School Elementary School site. As of July Program available to parents and 2006, the Manassas Park Elementary promoted by the Parks and School facility consisted of 32,324 Recreation Department square feet of original building and 14,822 square feet of modular classrooms (19). Two pairs of these modulars are connected to create two large 50-student laboratories. The remaining fourteen modulars serve as individual classrooms with all modulars, including the two technology laboratories, containing bathrooms. The total complex now includes twenty original standard classrooms, fourteen modular classrooms, two 50 student
______81 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION modular laboratories, library media books, reports etc. Technology is an center, multipurpose room and an important part of the writing process adjoining kitchen, clinic, teacher and all students participate in planning area, teacher offices, and keyboarding and desktop publishing. offices for the principal, assistant Oral communication skills are included principal and guidance counselor. in all classrooms through activities such School leaders estimate the capacity of as oral reports and book talks. Students Manassas Park Elementary School with are expected to master the Virginia modulars at 400 students. Manassas Standards of Learning in Language Arts Park Elementary School’s 2003-2004 as measured by the end of 5th grade enrollment is 375. SOL tests.
Beginning in September 1999, the Mathematics at Manassas Park fourth and fifth grade students Elementary School includes instruction participated in a parallel block schedule. in mathematical concepts along with This schedule allows each student to basic computational practice. Teachers have a variety of educational are committed to “hands-on” experiences that support student instructional strategies to help students learning. All students have two periods understand number relationships. Math of math, two periods of language arts, instruction focuses on traditional one period of social studies and one strands of learning: numbers and period of science daily. Students also number sense, computation and have physical education, music, library, estimation, measurement, geometry, technology, and guidance weekly. probability and statistics, and algebra. Within the parallel block schedule, students have both large group and Social studies and science objectives are small group instruction in language arts outlined in the Virginia Standards of and math. Small group instruction may Learning. Both social studies and be targeted at specific skill development science are taught by teacher/specialists. while large group instruction allows for Instruction in the content areas guided practice, discussion, and group combines technology, research and projects. Students receive language arts experiential learning. Both science and and math instruction in the homeroom social studies are integrated in math and setting and change classes for social language arts instruction. studies, science, and “specials” (physical education, music, library, Pre-School Program guidance). Manassas Park City Schools also serve pre-school children through a variety of Language arts at Manassas Park programs that include Head Start, Four Elementary School, integrates reading, Year Old Kindergarten and Special writing, and speaking. Teachers use a Education Pre- School. Head Start balanced approach to reading, serves children from low income incorporating whole language, phonics, families within the boundaries of basal textbooks, and trade books. Cougar Elementary School. The Four Writing is taught as a process leading to Year Old Kindergarten serves children publication of student newspapers, who may need additional skills to
______82 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION prepare for kindergarten while Special student commons, fitness center, Education Pre-School provides gymnasium, administrative offices, educational and therapeutic services to wrestling center, multipurpose room, children with disabilities. three technology laboratories and two music rooms. The building also World Class Music Program contains MPCS transportation offices In a continuing effort to provide quality and, maintenance facilities. Significant experiences for all students, Manassas facility renovations have been Park City Schools provides an exciting completed during the period 2002-2005 band program for all fifth grade and these include reconstruction of five students. Two full-time band teachers elective laboratories, two computer implement this program and every fifth rooms, one wrestling center, an grade students is provided an instrument alternative learning center and and receives high quality musical transportation office. From 2005-2006, instruction in a small group (sectional – Manassas Park Middle School has large instrument) setting in two fifty- undergone a major modernization five minute period every six school which includes 100,000 sq. ft. of new days. After school instruction also is construction and 40,000 sq. ft. of provided along with numerous concerts. renovation. The capacity of the new Manassas Park Middle School is approximately 725 students with 550 students to be enrolled during the 2005- 2006 school year. The shared campus facilities include Cougar Stadium, varsity softball field, varsity baseball field, five practice fields and MPCS’ bus compound.
Manassas Park Middle School offers a unique and exceptional instructional program for our city’s students, including many best practices such as four teacher interdisciplinary teams and block scheduling. The instructional day is based upon the utilization of expanded time in the core subject areas. Figure 9.4 Manassas Park Middle School In language arts and mathematics Manassas Park Middle School students Manassas Park Middle School all receive double the daily instructional time allotted in grades six through eight Manassas Park Middle School at 8202 (90 minutes). Each instructional block Euclid Avenue shares the 59-acre is ninety minutes with every student campus with Manassas Park High enrolled in four blocks each day. School. This new 140,000 sq. ft. building contains 45 standard The middle school students attend a classrooms, library media center, math and a language art block every ______83 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION day. Their third block is either a who have improved to move into other science or a social studies class. exploratories and other students to Science and social studies meets every receive additional needed assistance. other day on the A/B day schedule for Additionally, eighth graders have the all grade levels. This schedule is opportunity to gain two high school utilized in order to prepare the middle credits in Algebra I and/or Spanish I. school students for the high school alternating day schedule as well as Students with special needs are prepare for the 8th grade SOL addressed through several programs. assessments. The fourth block of the Special education students are served in day also employs the A/B block resource, self-contained and inclusion schedule, known as an alternating day settings. Gifted students are clustered block schedule. Some of the blocks are together on teams or combined in multi- split into 45 minute sections to age classes with other gifted students. accommodate a wealth of exploratory choices in addition to remediation classes. Classes are offered for a full year or for a semester. The sixth grade exploratories are physical education (year), Spanish, music, keyboarding, introduction to business, band (year), choir (year), reading remediation, English Language Learner (ELL) support, and art. The seventh grade exploratories are physical education (year), Spanish, keyboarding, computer applications, band (year), choir (year), reading remediation, ELL support, and art. The fourth block for eighth graders is again an A/B block with physical education (year), introduction to careers, art, reading remediation, ELL support, band (year), choir (year) or Figure 9.5 Manassas Park High School Spanish I (year). Teen living is offered at during some of the exploratory time Manassas Park High School for each grade level. Students have the opportunity each year to choose their Manassas Park High School represents top three exploratory classes. The an academic complex that maximizes guidance department at the middle space and resources and serves as a school honors at least two of the three civic focal point. The original building choices. Remediation classes for built in February 1999, contains reading are offered for students based 102,000 square feet, and with a 41,000 on need. Students may not remain in square foot addition completed in April remediation for the entire school year. 2004, the total square footage is After the first semester, performance 143,000 square feet. The capacity is data and teacher input allow students 1025 students. There is great pride in
______84 Chapter Nine: EDUCATION the vision, quality, and innovativeness corridors and stairs that also of the architectural design. A careful function as teaching spaces and planning process has resulted in one of informal learning places; the finest school buildings in the gymnasium and physical world—a school building designed to education wing which is devoted house a world class curriculum and to promoting physical fitness educate the students of Manassas Park and adult wellness; st for the Information Age of the 21 Excellent competition and Century. practice fields, which enhance both athletic, physical education The educational program and the and community use. architectural design promote one another. This feature facilitates the The area around the building is employment and encouragement of a preserved allowing teaching in the wide variety of teaching and learning surrounding natural environment. strategies, the delivery of a vast set of Additionally, the first and second floors, curriculum offerings, and the extensive as well as the physical education use of technology. Every learning complex, can be isolated from the rest space--from classrooms to student of the building facilitating extensive commons to informal individual community access and use. learning spaces—allows access to a wide variety of technology. The new Manassas Park High School The new Manassas Park High School has already proven to be a tremendous also features: asset. Since opening in February 1999 technology laboratories every indicator of student educational preparing students for the future performance has increased dramatically in a wide variety of disciplines; with students showing a new an organizational structure enthusiasm for learning. which groups students into small, personalized clusters; As of September 2000, our school academic spaces arranged in designed by VMDO Architects of compact houses which allows Charlottesville, Virginia has been for flexibility and promotes awarded seven major architectural today’s interdisciplinary awards: 2000 National School Board teaching strategies; Association Exhibition of School flexible use of time and space; Architecture, Citation of Excellence, a unique student commons 2000 Learning By Design Grand Prize, located at the heart of the school 1999 National AIA Committee on which serves as both a gathering Architecture for Education Merit place for students as well as a Award, 1999 Virginia School Board learning space throughout the Association First Place, 1999 Virginia day Society Excellence in Architecture a media center that is visually Award, 1999 Central Virginia AIA connected to both the student Honor Award, and 1997 Virginia commons and academic wings School Boards Association Honor Award.
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Basic Facts destination presentation system 143, 000 sq. ft. three-story with 36” monitor, DVD and building with large windows and video in each classroom and lab natural lighting 40 miles of fiber optic and CAT Original total cost $14.2 million 5 cable for building, furnishings, Seven interdisciplinary teacher technology and surrounding offices campus improvements TV-production studio Original total cost of $7 million for the building addition, Highlights from the Educational furnishings, technology, and Program surrounding campus Educational program and improvements architectural design promote one Accommodates 650 students and another and promote the is expandable to 800 students development of a learning Unique student commons organization Four practice and three varsity A building of enormous competition fields and a educational importance and gymnasium that seats 1200 community use people and has two full Employment of a wide variety basketball and volleyball courts of teaching and learning 56 classrooms with seven strategies academic computer labs Strong emphasis on technology, 1800 computer ports with fire arts, and physical fitness internet access, 24 computer A highly organized and aligned ports per classroom with curriculum Corridors, stairs, and student Graduation commons serving as learning 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 spaces The library is visually connected to both the student commons Total Number of Graduates 92 91 106 118 120 Advanced Studies Diploma 39 33 68 36 45 and academic wings allowing Standard Diploma 50 55 37 57 62 for greater participation and Graduates 3 3 1 4 0 information distribution Special Diploma 0 0 0 6 10 Strengthened and expanded GED 8 0 student activities program GED/ISAEP Certificate 7 3 Interdisciplinary planning,
teaching, and learning Table 9.7 Graduation Statistics and Senior Plans Unique student commons area or atrium space, providing a variety of education functions Professional office spaces for faculty
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Private Educational education by utilizing an enriched Opportunities curriculum and Bible study. The Elementary curriculum includes: MANASSAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL daily Bible study, phonetically based Manassas Christian School is situated reading program, English and process on a 10-acre site at 9296 West writing, spelling, handwriting, math, Carondelet Drive, Manassas Park, social studies, and science. The Middle Virginia. The 18,000 sq. ft. school School curriculum includes: daily bible building with a capacity of 300 study, literature based reading, English students, houses 18 classrooms, a and process writing, vocabulary study, gymnasium, library, computer and math, social studies and science. science lab, foreign language lab and music room. The current enrollment is Specialty classes in Spanish, German, 188 students. The campus contains a music, art, physical education and playground, soccer and baseball fields, computer round out the curriculum, and basketball court and outdoor pool. provide the cultural, technical, and physical development of students. The Manassas Christian School was school’s calendar is designed on a six- established by Mr. and Mrs. Robert week grading schedule. Interim reports Copeland in September 1965, offering a are issued mid-term to keep parents kindergarten program to the community. informed of their student’s progress. Senior Plans The teachers send home a weekly letter 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 to the parents, outlining concepts that will be taught that week.
4-Year College 73% 36% 28% 22% 40% Com. College/Technical School hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 14% 44% 42% 43.2% 37% School 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A 20% 30% 33% 23% Military/Workforce 13% creative before and after school program is available to students from
6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 - 6:30 Table 9.8 Senior Plans p.m. After school clubs and sports meet In 1987, Minnieland Private Day daily from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. School became its owner and began 15 THE FAIRFAX ACADEMY years of program and facility The Fairfax Academy was established enhancement. It now encompasses two in March of 1977 as a private institution campuses: Manassas Christian of early learning and development Academy in Manassas, Virginia, the where young children of all pre-school and kindergarten center, and backgrounds, races and ethnic heritages Manassas Christian School in Manassas could learn and grow together. There Park, Virginia. The new facility in are several Fairfax Academy schools Manassas Park was designed to meet throughout the Northern Virginia area the academic, social and emotional and the facility on Manassas Drive, needs of children in Grades 1 – 8. Manassas Park, Virginia opened in Manassas Christian School has Spring of 2003. combined academics with character
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The academic program (September dramatic play, fine motor, and gross through mid-June) encompasses a full motor skills. educational and developmental curriculum for children ages six weeks Three-Year-Old Program: The three- through Kindergarten, supplemented by year-old developmental skills program a schedule of enrichment activities, builds on those concepts initially optional language and dance classes, introduced in the two-year-old and an organized sporting program. curriculum and helps the three-year-old The summer program (mid-June develop language, math, science, fine through the end of August) consists of a and gross motor skills, and socialization variety of age-appropriate recreational skills more proficiently. activities, sports, field trips and arts and crafts. Jr. Kindergarten (Four-Year-Old) Program: Curriculum Overview: The Beginning Readiness program is a The Fairfax Academy’s academic carefully sequenced pre-phonics curriculum is planned to meet the needs curriculum in which the individual and interest of the very young child. child’s success is the key to the Through play, group participation, program. individual activities, and experiences; each child is encouraged to grow Kindergarten (Five-Year-Old) Program: socially, emotionally, intellectually, and The reading curriculum is a specialized physically. Once the children reach language arts program which integrates two-years of age, they will follow a reading, handwriting, auditory and oral designed instructional program. It language skills for the child. introduces the child to visual and Hours of Operation for the Jr. auditory discrimination concepts and Kindergarten and the Kindergarten develops skills in listening and program, are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 following directions. Fine motor skills p.m. The Fairfax Academy offers a are developed through using programmed place for students before manipulatives and large motor skills are and after school, ages six to twelve developed through exercises, outdoor years old. Children from other area play, etc. schools can enroll and participate in study hall, arts and crafts, organized Components of the Curriculum: games, and enrichment activities. Infants and Toddlers: An infant and toddler program is offered to children BULL RUN BAPTIST CHURCH ages six weeks to twenty-three months. AND SCHOOL The Bull Run Baptist Church has Two-Year-Old Program: The two-year- recently purchased Independence old developmental skills program has a Elementary School building and four focused agenda, which includes and one and half acres of the original exercises geared toward the 14.775 acre site. The plans call for a development of self- private Christian school and church concept/interpersonal skill, language facility. The original building was skills, senses, mathematical patterns, comprised of 17 rooms and a multi- purpose room/gymnasium and library. ______88 Chapter Ten: PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety
Overview The city also participates in Virginia’s Mutual Aid Program, which provides support in the event One of the primary concerns of of a major incident. city government is the safety of its The city currently shares an 800 citizens. The threat of crime and MHz radio system with Manassas violence, as well as other individual City for dispatching. This system is or community disasters, requires that also being implemented by Prince a considerable emphasis be placed William County. Changes to this on the facilities and services of the system are coordinated between the agencies dedicated to providing jurisdictions to ensure we maintain protection for citizens and property. compatibility with each other. There is a two-fold reason for this The city enjoys an advantageous compatibility – one is the Mutual Mutual Aid Agreement (Agreement) Aid Agreement between the with the City of Manassas and Prince jurisdictions; the second is the reality William County. The Agreement of the increased terrorist threat since allows the City to request emergency September 11, 2001. response assistance from those surrounding jurisdictions. This The following four sections, enables the city to offer a highly covering the Fire and Rescue effective and rapid response to the Department, the Police Department, city’s emergency service needs even the Emergency Communications when the city’s own resources are Center and the Animal Control committed to on-going incidents. Department provide a more detailed This service has worked well for the analysis of each department. city in helping to ensure that emergency responders are readily available and is reciprocal to all parties at no extra cost.
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Fire and Rescue Today, the Fire and Rescue Department Department, consisting of 25 uniformed personnel, provides the following services to the city: Background Fire prevention and education The Town of Manassas Park initiated Fire inspections and its first fire and rescue service in investigations 1965. This all volunteer department Fire suppression received state-certified training from Emergency medical service Fairfax County. Fire service was with Advance Life Support provided using a 1951 Pirsch Squad functionality truck and a 1956 Ford Pumper, both purchased from Fairfax County. The major apparatus used by the Fire Emergency medical service was and Rescue Department include: provided by a 1965 Plymouth station wagon outfitted as an ambulance and Two (2) 2003 Ford Advanced staffed by basic first aid providers. Life Support Ambulances 2004 Pierce Quint 100’ In 1975 when Manassas Park Platform Ladder Truck became a city, Prince William (Quint) County provided a career fire staff 1996 Pierce Quantum for one year. Pumper 1988 Pierce Arrow Pumper 1994 Ford Brush Truck Hazardous Materials Unit Trailer
Fire Hydrants
The city has a complete fire hydrant system that provides water flow and pressure to support fire-fighting activities throughout the city. The fire hydrants are maintained and tested on an annual basis by Fire Figure 10.1 Fire and Rescue Equipment Department personnel to ensure adequate operation and water flow. On July 1, 1976, the City of The city has begun a four-phase Manassas Park hired its first career project to upgrade the water system. fire and rescue employees – three The improvements include additional firefighters and two emergency fire hydrants in areas where there medical technicians. ______90 Chapter Ten: PUBLIC SAFETY were previously excessive distances Purchases of large apparatus such as between hydrants. When complete, pumpers, Quints and ladder trucks the distance between fire hydrants are typically financed through will be less than 500 feet throughout lease/purchase programs. These the city, providing a more convenient programs are designed to finance water source for firefighting essential expensive equipment over a purposes. In addition, the water flow normal lease period of 5 to 7 years, and pressure will be increased or thus mitigating the fiscal impact on enhanced throughout the city. (See small departments in any single year. the Public Works section for additional information) Ambulance purchases in Manassas Park have traditionally been Vehicle Replacement Program purchased using existing funds in conjunction with the Commonwealth During the early years of the city, of Virginia Rescue Squad Assistance there existed no plan for the Fund, (R.S.A.F.) 50/50 match grant replacement of aging equipment. program. Through all of the 1970s and most of the 1980s, replacing the larger fire Services Provided apparatus was mostly overlooked due to the cost of replacing them. Listed below are a sampling of the Recognizing the need to ensure the services provided by the Fire and Fire and Rescue Department had Rescue Department: reliable and modern equipment for the safety of its citizens, the Fire and Fire Safety Education Rescue Department has implemented Kindergarten-3rd grade; a vehicle replacement program. This Flow test and maintenance of program, consistent with the city’s all city hydrants; long-term strategic planning goals, Provide and install free provides a realistic budget forecast smoke detectors; for the replacement of high-dollar- Home fire safety inspections; value fire and rescue equipment. Child car seat installation and inspection; The current vehicle replacement Host an annual open house schedule is: and Santa Claus ride; Conduct station tours for Table 10.1 Fire & Rescue Vehicle various groups; Replacement Schedule Provide on-site emergency Item Primary Backup medical services to city high Ambulance 4 years 4 years school football games; Fire – pumper 10 years 5 years Assist in opening non- Fire – ladder 10 years* 5 years* emergency vehicles and * Dependent on actual utilization home lock outs.
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Facilities radio systems, and cell phones. The IT needs for the Department range On April 23, 2005, the Fire and from your typical office software Rescue Department had an official (i.e., word processing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This new spreadsheets) to wireless telemetry state of the art fire and rescue station transmission of vital patient is located at 9080 Manassas Drive information from the incident scene just west of its intersection with to the hospital. The IT needs for the Euclid Avenue. The site of the new paramedics are, in reality, driven by station places it near the center of the the capabilities of the local hospitals. city, thus improving response times To ensure we provide the best to the eastern area of the city, while possible care to our citizens, any IT minimizing any negative impact to system supporting the paramedics response times to the western area of must be compatible with local the city. hospital systems. The new Fire and Rescue Station Citizen Emergency Response was designed with sufficient space to Team (CERT) allow reasonable growth of the Department, as the city reaches build To improve the emergency response out. preparedness of the city, the Fire and Rescue Department implemented a In addition to housing emergency Citizen Emergency Response Team vehicles, the fire station provides (CERT) program. Currently the office and training spaces, sleeping CERT program has 22 volunteers, quarters, a full-service kitchen, and has received 18 hours of workout and recreation areas, and training. living and storage spaces for the Fire and Rescue personnel. The Manassas Park CERT is comprised of city employees and Training citizens interested in being active members of a volunteer The city's Fire and Rescue neighborhood-based disaster Department uses the training response team. Training is free and facilities of Prince William County prepares the members to assist the to meet the state-mandated training Fire and Rescue department and to requirements for firefighters. assist friends, relatives and neighbors Paramedic training is accomplished in a disaster. Training covered through local colleges and approved includes: Introduction to Disasters, training facilities. Medical Operations including first aid, triage, and CPR, Basic Search Information Technology and Rescue skills, Basic Fire Suppression skills, Team Information technology (IT) needs Organization, Disaster Psychology, for the Department include Introduction to Terrorism response. computers, software, telephones, ______92 Chapter Ten: PUBLIC SAFETY
Goals and Objectives
GOALS COMPETENCE
Save lives and preserve We will strive to be property; proficient and optimally Maintain the highest levels of effective. training and education; We will continually work to Promote health and safety improve our knowledge of throughout the community; the profession and individual Endeavor to always excel in and collective performances. our effort to meet our five department goals. IMAGE
INTEGRITY We will seek to improve and protect the public image of We will be honest, forthright, the Department and the and loyal; profession. We will treat our customers Fostering community trust and each other with respect. shall remain a high priority.
TEAMWORK SERVICE
Only through effective We will provide quality life communication, positive safety, health care, property attitudes, shared work-loads conservation and and collective commitment environmental preservation will we meet our for our customers in a safe, responsibilities to the timely, professional and community; effective manner. Through constructive actions, comments, suggestions and an openness to new ideas, we shall achieve our team goals and objectives. “We” rather than “I” will be the prevailing attitude and practice.
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Police Department Accreditation
The City’s Police Department is one The City of Manassas Park must of only 50 police departments maintain a sufficient police force to accredited by the Commonwealth of provide twenty-four hour police Virginia, out of 360 law enforcement protection and services for its departments within the residents, businesses, schools and commonwealth. The Police visitors. The Police Department has Department received its accreditation the sole responsibility for ensuring in 2003. To retain its accreditation public safety within the corporate status, the department must limits of the city. Our ability to continuously maintain the highest provide a quality level of police professional standards and be re- service is greatly affected by the inspected every four years. physical size of our service area and the amount of personnel available to patrol this locality. Our goal is always to maintain a safe, secure and well-protected community.
Background
The Town of Manassas Park initiated its own police protection in 1957. When Manassas Park acquired city Figure 10.2 Police Department Accreditation status in 1975, the Police Department The accreditation inspection covers consisted of 12 officers. over 200 accreditation standards, Currently, the Police Department covering everything from crime employs 27 sworn officers and two scene investigation to filing of forms non-sworn civilian members and records. assigned various administrative and record keeping duties to provide all Vehicle Replacement Program law enforcement services within the city. Department detectives are During the early years of the city, assigned to regional task forces and there existed no plan for the police K-9 units are assigned to replacement of aging police patrol duties. equipment. Recognizing the need to ensure the Police Department had The Police Department maintains a reliable and modern equipment for fleet of 12 of marked police vehicles, the safety of its personnel and 4 unmarked police vehicles, 1 citizens, the Police Department has emergency operations center vehicle implemented a vehicle replacement and 6 bicycles for their bike patrol. program.
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Table 10.2 Police Vehicle the mileage of the vehicle is not a Replacement Schedule good replacement indicator. The 05 06 07 08 09 public safety replacement program is Marked based mainly on the age of the 3 4 3 2 3 Police Car vehicle, not the mileage. Unmarked 0 1 1 Police Car 1 Facilities Mobile
Center 1 Currently, the Police Department occupies the Public Safety Building. This building was constructed to This program, consistent with the meet the needs of both the Police and city’s long-term strategic planning Fire and Rescue Departments in goals, provides a realistic budget 1988. The Fire and Rescue forecast for the replacement of police Department recently moved into the equipment. new fire station, leaving the Police Department as the sole occupant. With the increasing population growth within the city and the events of September 11, 2001, the need for an Emergency Operations Center is evident. The current building is unable to adequately meet these and future needs. With this in mind, the city recently purchased land adjacent to the existing building and has Figure 10.3 Police Department Vehicle begun construction on a modern police station, which should be Most of the city’s police vehicles are completed by the early part of 2007. in use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, police vehicles idle for Training extended periods of time; therefore, The Police Department utilizes the Northern Virginia Justice Academy training facilities in Loudon County to meet the Commonwealth’s mandated training requirements for police officers.
Information Technology
Information technology (IT) needs Figure 10.4 Department K-9 Unit for the Department include computers, software, telephones,
______95 Chapter Ten: PUBLIC SAFETY radio systems, and cell phones. The Department has seen an increase in IT needs for the Department range calls for services during the past from typical office software (i.e. several years. The public appreciates word processing and spreadsheets) to and frequently requests the high specialized programs supporting visibility of police personnel. state requirements for crime reporting. One method of increasing the visibility of the officers within the The Department also uses mobile city was to create a new color data terminals (laptop computers) in scheme, potentially blue/grey to tie each of its vehicles. These terminals into the historical background of the allow the officers to perform tasks area, for the marked police vehicles. such as vehicle registration checks The white color cars with blue and outstanding warrants without lettering previously used in the City going through the dispatchers. The did not readily stand out in traffic. Department recently upgraded the computers in its police cars to allow Goals and Objectives for advanced in-car reporting and GIS guided mapping capabilities. Promote a safe community by providing the highest quality of Near Term Outlook police services available with first class equipment and well-trained During the next few years, we personnel who are prepared for a project the population to increase wide variety of emergencies, and from 12,400 to 15,000. Residential, who serve the community in a commercial and industrial personal effective manner. development within the city continues to increase with the Maintain and renew Manassas Park addition of several new projects. The Police Department’s Virginia State- planned and current developments of accreditation, while providing a wide Park Center and the adjoining land range of law enforcement operations next to the VRE train station have and functions on a 24-hour, 7 days a further increased the community’s week basis from the Public Safety demands for our services. Building. Given the physical characteristics of the city, city police services are oriented towards all types of pro- active and reactive law enforcement activities. These include, but are not limited to, assaults, domestic disputes, burglaries, larcenies and traffic enforcement. Traffic radar enforcement is regularly requested within the community. The ______96 Chapter Ten: PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency Facilities Communications Center Currently, the Emergency Communications Center shares the ll calls for police and fire Public Safety Building with the A Police Department. Once the new services are routed through the police station is completed, the Emergency Communications Center Emergency Communications Center located in the Public Safety building. will be relocated.
Training
The Emergency Communications Center uses the training facilities in Loudon County to meet the state mandated training requirements for dispatchers.
Information Technology
Figure 10.5 Emergency Communications Information Technology (IT) needs Center for the Center include computers, Background software, telephones, radio systems, and cell phones. The IT needs for the Center range from typical office The city’s first Emergency software (i.e. word processing and Communications Center was staffed spreadsheets) to specialized by 2 employees who dispatched programs supporting state during the normal business day, with requirements for crime reporting. Prince William County providing dispatch services at all other times. In addition to the Mutual Aid arrangements with the City of The city implemented the Enhanced Manassas and Prince William 911 system in 1987. County, the Center is also tied into various Commonwealth law Today, the Emergency enforcement systems to facilitate the Communications Center is staffed coordination and communication of with six communications specialists law enforcement information and one communications supervisor throughout the Commonwealth. responsible for operating the E-911 system and dispatching both the police and fire departments.
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Animal Control Department value Animal Control Department items.
Background The current schedule replaces the animal control vehicle every five (5) The Town of Manassas Park years. received its animal control services from Prince William County. When Services Provided Manassas Park acquired city status, the City hired its first animal control Listed below are a sampling of the warden in 1976. services provided by the Fire and Rescue Department: Today, the Animal Control Department still consists of one (1) Dog licensing officer and one (1) animal control Animal code enforcement vehicle. Investigating charges of animal cruelty Vehicle Replacement Program Facilities Recognizing the need to ensure the Animal Control Department had Currently, the Animal Control reliable and modern equipment to Department shares the Public Safety ensure the safety of its citizens and Building with the Police Police animals that are captured and Department. Once the new police impounded, the Animal Control station is completed, the Animal Control Department will be relocated.
The City currently uses Manassas City’s new animal shelter. Training
The Animal Control Department uses Commonwealth-provided Figure 10.6 Animal Control Vehicle training.
Department has implemented a Information Technology vehicle replacement program. This program, consistent with the city’s Information technology (IT) needs long-term strategic planning goals, for the Department are the same as provides a realistic budget forecast for the Police Department. for the replacement of high-dollar-
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Land Use and Urban Design
Overview Original City and Annexations
Land that is being developed to accommodate human activity is The short history of the growth of something that, for the most part, will Manassas Park is like many other not typically change more than once similar communities in America. in a person’s lifetime. This means
that if you are involved in this Following periods of war the development, either as the developer, demand for housing generally peaks. a staff planner, planning This sends developers out to search commissioner or governing body for inexpensive land in the hinterland member, you have one chance to that is hopefully still close enough to influence this development in a the metropolitan center that many positive manner. The long lasting people are willing to undertake a results need to serve as a benefit to daily commute to and from work. the owner, the inhabitants and the With the development of hundreds of community as a whole. new homes and the arrival of the
accompanying residents, developers Though each development is unique, enter the scene anxious to provide there are many characteristics that are both the necessities and amenities common to the process. For this that Americans expect. reason a set of policies can be drafted
that guide the development process, For many homeowners, there is thereby assuring an orderly concern about what will be progression which can serve to reduce developed on undeveloped land some costs and a lot of the anxiety surrounding their investment. These that is inherent to the process. concerns give rise to the
development of zoning regulations. At the forefront of this process is Zoning provides both the residents determining which land uses belong and their mortgage companies a level or fit best on specific parcels of land. of assurance that property values Though this step is a part of the larger should at a minimum remain stable process, it has its own process that is and hopefully increase over time. the subject of this chapter. In Manassas Park the vast majority of the land has already been developed and most of it will not be redeveloped for many years. But those few remaining untouched parcels are as vital to the city as those already developed. It is mainly for them that this chapter is written. ______99 Chapter Eleven: LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
Figure 11.1 Annexations and Boundary Line Adjustments Map
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Zoning Districts Open Space Multi-family Residential Single Family Residential The purpose of zoning districts is Private Institution to define what land uses may be Town Center developed. Ideally, the result of establishing zoning districts is that Figure 11.2, the city's Future Land incompatible land uses are not Use Map, gives a visual located adjacent to each other. representation of the uses that are planned throughout the city. The zoning districts currently found in the city are as follows: Residential - existing
A-1 Agricultural As thoroughly described in Chapter R-1 Single-Family Residential 3, the original residential R-2 Multiple-Family Residential development eventually became the PUD Planned Unit Development City of Manassas Park took place on MU Mixed Use 337 acres of land and was comprised B-1 Neighborhood Business of approximately 1900 homes. Since B-2 General Business the initial development of the Cape I-1 Industrial Cod style homes in the 1950’s, there PF Public Facilities has been a variety of other housing FP Floodplain types built.
Through the years new communities Land Use Categories in the city were developed, bringing
a variety of housing opportunities, Land use categories provide including townhouses, apartments, guidance to property owners about condominiums, age restricted what sort of development the (senior) apartments and additional community envisions for areas of the single family detached houses. city. Such categories also provide
guidance to the Planning Commission and Governing Body in Residential - future determining whether to approve or deny applications to change the There are two pending developments zoning district for a particular parcel that will increase the amount of of property. residential development in Manassas Park. The first is the Park Station The land use categories currently townhouse and condominium used in the city for future planning development. This project will are as follows: contain approximately 400 units and will be located near the intersection Commercial of Carondelet Drive and Digital Industrial Drive. Construction of this project is Public & Utilities underway and should be built out in Recreation 2006.
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The other project that contains a neighborhood parks, road widening, residential component is Park sidewalk construction on both sides Center. In the first two phases of of city streets, and the upgrading of this project, up to 414 multifamily the public works infrastructure. units will be constructed. Later Impacts on the city’s school system phases could potentially contain would have to be evaluated. more dwelling units. Park Center is expected to break ground in 2006 The issue of redevelopment was and could span 8 to 10 years. discussed at the second Comprehensive Plan Town Hall There are several undeveloped meeting, held on May 1, 2004. The parcels of land that are suitable for city residents who attended discussed residential development. Lots 4, 5, redevelopment and preferred 5a, 6 and 7 of the Digital Park revitalization of current homes over Business Centre located on Digital large scale redevelopment. Drive are currently zoned I-1, Industrial. They are shown on the Overcrowding Future Land Use map as being planned for Multi-family Residential. Manassas Park, like other northern These lots are planned for residential Virginia communities, has been development because they are plagued in recent years with surrounded on three sides by overcrowding in its communities. residential uses. Only Lot 4 is Neighborhoods that may have adjacent to the industrial traditionally been comprised of development on Lot 3 of this houses with only one family each are subdivision. now facing the challenge of some residences housing several families The Digital Park Business Centre or, more commonly, one very large, lots were analyzed and discussed at extended family. The city’s code the May 1, 2004 Town Hall meeting. restricts the number of occupants in a The city residents who attended house to either four unrelated people indicated a preference for these lots or one family. The definition for to be developed as residential. family is broad enough that it includes anyone related by blood, Other than Park Center and Park marriage or adoption. Station, no other major residential developments are planned in the city. Overcrowding is a regional issue that must be addressed on a regional Redevelopment basis. Unfortunately, the impacts are typically local in nature. If a major redevelopment was to Overcrowded houses equate to occur, a detailed plan would be overcrowded schools, insufficient required to ensure that an appropriate parking on streets for vehicles, and mix of housing was included. This greater demands on city services plan would also require developers such as utilities and police and fire to address the improvement of support. Overcrowding can also be
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responsible for lower property values Several smaller businesses, primarily for nearby houses and can contribute oriented towards the highway service to crime and civil unrest due to industry, have opened in Manassas disagreements over loud music and Park between 1980 and 2000. These people congregating outside at late businesses are located along the hours while neighbors are attempting Route 28, Manassas Drive and to relax. Mathis Avenue corridors and include the Sheetz gasoline station and Commercial Land Use - convenience store, a large U-Haul existing facility, an automobile sales facility, and a fast food restaurant. In In 1962, the Manassas Park addition, during the same period, Shopping Center was developed on many of the shops in the Manassas Route 28 and was the primary Park Shopping Center acquired new business development in Manassas businesses that are oriented towards Park. It originally consisted of a the growing Hispanic population. Safeway grocery store, a Drug Fair and several smaller retail In 2002, the Manassas Park Village establishments. The shopping center Shopping Center was developed just contains approximately 72,000 north of the corner of Manassas and square feet of store area. Andrew Drives and complimented the existing 7-11 located at that When Safeway and Drug Fair moved corner. This new center added 16 out of the shopping center, they were businesses to meet the needs of ultimately replaced with uses that residents in the area. The businesses have generated much less business in this shopping center consist of which, in turn, has led to diminished specialty stores, a dentist, a dance commercial revenue for the city. studio and take-out and sit-down Although the center was remodeled restaurants. with the existing storefronts in 1994, it is in need of major improvements The city has also seen development in order to attract and maintain on Manassas Drive immediately to customers, including repairs to the the east of the railroad tracks. parking lot, which has deteriorated. Yappie Cuttery, a full-service pet Because this center is located on a care facility, and the Fairfax prominent site at the gateway to the Academy Daycare both recently city, it reflects on the whole city and opened on the south side of helps to shape the opinions of the Manassas Drive. A new professional traveling public regarding the city. A office building is nearing completion major revitalization effort would near the entrance to the VRE station. help attract new businesses and customers to the Manassas Park Commercial Land Use - future Shopping Center, enabling it to once again be an asset to the community. There are still a number of key areas in the city that are likely to be developed for commercial uses. On
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the west end on Manassas Drive, These undeveloped parcels were adjacent to both the existing Public analyzed and discussed at the May 1 Safety building and the new police Town Hall meeting. The city station that is under construction, are residents who attended indicated a two parcels of land that are referred preference for these lots to be to as Kent Village. The plans for developed as a mixed-use this property include a convenience development which would store and gas station as well as a compliment Park Center. building that will contain both retail and office uses. Plans call for Kent In addition to the properties along Village to be developed within the Manassas Drive east of the railroad next couple of years. tracks, the parcels abutting Euclid Avenue north of Blooms Quarry There are a few lots that line Lane are ideal for commercial Manassas Drive between the railroad development. This corridor is tracks and Andrew Drive that are envisioned to be a major gateway planned for commercial uses. This into the city if Euclid Avenue is area has been identified for extended north into Prince William commercial development for many County. It is also adjacent to the years; because Manassas Drive is a area planned for a town center. major road it is a logical location for Commercial development would commercial development since most provide a good transition from the businesses prefer locations that have existing industrial uses in Conner significant traffic volumes passing Center to the mixed use area of Park their sites. Center.
The parcels located near the Because both the Manassas Drive intersection of Manassas Drive and and Euclid Drive corridors are Digital Drive that are currently connected to Park Center, new zoned Industrial are planned for development along these two road Commercial uses. This area has must conform to the Park Center changed dramatically since it was Design Standards & Guidelines, zoned Industrial and this use no dated March 7, 2002 and attached to longer fits in with the uses on this Comprehensive Plan as neighboring properties. Only one of Appendix A. these parcels, known as Lot 3, has been developed for industrial uses; the construction of a warehouse-style building on this site highlighted the need for more compatible commercial development in this area. Such commercial development would complement Park Center and help increase an important commercial tax base for the City.
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Park Center Park Center – Long-Term View
The Park Center development will The Park Center development will initially encompass 15.7 acres of be a mixed-use, town center city-owned land on the west side of development which will be located Manassas Drive across from the on both sides of Manassas Drive in existing City Hall as well as a two the vicinity of the existing City Hall. acre parcel of land in the southeast It will be a major commercial quadrant of the Manassas Drive/Park enterprise for the city that will be Center Court intersection. The city- developed over the next 8 - 10 years. owned site is comprised of land that previously housed the Conner The Park Center Design Standards Elementary School and a parcel of and Guidelines, which were the land that the city acquired recently culmination of much effort by City from Prince William County. residents and representatives and Ultimately, Park Center will provide which were drafted by the City with needed services for residents by assistance from the City's providing a rich mix of dining, retail, consultants, Sympoetica, were business and professional offerings. honored with the Outstanding Site Specific Plan Award for 2003 by the Park Center is planned to include a Virginia Chapter of the American much larger area than the original Planning Association. This development. The area planned for recognition affirmed that Park Center the Town Center encompasses the was a valid plan for improving the properties generally located between city for many years to come. Euclid Avenue on the west, the Although the Design Standards and railroad tracks on the east and Prince Guidelines were not incorporated in William County to the north and toto into the ultimate design of Park south. Like the areas planned for Center, they were nonetheless Commercial, development of parcels instrumental in getting the Park planned for the Town Center will Center project off the ground and also need to conform to the Park weighed heavily on the final design Center Design Standards & of the project. The City's efforts in Guidelines. the design process was necessary because, unlike many cities, The historic Conner House, which is Manassas Park does not have an old adjacent to Park Center, is being downtown that was created over time renovated and will complement the and evolved from early rural Park Center development. In settlement patterns. Rather, addition, it is hoped that the success Manassas Park must create a city of Park Center will encourage center from the ground up. festivals and street fairs throughout the year which will add to its ability to attract visitors from the surrounding area.
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Park Center is anticipated to create a The contract allows the developer to favorable long-term tax base for the purchase and develop each phase city. The mix of uses will attract separately. diners and shoppers from around the surrounding area. Revenues will be Park Center - Phase One generated from sales tax, meals tax, room tax – if a motel/hotel is The developer is expected to developed – as well as property tax. purchase and commence Because the property will be development of the first phase of purchased and developed by the Park Center in mid to late 2006, with developer, there is little risk to the completion anticipated within two city. Each phase will be sold years. independently and if the project does not materialize as anticipated, the This phase will include two four- city will retain any undeveloped land story multiple use buildings on the and can sell to other investors. western side of Manassas Drive. These buildings will contain Park Center is also expected to create commercial and/or office uses on the upwards of 275 new jobs. Many of first floor and residential uses on the these will be in restaurant and retail second, third and fourth floors. This sales and ideally will be filled by phase will include 45,000 square feet Manassas Park residents. The office of commercial/office space and space that is being created will be 25,000 square feet of "flex" space ideal for start-up businesses. There that will be developed as either are many home businesses in commercial/office space or Manassas Park that may also want to residential space, depending on the take advantage of the new office market when plans are finalized. In space as a means of expanding their addition, 230 dwelling units are operations. It is desirable that Park planned for this phase, to be located Center will be a catalyst for many of in both multiple use buildings. the existing businesses in the city to Surface parking for the improve their properties and perhaps commercial/office uses within the new businesses to move into some of first phase of Park Center will be the underutilized properties in the located in lots throughout the project, city. along the internal streets and Manassas Drive, and in a temporary Park Center – Under Contract lot on the eastern side of Manassas Drive near the existing City Hall. On October 22, 2005, the Governing Ultimately, a parking garage is Body entered into a contract with envisioned for this area that will CRC Manassas Park LLC to develop serve both Park Center and an the first three phases of Park Center. expanded Virginia Railway Express Dividing the project into multiple station. phases was agreed to as a way of allowing time for each phase to take Alliance Bank, which has been root before starting the next phase. operating out of temporarily facilities
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for over three years, has reached an Conner Center is 207 acres of land agreement with the city and the that was annexed from Prince developer to locate in the ground William County to provide a floor of the northernmost multiple diversified tax base and revenue purpose building in the project. The stream for the city. As a planned bank also expects to have a drive- development, the entire Conner through banking kiosk constructed Center has been developed with for the convenience of its customers. industrial uses and has served the city well for 22 years. Park Center - Phase Two Being an industrial area, Conner The second phase of Park Center, Center has problems that are typical which is really a continuation of the to industrial sites, including the first phase, will extend north from outside storage of discarded the two buildings in phase one to equipment and inoperable vehicles, Euclid Avenue. It is proposed for up accumulation of trash and old to 62,500 square feet of vehicle parts and the placement of commercial/office space and up to unpermitted signage. Several 275 residential units. The residential positive steps have been taken to units will be located in the multiple abate these ongoing issues: use building and in the residential complex. • Streetscape planning along Euclid Drive from Manassas Park Center - Phase Three Drive to the Manassas Park High School is intended to The development of Phase Three spur individual property depends on the city finding a suitable owners to spruce up their location on which to construct a new sites. City Hall. If that occurs, the city and • A grant has been applied for the developer will then determine the to fund the streetscapes exact plan for the existing City Hall improvements. site. However, at least 70% of the • The zoning ordinance has third phase must be developed for been amended to regulate the commercial/office uses, with no keeping of inoperable more than 30% being developed for vehicles within the industrial residential uses. If the city decides area. not to construct a new City Hall on a new site, this property will not be Although measures have been taken purchased and developed by the to improve the industrial sites in developer. Conner Center, it is envisioned that Euclid Avenue could one day Industrial Land Use - existing become an alternate north-south corridor through the city and into In 1982, Manassas Park broke Prince William County. When this ground on the Conner Center occurs, the Euclid Avenue corridor Industrial and Business Park. The will become another gateway into
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the city. Properties along Euclid Industrial Land Use - future Avenue north of Manassas Drive will be able to take advantage of the As the city moves toward build-out, extra traffic. This will also allow the all future industrial uses should be City’s downtown to extend north to limited to properties within Conner the County. It is therefore desirable Center. Because Conner Center is for those properties to be rezoned for also envisioned for the City’s new commercial and office uses to serve downtown, all industrial uses in the increased traffic. Conner Center must be compatible with the mixed-use and planned unit In 2001, the Digital Business Park development that is more consistent subdivision was approved by the with a downtown. Future industrial city. This subdivision encompassed development must also conform to 81 acres of land located between the the Park Center Design Standards Norfolk Southern railroad tracks and and Guidelines. Preferably, the Belmont Station townhouse industrial properties within Conner development. This entire 81-acre Center will be rezoned to mixed-use parcel had been zoned I-1, Industrial or planned unit development districts for many years but the rezoning that and redeveloped for retail, office accompanied the subdivision and/or residential uses. In addition, changed that. The rezoning of this while it is unlikely that the new property divided it into three zoning warehouse that was developed on districts with approximately 46.97 Lot 3 of the Digital Park Business acres remaining as industrial Centre will be redeveloped in the property. A subsequent rezoning in near future, it is desirable that the 2004 reduced the remaining other industrially zoned properties industrial property down to along Digital Drive will be rezoned approximately 23 acres comprised of to residential and that Lot 3 be the eight lots that are locate between redeveloped as commercial. Digital Drive and the Belmont Station townhouse development. Public Facility Land Use- existing In 2003, Lot 3 of Digital Park
Business Centre was developed with The Governing Body made a 45,000 square foot warehouse tremendous progress in 2004 and facility. It became apparent that 2005 to ensure all public facilities industrial uses along Digital Drive were modernized to meet the had evolved into an incompatible growing needs of the city. With the land use for the Digital Drive construction of the new Fire Station corridor. The zoning ordinance was near Manassas Drive and Euclid amended to require additional set- Avenue, the commencement of backs and landscaping between the construction on a new Police Station residential uses and the future on land purchased from Kent Village industrial uses that would likely be near the existing Public Safety developed on the remaining lots on building, and the adoption of the Digital Drive. FY06 budget, most public facilities
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have received funding for major A New City Hall Complex construction and/or renovations. These include: The original City Hall was Lot 1, located on the corner of Manassas & • New Fire Station; Scott Drive. The City Hall was • New Police Station and comprised of a Cape Cod style home Emergency Operations and a trailer. Center; • Public Works Yard; The current City Hall, purchased in • Expansion of Social Services 1988, was created by a substantial with new office space; renovation of an industrial pesticide • Parks & Recreation Facility manufacturing facility which improvements and expansion. consolidated all major city offices. While the current City Hall has Additionally, in 2004, a committee served the city well, it has also was formed to address the issue of reached capacity. The Council school funding and with the adoption Chambers are often over-crowded of the committee’s recommendation, and are not conducive to holding school funding has been set at a level public hearings. In addition, office that will allow the School Board to space is at a premium, which has led effect quality programs and build to a major effort to create additional new facilities for the future. office space by using cubicles for administrative functions. Public Facility Land Use - As stated in the Park Center – Phase future Three section, the existing City Hall site will be developed as part of Park The future land use of Parcel A-2, Center if the city decides to construct which lies south of Manassas Drive a new City Hall on a new site. A and east of Andrew Drive and is new site has not yet been currently owned by the city, has yet determined, but it is expected that a to be determined. Until this site's new City Hall would be located close use is determined, it will be to both the Virginia Railway Express designated for public use. and Park Center.
As stated in the previous section, the Open Space Land Use - Governing Body has taken positive steps to meet the needs of the city by existing completing or commencing construction and/or renovation of Unlike some communities that have many of the existing public facilities. many acres of vacant land yet to be The City Hall is one facility that developed, the City of Manassas must be evaluated for its long term Park does not have a formal open usefulness and the potential for being space preservation program. replaced. Nonetheless, the city has been fortunate in that its three major residential areas were developed in
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distinctive manners that achieve selection and preservation. If private much of the same benefits that an parcels are to be considered then a open space program would produce. funding source for the purchase of The western side of the city was such land needs to be identified. The primarily developed in the 1950s, preservation of these areas will be an and most lots are relatively large. amenity for passive neighborhood Spacious backyards provide private uses, visual relief, scenic value, and open areas that reduce the need for screening and buffering purposes. more formal public open spaces.
Blooms Crossing is a large residential area on the east side of the city. Predominantly constructed between 1991 and 2003, the area is laced with open space corridors between clusters of development. Extensive lineal tracts, some containing substantial groves of trees, were preserved for the enjoyment of all residents. Though a formal open space policy was not in place, a better one could not have been established for this area.
The townhouse developments that fill in the middle of the city between Route 28 and Euclid Avenue also contain small park lands and open areas between buildings. The past twenty years have allowed the landscaping in these developments to reach maturity which provides a feeling of a more heavily treed area than what actually exists.
Open Space Land Use - future
There still exist some opportunities for Manassas Park to preserve selected areas of undeveloped land for open space purposes. Areas along streams and a couple of areas of thick stands of trees are good candidates for preservation. The city should draft and adopt a set of guidelines that pertain to site
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Figure 11.2 Future Land Use Map
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Urban Design 2004 that involved approximately 50 acres of land adjacent to the Virginia The City of Manassas Park does not Railway Express (VRE) station. In have a history of strategic economic both instances the parcels were planning. Because it has not had the rezoned from I-1, Industrial to PUD, luxury of a balanced economy that Planned Unit Development, to allow contributed equally in the revenue for residential development. In both generation from both residents and cases, the residential land use that businesses, the city has welcomed was ultimately approved was for most new businesses without many high density, multi-family requirements. Little regard has been developments. placed on the facade of new business structures and accompanying In approving these developments, the grounds. But this is changing. governing body sought to take advantage of their close proximity to As was stated earlier, the Park the VRE station, with the goal to Center Design Standards and encourage the use of VRE and other Guidelines manual received an forms of public transportation by award for being an Outstanding Plan commuters and ultimately reduce the when judged against other plans that amount of new vehicular traffic on were produced statewide. A city and regional streets. component of that manual is a Streetscape Plan for Manassas Drive With the development of the mixed- and the future streets within Park use Park Center project about to Center. The fact that the city paid to begin, these same residents will be hire consultants to assist in drafting able to find entertainment, dining these important documents speaks to and shopping within walking a major change in civic attitude and distance to their homes. Eventually, shows that urban design does matter. a core area of residential, commercial and office construction There are other examples of the around the VRE station should create vision of city officials. Two a vibrant downtown for the city. rezonings took place in 2003 and
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
Goal L1
Achieve a mix of land use that maintains a high quality of life for the citizens.
Objective L1.1 Utilize the Comprehensive Plan to provide the direction and framework within which all development, capital improvements and public service decisions are made.
Objective L1.2 Utilize the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to support all land use development decisions.
Action Strategy L1.2.1 The Governing Body and the Planning Commission should cite “findings” based on specific existing capacities or proposed improvements contained in the CIP when approving development proposals.
Objective L1.3 Utilize the public hearing process to provide opportunities for citizen input.
Objective L1.4 Identify specific areas that need to be rezoned in order that land uses identified by the city as being needed are developed.
Action Strategy 1.4.1 Work with the property owner(s) of the land on Manassas Drive between Andrew Drive and the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and land on Euclid Avenue north or Blooms Quarry Lane to encourage the development of commercial and/or office uses in these areas. This type of development is important to the city as a means of generating revenues needed to offset residential property taxes.
Action Strategy 1.4.2 Work with the property owners of the land within the Town Center area to encourage the development of mixed use developments that will complement Park Center.
Objective L1.5 Review all development proposals and require appropriate associated improvements needed to minimize impacts on existing residents and businesses.
Action Strategy L1.5.1 Establish proffer guidelines that ensure that all city service providers maintain the capacities to meet all required needs.
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Objective L1.6 Work with all neighboring localities to ensure compatibility of land use planning activities.
Action Strategy L1.6.1 The city should ensure Governing Body members, staff, and citizens, represent the city on every applicable board, commission, or group to ensure the city’s interests are considered on a regional basis.
Goal L2
Enhance and preserve the city’s historic and unique small town character.
Objective L2.1 Identify an area (a block or so) in the western side of the City that has a number of the original Cape Cod structures that have not been altered and work with the property owners to set-up a preservation area.
Objective L2.2 Promote the use of land in a manner harmonious with other uses and the environment.
Objective L2.3 Survey the city for opportunities to preserve areas of undeveloped land to remain as natural areas.
Action Strategy L2.3.1 Investigate methods for acquiring undeveloped land for preservation purposes.
Goal L3
Protect existing neighborhoods from the encroachment of incompatible and nuisance land uses.
Objective L3.1 Review the zoning ordinance to ascertain that the permitted uses in each zoning district are compatible with the permitted uses in adjacent zoning districts.
Action Strategy L3.1.1 Explore the possibility of establishing neighborhood homeowner groups that provide input to the city on proposed development plans and other proposed changes in their respective neighborhoods.
Action Strategy 3.1.2 Develop a guide for regulating redevelopment activity in the existing neighborhoods on the west side of the city. The
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guide should set standards for construction of both new houses and the major alteration of existing houses.
Objective L3.2 Review neighboring jurisdiction’s comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances to determine if the future development in the boundary areas of each respective jurisdiction might be incompatible with the development in adjacent jurisdictions.
Goal L4
Maximize Redevelopment and Revitalization Opportunities
Objective L4.1 Ensure the quality and compatibility of future redevelopment/revitalization through the establishment of guidelines incorporating site planning, landscaping and development standards that pertain specifically to redevelopment projects.
Objective L4.2 Identify specific parcels that should be redeveloped into a different type of land use in order to eliminate any incompatibility.
Action Strategy L4.2.1 Examine the industrial area adjacent to Manassas Drive between Euclid Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad, for redevelopment to uses that will be compatible with Park Center.
Action Strategy L4.2.2 Consider the use of overlay zones for specific areas that may be targeted for redevelopment in order to restrict the type of uses that develop in these areas.
Goal L5
Minimize Overcrowding in Residential Areas
Objective L5.1 Seek state and federal assistance to minimize impact of overcrowding on the city's infrastructure.
Objective L5.2 Develop local ordinances to curb overcrowding.
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Transportation
Overview in nearby Washington, DC as well as Annapolis and Baltimore in Maryland. A wide variety of transportation Local, regional and nationwide bus networks serve the City of Manassas service is available both directly and Park directly or indirectly. The city's indirectly to residents of Manassas street system serves all residential, Park. Taxicab service to regional commercial and industrial users and destinations is also available. is linked to an extensive regional and Bicycle and other non-motorized national highway system. The means of travel share the street and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) highway system as well as a limited provides weekday commuter rail number of trails. Pedestrian traffic is service from the city to Washington, accommodated primarily by an DC and the Virginia suburbs of extensive sidewalk system. Burke, Springfield, Alexandria and Arlington. The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining most Major airports in the region include City streets, sidewalks and trails Washington Dulles International (outside residential developments). Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington The City Engineer (currently a National Airport and Baltimore private consulting engineer) is Washington International – responsible for the analysis and Thurgood Marshall Airport. design of transportation Manassas Regional Airport provides improvements. The framework of access for smaller aircraft. Access to the Department of Public Works commercial waterways is available staff, equipment and other facilities are covered in Chapter 13 of this Comprehensive Plan. Since the same Department is responsible for both transportation and other public works activities, there is necessarily some overlapping of duties, depending on the city’s needs.
Figure 12.1 Manassas Park Region
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Streets and Highways – Background intersects with US Route 29, Interstate I-66 and US Route 50 to The primary form of transportation the north and VA Route 234 and VA provided within the City boundaries Route 234 Bypass to the south, is that of motor vehicles using the which in turn connect with Interstate street and highway system. The city I-95 and US Route 1 farther south. has a total of 24.2 miles (53.88 lane Access to VA Route 3000 (the miles) of streets and highways (see Prince William Parkway) is available Table 12.1 and Figure 12.3 – Street indirectly off of VA Route 28 via System). The intersection of VA both Liberia Avenue and the US Route 28 (Centreville Road) with Route 234 Bypass. Annual average Manassas Drive provides direct daily traffic along VA Route 28 is access to major regional and national about 44,000 vehicles (see Table highways. 12.2). Outside the City, VA Route 28 Table 12.1 Road Mileage Totals Functional classification Lane miles Principal Arterial 1.24 Minor Arterial 9.82 Collector 2.86 Local 39.96 All Roads 53.88 (equals 24.2 miles of streets and highways) Source: Planning Department, City of Manassas Park and VDOT DVMT by Maintenance Jurisdiction All Roads-2002 http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/VMT_2210_MainJurAllRoads_2002.pdf ).
Table 12.2 Average Daily Traffic (Vehicles) Location AADT* VA Route 28 from Liberia Avenue (City of 46,000 Manassas) to Prince William County line Manassas Drive from Cabbell Dr. to VA 10,000 Route 28 Manassas Drive from Baker St. to Cabbel 7,300 Dr. Manassas Drive from VA Route 28 to 22,000 Euclid Avenue Signal View Drive 13,000 *AADT is the estimate of the Annual Average Daily Traffic, i.e., the total annual traffic estimate divided by the number of days in the year. Source: VDOT; from its “Traffic Turning Movement Counts” database, its “Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation Average Daily Traffic Volumes with Vehicle Classification Data on Interstate, Arterial and Primary Routes” and its “Virginia Department of Transportation Daily Traffic Volumes Including Vehicle Classification Estimates” for the year 2002 and Planning Department, Manassas Park Also see http://www.virginiadot.org/comtravel/resources/AADT_152_Manassas%20Park_Short_2003.pdf.
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Table 12.3 Levels of Service (LOS) Definitions Level Traffic flow A Free flow B Stable flow-presence of other users becomes noticeable C Stable flow-beginning to be significantly affected by interactions with others D High density, but stable flow E At or near capacity, low speed, but relatively uniform F Forced or breakdown flow; queues form Source: From “Planning the Built Environment”, Larz T. Anderson, 2000, American Planning Association, pages 98-99. The City has significantly improved In addition to VA Route 28 its street network and continues to (Centreville Road) and Manassas upgrade local streets to modern Drive (see Figure 12.1), other standards. With the cooperation and highways or streets providing access support of the Virginia Department to Manassas Park include Old of Transportation (VDOT), major Centreville Road, Signal View improvements have been made to Drive, Euclid Avenue, Mathis improve traffic flow and safety Avenue, Rugby Road and a few throughout the City. minor side streets. A measure of the ability of traffic to flow along city streets and highways is given by its level of service (see Table 12.3). At minimum, the goal of level of service D should be aimed at whenever technically and financially feasible. During morning and evening rush hours, Figure 12.2 – Intersection of VA Route 28 levels E and F may be acceptable if (Centreville Road) and Manassas Drive the costs of providing better levels of (Looking eastward on Manassas Drive) service are prohibitive. The City’s major intersection at VA The existing and expected future Route 28 and Manassas Drive was levels of service for major streets and completely reconstructed in 2000 highways in the City are provided in (see Figure 12.2). Table 12.4.
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Table 12.4 Future Levels of Service for Major Streets and Highways with Planned Development
Level of Service (at AM and PM Peaks) Street or Intersection Existing 2009 (2005) Euclid Avenue/Manassas Drive D or better B or better with re- design/construction Manassas Drive-Railroad Drive D or better B or better Manassas Drive/Digital Drive C or better B or better with traffic signal Manassas Drive/Signal View C or better B or better Drive/Andrew Drive Source: Walker Station Traffic Impact Analysis, July 15, 2005, p. 23-24.
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Figure 12.3 Street System Map
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Streets and Highways – additional lanes to VA Route 28 to Regional Approach further ease congestion along this important highway. The City must Congestion is a major concern ensure any new access point to VA throughout the Washington DC Route 28 will not further impede metropolitan area. Traffic volumes flow along that highway. continue to increase even with the availability of various mass transit Streets and Highways – Tri- options. County Parkway
As residential, commercial and The Virginia Department of industrial development continue to Transportation (VDOT), in grow, the region as a whole must cooperation with local jurisdictions, address congestion concerns. the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other interested It is critical that the city continue to organizations and citizens finalized a actively participate in regional study for the possibility of building a organizations such as the Tri-County Parkway. Two of the Metropolitan Washington Council of primary goals are to alleviate traffic Government (MWCOG), and the congestion along the VA Route 28 Potomac and Rappahannock corridor and to provide a new or Transportation Commission (PRTC) improved major north-south route in to help minimize congestion and its the area. sources. A number of alternatives, including An area of primary concern is the the alternative of doing nothing, congestion along the VA Route 28 were considered. One of the corridor passing through the City. In proposals, known as the cooperation with neighboring “Comprehensive Plan” alternative, communities, and where feasible, the would pass through the City of city should continue to study Manassas and Prince William alternative accesses to or bypasses County approximately one-half mile around VA Route 28. In particular, northwest of the City of Manassas the city should work with Prince Park (see Figure 12.4). The William County to improve and Commonwealth Transportation extend Euclid Avenue north into the Board (CTB) endorsed the “West county. Two” alignment in November 2005. Because a final decision has not yet One alternative already under been made, and due to the proximity consideration for relieving of the “Comprehensive Plan” congestion and helping traffic bypass alternative to the City of Manassas VA Route 28 is the Tri-County Park, the city must continue to track Parkway (see separate discussion and participate in the decision- below). In addition, the City should making process. encourage the City of Manassas, Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia to add
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For details on options that were Regardless of the alternative chosen, considered and a schedule of the impact on traffic flow within the upcoming events, go to the Internet City of Manassas Park may be web page of the “Tri-County significant. The city must carefully Parkway Location Study” plan to benefit from whichever (http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/ alternative is chosen. tcp.asp).
Figure 12.4 “Comprehensive Plan” Alternative being considered for the Tri-County Parkway near Manassas Park
Source: Taken from the full map of the Candidates Build Alternatives, Tri-County Parkway Location Study, October 24, 2003, http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/tcp-CBA-MAP-11-03-new.pdf
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Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Manassas Park participated in the planning efforts of the Northern Bicycle travel within the City is Virginia Regional Bikeway and Trail primarily on the street system, and to Network Study (November 19, 2003, a lesser extent, its sidewalk and see Figure 12.4 or go to limited trail system. Bicycle trail http://www.fhiplan.com/novabike/in systems in Prince William and dex.htm). The Study proposed Fairfax Counties are accessible by providing new lane lines on VA using local and regional highway Route 28 in Manassas Park (and systems connected to the City. Manassas) to allow room for bicycle Naturally, bicycles can be used both traffic within the existing right-of- as a means of transportation as well way. The proposal recommended as a form of recreational exercise dividing the 64-foot wide pavement equipment. into two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, each 11 feet wide. This would allow room for a 4-foot shoulder on each side of the highway to permit bicycle travel (see Figures 12.6 and 12.7).
Figure 12.5 Proposed Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway and Trail Network near Manassas Park
Source: Taken from full map of Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway and Trail Network, Proposed, November 19, 2003, http://www.fhiplan.com/novabike/documents/ProposedBikeway-November03.pdf
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Turn along Signal View Drive and linking Lane roads between Manassas Drive and 13.5 12.5 12 12.5 13.5 Liberia Avenue. The requested Figure 12.6 Existing Roadway Cross-Section routes will require further study and were not included as Source: Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway recommendations by the Study. and Trail Network Study, page 92, November 19, 2003, see http://www.fhiplan.com/novabike/index.htm, Finally, the Study included a map distances in feet. showing the proposed bike and trail network and included one alternative
following Manassas Drive and then Turn paralleling the Norfolk-Southern Lane Railroad tracks across Bull Run into 4 11 11 11 11 11 4 Fairfax County. The use of railroad Figure 12.7 Recommended Roadway Cross- Section (with 4 foot shoulder for bicycle or utility line rights-of-way for trail traffic each direction) systems will need further study to determine feasibility. Source: Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway and Trail Network Study, page 92, November 19, The city recently completed 2003, see http://www.fhiplan.com/novabike/index.htm, construction of a sidewalk on distances in feet. Manassas Drive between Euclid Drive and Park Center Court, which Options were very limited due to the was funded by a federal grant. As built-up nature of this area. The opportunities present themselves the Cities of Manassas and Manassas City has continued to expand its trail Park requested an additional route and sidewalk systems for both along Euclid Avenue between transportation and recreation Liberia Avenue in the City of purposes (also see Chapter 6, Parks Manassas and Manassas Drive. and Recreation). Shared-use paths were also requested
Table 12.5 Planned Sidewalk Completion Schedule
Street Linear Feet Construction Date Price, Martin, Alpine, Colfax, Evans 8,220 FY 06 Adams, Drake, Forrest, Morton, Pierce, 17,144 FY 07 Runyon, Scott, Yost Signal View Drive Trail/Sidewalk 600 FY 07 Total 25,964 6RXUFH 'HSDUWPHQWRI3XEOLF:RUNV
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Rail and Bus Services
The VRE provides commuter rail access to the city on weekdays and on special occasions throughout the year (see Figure 12.8). The VRE links to other passenger transportation systems in the Washington DC metropolitan area: Metrorail; Metrobus; Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; MARC Train Service to Maryland; AMTRAK trains nationwide; and regional/national bus services such as the Fairfax Connector, Arlington ART Bus, DASH/Alexandria Transit Company, and the Greyhound and Figure 12.8 VRE Station Map Trailways bus systems. Source: VRE Station Map, 2000, The VRE is operated by the Potomac http://www.vre.org/service/systmmp.htm and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) in partnership The City is a member of the PRTC with the Northern Virginia which is a multi-jurisdictional Transportation Commission (NVTC) agency representing Prince William to provide commuter rail service and Stafford Counties and the cities along the Manassas and of Manassas, Manassas Park and Fredericksburg railroad lines. The Fredericksburg. In addition to the VRE station in the city is a VRE, the PRTC also provides significant regional transportation commuter bus service along the I-95 hub, drawing riders from the city and and I-66 corridors to points north neighboring communities such as (OmniRide), and local bus services Prince William and Fairfax Counties in Prince William County and the and the City of Manassas. cities of Manassas and Manassas Park (OmniLink) and other public transportation options. Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks pass through the City and cross Manassas Drive near Railroad Drive. Access to major freight carrier rail operations is available throughout the region. Norfolk Southern tracks link to other major nationwide rail systems and are used by passenger trains such as the VRE commuter rail system and AMTRAK.
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Improvement of the railroad crossing Taxicab Service of Manassas Drive was recently completed to enhance safety for Private taxicab companies provide vehicles and pedestrians. The service to and from the city, the Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of- region and its major airports and way was in the jurisdiction of Prince railways. William County until 2004. The right-of-way is now within the Airport Service jurisdiction of the city thus giving the city more input into the Washington Dulles International maintenance of this important Airport, about 16 miles to the north, railroad crossing. and Baltimore/Washington International – Thurgood Marshall The feasibility of a grade separation Airport, about 67 miles to the at this crossing should be studied in northeast, provide national and an effort to enhance the safety of this international passenger and cargo important crossing near the center of transportation. Ronald Reagan the city. In the interim, improved Washington National Airport, about control of the crossing arms must be 30 miles east of the city, serves as a pursued to minimize needless delays "short-haul" airport, offering mostly to the traveling public each time a nonstop service to destinations no southbound VRE train stops at the further than 1,250 miles from station without crossing Manassas Washington, DC and connections to Drive. In addition, the ability of more distant destinations. Manassas emergency equipment to quickly Regional Airport, as a “reliever reach locations on both sides of the airport” about 5 miles to the city must not be excessively southwest, provides access for hampered by train traffic. smaller, private aircraft.
The “Northern Virginia 2020 Waterway Service Transportation Plan – Transit” of VDOT Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay (http://virginiadot.org/projects/nova/ facilities in Washington, DC, about nv2020/imprvmnts/2020transit.htm) 30 miles to the east, as well as in has listed light rail as a possibility Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland, between the City of Manassas and about 67 miles to the northeast, Dulles Airport along the VA Route provide links to water transportation 28 corridor for the year 2020. The and shipping destinations regionally, City of Manassas Park will need to nationally and worldwide. actively participate in any discussions considering such an option. Parking
Parking for vehicles throughout the city varies depending on the area and time of day. Most residential single- family homes have adequate parking,
______126 Chapter Twelve: TRANSPORTATION but multiple-vehicle homes have contributed to parking shortages. Townhouse and apartment parking often create overflow parking needs. Garages were considered parking space for planning purposes, but in reality many people do not use their garages for parking purposes, further contributing to existing parking shortages.
Commercial and industrial areas usually have sufficient parking for their purposes. The VRE parking lot is near capacity and overflow parking will become a greater concern as more riders choose this mode of transportation (see Figure 12.4). The city needs to pursue the use of off-site parking agreements Figure 12.9 VRE Train Station and Parking Lot with commercial entities such as the Park Center development to help The city needs to limit the parking of resolve this problem. In return, the large trucks and recreational vehicles VRE lot could be used for overflow on residential streets, and needs to parking from events held at the Park continue removing abandoned Center. It may be desirable to make vehicles and vehicles that are similar arrangements with the unlicensed or without current Manassas Park Shopping Center. inspections. The city could also use Signal Hill Park as an additional source for Other Future Needs and overflow parking. Services
Another, probably more expensive, To ensure that adequate option for expanding the parking at transportation services and facilities the VRE parking lot would be to are available to residents, the city provide a parking deck. The City must coordinate all transportation would need to apply for federal policies with current and future land funding for such an undertaking and use policies. New developments and the project would need to compete redevelopments in the city need to with those of other jurisdictions for encourage the use of mass transit as the funds. well as pedestrian and other non- motorized modes of transportation. The city must minimize the adverse impacts of development and redevelopment on the local transportation system.
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The city receives funding for for sidewalks along Manassas Drive, transportation projects from several from Euclid Avenue to the proposed Commonwealth and regional Park Center (about $100,000); sources. For example, the City improved railroad crossing and received funding through the Urban sidewalks along Manassas Drive Construction Funds, which are between Andrew Drive and the administered by the Virginia proposed Park Center Department of Transportation, to (approximately $215,000). In the complete a major improvement to Fiscal Year 2007 budget, an the intersection of VA Route 28 and additional $200,000 is recommended Manassas Drive several years ago. for expanding the city's paving The city will not have further access program. These funds have been an to this funding source until 2008. extremely effective resource for This has been reflected in the City’s “transportation related” Capital Improvement Program. improvements. Any efforts at controlling the development of new The city also receives about gas stations in the city need to keep $500,000 annually from the Motor this in mind and to consider methods Fuels Fund. The city receives 2% of for reducing the impacts of new taxes paid on fuel sold by stations so that the city will continue commercial establishments within to benefit from these funds. the city. The income from this fund has increased dramatically in the past The Park Center concept plan five years. Previously, its payments proposes to expand the platform at barely covered the city’s share of the VRE station to both sides of the OmniLink and VRE expenses. track and to provide a pedestrian Those two items will amount to overpass to link the station with the about $300,000 in Fiscal Year 2005. Park Center project. This improvement would greatly In the past several years the Motor improvement access to the VRE for Fuels Fund has paid for: sidewalks residents. in the west side of the city (currently $130,000 annually); the two most Current plans for street rehabilitation recent traffic signals (about are provided in Table 12.6. $250,000); the local matching funds
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Table 12.6 Planned Street Rehabilitation Schedule
Street Linear Feet Construction Date Comment Alpine, Baker, 16,000 FY 06 Milling and Cabbel, Colfax, resurfacing Evans, Upper Kent, Mace, Martin, Polk, Price, Travis Adams, Courtney, 29,500 FY 07 Milling and Denver, Drake, resurfacing Forrest, Holden, Luxor, Manassas (east), Mathis, Meeker, Morton, Mosby Court, Mosby Drive, Pierce, Runyon, Scott, Sheldon, Tremont, Waldon, Yost Remaining streets 10,000 FY 07 Sealing and crack in Western filling Manassas Park
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
Goal T1
The city will maintain a high quality, efficient, safe and accessible transportation system that is coordinated with the city’s current and future land use plans. Traffic will move freely throughout the city while avoiding excessive speeds and traffic noise. Access to and from the city by a wide variety of transportation alternatives will be encouraged.
Objective T1.1 Ensure the adequate maintenance of the city’s transportation system.
Action Strategy T1.1.1 Maintain the city’s streets and rights-of-way to ensure the safety of the public.
Action Strategy T1.1.2 Study ways to minimize costs on maintaining transportation facilities and take advantage of economies of scale, e.g., by bundling small projects together to obtain better prices.
Action Strategy T1.1.3 Anticipate future transportation needs to support Capital Improvement Program (CIP) decisions.
Action Strategy T1.1.4 Monitor and eliminate safety problems related to the city’s transportation system.
Action Strategy T1.1.5 Provide adequate maintenance of transportation vehicles and facilities.
Action Strategy T1.1.6 Maintain the structural integrity of quality streets by decreasing the loss of bituminous products and decreasing moisture absorption into the sub-grade through using industry standards.
Action Strategy T1.1.7 Maintain the structural integrity of the existing streets through an on-going maintenance program that will permit rehabilitating and resurfacing all city streets at an acceptable frequency.
Action Strategy T1.1.8 Develop a street maintenance and rehabilitation plan with anticipated schedules for accomplishing such work throughout the city.
Action Strategy T1.1.8 Pursue and promote an “Adopt – A – Highway” program
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OBJECTIVE T.1.2 Protect residential neighborhoods from adverse impacts of commuter and commercial traffic.
Action Strategy T1.2.1 Synchronize traffic signals to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Action Strategy T1.2.2 Encourage carpooling and mass transit commuting.
Action Strategy T1.2.3 Identify problem areas that are in need of traffic calming solutions, which may include increasing fines.
Action Strategy T1.2.4 Adopt standards for the application of traffic calming techniques and apply them where appropriate.
Action Strategy T1.2.5 Ensure adequate parking for new developments or redevelopments in the commercial sections of the city.
Action Strategy T1.2.6 Pursue the use of off-site parking agreements to allow overflow parking for VRE.
Action Strategy T1.2.7 Limit parking of large trucks and recreational vehicles on residential streets.
Action Strategy T1.2.8 Continue enforcing laws against abandoned, unlicensed and uninspected vehicles.
Action Strategy T1.2.9 Support fixed route and on-demand transportation options such as OmniRide and OmniLink between commercial and industrial areas, shopping areas, the VRE, and residential areas.
Action Strategy T1.2.10 Require new development and redevelopment proposals to provide safe and easy pedestrian access.
Action Strategy T1.2.11 Develop parking plans and controls in mixed land use areas to encourage public transit and carpooling.
Action Strategy T1.2.12 Study ways to expand parking for the VRE station, to include providing a parking structure.
Action Strategy T1.2.13 Provide a street network level of service as high as practicable. At a minimum, level of service D should be provided where feasible.
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Objective T1.3 Seek and develop new mechanisms for funding transportation system improvements.
Action Strategy T1.3.1 Study alternative ways of financing projects. Use the cty's CIP to plan when, where, and how to construct transportation projects. Encourage use of private sector resources to assist in the costs of construction.
Action Strategy T1.3.2 Monitor and support legislation relating to impact fees and other alternative funding sources for street construction and maintenance projects.
Action Strategy T1.3.3 Design bike and pedestrian ways to parallel or share road access. Consider pedestrians when making road design decisions, including pavement widths and turning radius. Coordinate with VDOT.
Objective T1.4 Work with other local governments, regional and federal agencies, VDOT, and the private sector on transportation issues and the development of new transportation facilities and systems.
Action Strategy T1.4.1 Support and actively participate in all local, state, and federal transportation planning organizations.
Action Strategy T1.4.2 Promote and encourage use of commuter facilities, such as sheltered community bus and train stops, shuttle services, ridesharing programs, pedestrian walkways.
Action Strategy T1.4.3 Encourage major private development, to provide protected access to public transit stops and employer-established and funded ridesharing programs such as Metrochek.
Action Strategy T1.4.4 Encourage telecommuting and similar programs to reduce regional transportation demand.
Action Strategy T1.4.5 Support the transit services of PRTC: VRE, OmniRide, OmniLink, OmniMatch, Metro Direct and Commuter Programs such as Guaranteed Ride Home and Metrochek.
Action Strategy T1.4.6 Study the feasibility of a grade separation at the railroad crossing at Manassas Drive to improve the safety of this important intersection near the center of the city.
Action Strategy T1.4.7 Improve control of the railroad crossing arms to minimize needless delays to the motoring public each time a VRE train stops at the station.
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Action Strategy T1.4.8 Ensure the ability of emergency equipment to quickly access locations on both sides of the city without excessive interference by train traffic.
Action Strategy T1.4.9 Work with the City of Manassas, Prince William County and VDOT to improve traffic flow along VA Route 28, e.g., by widening and adding additional lanes.
Action Strategy T1.4.10 Study options for providing alternative access to or bypass of VA Route 28, such as extending Euclid Avenue north into Prince William County, and additional possible crossings of Bull Run in cooperation with neighboring communities.
Action Strategy T1.4.11 Support regional plans to develop new and improved highways, e.g., the Tri-County Parkway, to alleviate congestion within the city.
Action Strategy T1.4.12 Ensure that the city receives the most transportation benefits from whatever alternative is chosen for the Tri-County Parkway.
Action Strategy T1.4.13 Actively participate in any discussions relating to a light rail service between the City of Manassas and Dulles Airport in the VA Route 28 corridor for the year 2020 as set forth in the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan.
Action Strategy T1.4.14 Identify road improvement projects that are currently planned and revise plans, where appropriate, to include parallel bicycle/pedestrian access consistent with industry standards.
Action Strategy T1.4.15 Study the feasibility of providing of a train platform along the west side of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, to tie into the pedestrian overpass to be constructed as part of Park Center, to give passengers another access to the VRE trains.
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Goal T2
The city will provide safe and convenient access to existing bicycle, pedestrian and other forms of non-automotive transportation and recreation to minimize congestion, enhance local and regional air quality and provide healthy recreational opportunities for the public.
Objective T2.1 Encourage the use of sidewalks and existing trails as alternate transportation between mass transit system access points (e.g., VRE, bus stops), high-density residential and commercial areas, public facilities and other employment areas.
Action Strategy T2.1.1 Establish a network of sidewalks to link residential neighborhoods with commercial services, shopping areas, public and private recreational facilities, the VRE station, schools, major public facilities and the Park Center.
Action Strategy T2.1.2 Designate the following as potential shared-use (bicycle and pedestrian) paths to enable the city to obtain federal funding:
1. VA Route 28 corridor 2. Manassas Drive between Signal View Drive and VA Route 28 3. Signal View Drive between Manassas Drive and past Signal Hill Park 4. Euclid Avenue from Prince William County line to Manassas Drive 5. Norfolk-Southern Railroad right-of-way between Manassas Drive and Bull Run in Fairfax County 6. Any existing or planned paths within the City, such as South Whitt Drive to Cougar Elementary, connecting developments to the VRE parking lot.
Action Strategy T2.1.3 Provide outreach about the trail system within the development or redevelopment so that anyone moving to such an area is aware of the existence of the trail system within its boundaries.
Action Strategy T2.1.4 New trails should be added only when obvious usage has occurred by foot traffic, as indicated by an absence of previous plantation, and is supported by the community.
Action Strategy T2.1.5 Require commercial developments, redevelopments, and public facilities to provide safe and easy access for pedestrians, bicyclists and the mobility-impaired.
Action Strategy T2.1.6 Provide sidewalks on both sides of streets in commercial areas, if practicable.
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Action Strategy T2.1.7 Provide sidewalks on at least one side of all residential streets.
Action Strategy T2.1.8 Minimize conflicts between pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.
Action Strategy T2.1.9 Create a trail network based on a primary configuration that utilizes Park Center as a hub and Manassas Drive as the major route in which to radiate service to all parts of the City.
Action Strategy T2.1.10 Design the trail network, utilizing existing trails and sidewalks, to link modes of activity, including city parks, schools, commerce centers, and commuting facilities. Action Strategy T2.1.11 Provide connecting routes to existing trail networks and bicycle systems in the City of Manassas, Prince William County and Fairfax County.
Action Strategy T2.1.12 Amend the Zoning Ordinance to require all new commercial and industrial uses to provide bicycle parking facilities.
Objective T2.2 Provide trails that are well maintained, safe, direct and convenient to use.
Action Strategy T2.2.1 Develop a system of trail network graphics that clearly identifies designated bike routes and instructions regarding their proper use.
Action Strategy T2.2.2 Prepare appropriate mapping of the trail system and encourage the dissemination of maps to interested citizens and users.
Action Strategy T2.2.3 Provide for secure bicycle-parking facilities at all public facilities, tourist attractions and public transportation nodes.
Action Strategy T2.2.4 Develop an “Adopt-a-Trail” program to involve citizens and to provide for clean-up along the trails.
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Goal T3
The city will maintain high quality transportation access to all land uses within the city.
Objective T3.1 Coordinate all transportation policies with current and future land use policies.
Action Strategy T3.1.1 Require relatively high-density residential development in mixed use centers, such as Park Center, to provide features that encourage use of mass transit and pedestrian facilities.
Action Strategy T3.1.2 Require all new developments and redevelopments to explore means for minimizing adverse impacts upon the city's transportation system.
Action Strategy T3.1.3 Encourage all new developments and redevelopments to provide features that facilitate the use of mass transit.
Action Strategy T3.1.4 Enhance natural areas and open space through responsible land planning and the use of carefully thought out and designed pathways as set forth in Action Strategy T2.1.4. Preservation of natural features should be sought through dedication of public land or permanent conservation easements. Incorporate bikeways and pedestrian trails into these areas and development of a citywide “greenway” system.
Action Strategy T3.1.5 Strengthen the site plan review process to assure the integration of pedestrian trails and bikeways into new development projects with appropriate linkages to community activity centers.
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Public Works
Overview Works. Construction and maintenance of city transportation facilities and related services are The City of Manassas Park has covered in Chapter 12 of this Comprehensive Plan. extensive and well-developed water distribution, sanitary sewer and stormwater management systems. Background The city also provides trash collection, recycling and street Water system sweeping services to maintain a high quality of life for residents. These High quality water for the City of systems, together with utilities Manassas Park is obtained from two provided by other systems, are sources, the City well system and the collectively discussed in this purchased capacity from neighboring Comprehensive Plan as Public jurisdictions.
Table 13.1 Existing Sources of Water and Capacities
Potential Peak Portion of Capacity Source Type Capacity Demand** Currently Used * (MGD) (MGD) Wells #4, #6 and Owned 0.62 63% 0.5859 #9 Previously Purchased 1.00 75% 1.125 Purchased 2001 Capacity from City of Manassas Purchase Purchase 0.50 *** *** Currently Planned in 2007 CIP Purchase Purchase 0.50 *** *** additional capacity Totals 2.62 Source: Water Supply and Distribution System Optimization Study for Western Prince William County, Virginia, April 2003 *Average Daily demand **Peak demand (i.e., Peak Day) = 1.5 times the Average Daily demand ***None until agreement(s) finalized
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Table 13.2 Water Consumption Rates and Projections (MGD)
2002 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2050 Average Daily Flow 1.18 1.37 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 Maximum Daily Flow 1.77 2.05 2.11 2.11 2.11 2.11 2.17 Source: Water Supply and Distribution System Optimization Study for Western Prince William County, Virginia, April 2003, Chapter 7, D,Table 7.1 In addition, the city is participating The city well system provides in the construction of a 24-inch customers, primarily in the area west pipeline from Blooms Quarry Road of the intersection of Manassas Drive south along Euclid Avenue. The line and Centreville Road (VA Route 28), will provide the city with emergency with water. The city produces an fire protection on the east side of the average of 380,000 gallons per day city in addition to the Birmingham from 3 existing wells with a total Green facility and Park Center. This capacity of 620,000 gallons per day. line allows for the option of The city also owns 6 other well sites additional capacity and increased that are currently inactive. pressure to the Blooms Crossing development in the future. One million gallons per day of water is available to the city via an Prince William County Service agreement with the City of Manassas Authority (PWCSA) water is also for the area east of the intersection of available through the new Rugby Manassas Drive and Centreville Road vault and 12-inch pipeline on Road (VA Route 28). Since the well the west side of the city. The new system and the water obtained from vault and pipeline will be operation outside sources are connected by the in February 2006. Although this city’s water distribution system, water source is primarily to provide either source of water can service the increased fire flow to help fight fires, entire City should the need arise. it also provides the city with the option of retiring wells in the future. The city must continue to ensure an Options will be determined based on adequate supply of water to the over negotiations with PWCSA. 3,700 current customers within the city and customers in the The city's average daily water use is neighboring Yorkshire area. currently about 1.18 million gallons per day (MGD). The city continues Based on future development or to monitor water usage in order to redevelopment and fire emergency determine future needs requiring needs throughout the City, additional capacity. Table 13.2 agreements are currently under provides the average water negotiation with neighboring consumption rates and projections. jurisdictions to purchase an additional 1 million gallons per day Water quality is continually capacity, as needed. monitored to ensure a safe water supply. Any variances from city, ______138 Chapter Thirteen: PUBLIC WORKS state or federal standards are An engineering study has proposed promptly addressed. An upgraded that Manassas Park, Manassas City water testing protocol was and the Prince William County implemented in 2003 to help ensure Service Authority consolidate their the accuracy of all tests. water systems in this area. The city recently signed an agreement with The city water system includes 3 the Prince William County Service water storage tanks used to store Authority and Birmingham Green to water and to maintain water pressure provide a portion of the proposed throughout the city. In addition, the network in order to provide city has expanded its ability to increased fire flow capacity for the maintain water service in the event adult care facility and the eastern of a water main break by providing a side of the city. closed-loop distribution system. Table 13.3 gives information on city Upon purchase of additional storage tank sizes and capacities. capacity, and minor improvements in See Figure 13.2 - Water Line the city’s eastern portion, this System, for a map of the city water consolidation would eliminate low line distribution system and water water pressure in the eastern part of storage tank locations. Manassas Park. The consolidation may eliminate the need to keep the As the water storage tanks age, they Joshua Court water tank in service. need to be continually monitored for maintenance needs or replacement. If that tank is no longer required, it could be sold and removed from the site. The alternative to Table 13.3 Water Storage Tanks consolidation would be to maintain the Joshua Court tank Built Storage and to construct and operate a Location (year) Capacity major booster pump station adjacent to the tank. Blooms Quarry Lane Pre-1975 925,000 Mathis Avenue Pre-1975 250,000 The city has undertaken a major Joshua Court 1990 1,000,000 program of improvements to the Total 2,175,000 water system on the western side Source: Public Works Department of Manassas Park. New transmission lines have been installed to improve Currently there are no plans to add water pressure and reliability. The additional tanks to the system. Both installation of added hydrants will water storage and water pressure improve the city’s fire suppression needs can be provided by purchasing capabilities by reducing the distance additional capacity from the between existing hydrants. The neighboring jurisdictions of the City addition of new hydrants and of Manassas and Prince William replacement of existing valves will County. need to continue for several years.
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Figure 13.1 Waterline System Map
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Sanitary Sewer System relative sizes of major sewer lines and sewage pumping stations. The City of Manassas Park provides access to public sewage treatment The city’s 3700 utility customers produce facilities via its sanitary sewer mains and an average daily wastewater flow of about pumping stations that are connected the 1.1 MGD that is treated at the UOSA trunk lines and pumping stations of the wastewater reclamation plant. In addition, Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority inflow and infiltration (I&I) of storm water (UOSA) located a couple miles outside into the sanitary sewer system adds to the the city. total flow that the city is billed for by UOSA while negatively impacting the Initially, the city provided its own operations at the UOSA plant. These peak sewage treatment facility. In the 1970s, flows can reach a monthly average of the State environmental agencies nearly 2.0 MGD during rainy periods. required Manassas Park, Manassas, and Prince William County to join Fairfax The city’s portion of the capacity at the County in forming Upper Occoquan UOSA plant is currently is 2.9137 million Sanitation Agency (UOSA). The city gallons with the recent completion of closed its treatment plant and, beginning construction at UOSA. Manassas Park in 1978 began relying on UOSA for its now has 5.3957% of the capacity of the sewage treatment. UOSA now treats expanded plant. sewage from the city to such a high level that the end product is literally Leaks in the sanitary sewer pipelines and "drinkable". As with most communities, manholes cause inflow and infiltration sewage treatment is a major expense for (I&I) of storm water into the sanitary sewer city customers. system. This results in UOSA charging the city for water that does not need to be Table 13.4 Sanitary treated. To minimize the I&I, the city has Sewer Lines an on-going maintenance program concentrating on upgrading the quality of Size Amount (LF) existing sewer lines. 18 inch pipe 1,085 Rehabilitation includes relining sewer lines 10 inch pipe 73,315 and manholes and reduces the likelihood of 8 inch pipe 79,695 sewer line collapse. Total 154,095 Source: Department of Public Works Each year, approximately five percent of the existing sewer line is inspected with The city-maintained sanitary sewage video cameras and rehabilitated. The system consists of pipes ranging in size planned expansion of this program, to from 8 to 18 inches in diameter and over include replacement and relining of 29 miles in length. Table 13.4 provides a existing sewer lines and manholes, will breakdown of sizes of the city’s sanitary reduce the burden upon the UOSA sewer lines. treatment plant and reduce the billing. An engineering study has shown that the city's See Figure 13.3 – Sanitary Sewer relining project will eliminate the need for System, for a map of the sanitary sewer additional UOSA capacity through system showing the locations and buildout. ______141 Chapter Thirteen: PUBLIC WORKS
Figure 13.2 Sanitary Sewer System Map
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Storm Sewer System
The city maintains an extensive storm sewer system and requires all development, redevelopment, or modification of parcels of land, follow all applicable guidelines to control the runoff of water and waste materials. Stormwater retention or detention ponds are required to minimize runoff from all sources of Figure 13.3 Street Sweeper possible pollution. See Figure 13.5 – Protection Agency’s National Storm Water Management/Best Pollutant Discharge Elimination Management Practices Facilities, for System (NPDES)) requirements a map showing the location of major regarding reducing pollution in the stormwater detention or retention metropolitan Washington, DC area ponds. (see Figure 13.5).
Trash and Recycling Services The city has a reputation for providing excellent snow removal The city contracts for once-a-week services. In addition to enhancing (currently Wednesday) removal of the safety of the traveling public, this residential solid wastes (trash) and city service significantly reduces the recyclable materials. Recyclable time lost by the city school system, materials include newspapers, businesses and residents. City and aluminum, glass of all colors, contractor employees and vehicles plastics and tin. In addition, tree provide snow removal services for leaves, telephone books and City streets and parking lots. Christmas trees are collected annually. City businesses and Miscellaneous City Facilities industries are responsible for their and Vehicles own trash removal and recycling services. The current low level of The city maintains a number of recycling in the city needs to be buildings and garages for staff and increased to the state-mandated level vehicles in the Department of Public of 25%. Works. It stores sand, salt and other abrasives for spreading on city Miscellaneous City Services streets when needed to provide safe travel by the motoring public. The city provides a number of street sweeping, sewer flushing and other The Department of Public Works routine maintenance services. The maintains its fleet of vehicles as well street sweeping, for example, not as those used by other city only helps enhance the beauty of the Departments. Due to currently city, but also helps the city meet state crowded and shared facilities, and federal (US Environmental planning is currently underway to
______143 Chapter Thirteen: PUBLIC WORKS provide refurbished and expanded ensure both new and backup facilities. equipment are available (see Table 13.5). Costs can also be spread over City vehicles maintained by the several years, particularly when the Department of Public Works include vehicle is purchased and not leased. city-use automobiles and light duty trucks, street sweepers, dump trucks, Access to Public Utilities that construction equipment, maintenance are Provided by Others equipment and police emergency vehicles. Special maintenance Electricity is supplied and distributed procedures and warranty services not to the City of Manassas Park by the provided by the Department of Northern Virginia Electric Public Works are handled by outside Cooperative (NOVEC). contractors, vehicle dealers or manufacturers. Table 13.5 Public Works Vehicle Replacement Schedule Years as Years as A December 2003 “City of Manassas Vehicle Primary Backup Park, Virginia, Report on Vehicle Type Maintenance Study” indicates a need Vehicle Vehicle to improve the Public Works yard Street 5 to 7 2 to 3 and garage (see Figure 13.6); Sweeper develop a vehicle/equipment Pick Up 8 to 10 2 to 3 replacement schedule; improve Dump Truck 6 to 9 1 to 3 record keeping; develop a Fleet Back Hoe 5 to 8 3 to 5 Business Plan; and follow other Flush Truck 5 to 7 1 to 3 “Best Practices” for fleet programs. Leaf The “Study” strongly recommends Vacuum & 8 to 10 3 to 5 training and certification to improve Box and update the skills of mechanics. Roller 10 to 15 1 to 3 Compactor Costs relating to replacing Public Skid Loader 5 to 8 3 to 5 Works vehicles should be spread Source: Department of Public Works over a number of years to reduce the Washington Gas supplies and distributes natural gas to the area east of the intersection of Manassas Drive and the Norfolk-Southern railroad tracks. Columbia Gas supplies and distributes natural gas to the area west of the railroad tracks.
A number of telecommunications companies provide service to the city, including broadband Figure 13.4 Public Works Garage communication connectivity via need to make a large number of cable television and the telephone replacements in any one year and to companies.
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Figure 13.5 Storm Water Management Facilities
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Underground Utilities Crewman and Crew Leaders concentrate on other Public Works Underground utilities are encouraged responsibilities, such as grounds and whenever and wherever possible. buildings, water, sewer, and utility Most electric and maintenance. A Crewman III telecommunications cables are devotes over 75% of his/her time to underground east of the intersection street sweeping throughout the city of Manassas Drive and the Norfolk- during the months of March through Southern railroad tracks. November.
As funds become available and as All available workers, including the part of the development of Park Crew Superintendent, Crew Leaders, Center, the city is planning on Crewmen II and III, Locators and placing utilities along Manassas Meter Readers are used to help clear Drive underground from Euclid streets of snow and ice as the need Avenue to the Norfolk-Southern arises. A total of 2 Mechanics railroad track crossing. provide routine maintenance to City vehicles. Administrative personnel include 1 full time and 1 part time Staffing Levels staff person.
urrently, the Department of Outside contractors perform other C tasks as previously stated, solid Public Works employs 5 Crewman waste management, recycling, and and Crew Leaders and 7 seasonal non-routine maintenance of Fire workers who concentrate on Department emergency vehicles. transportation repairs and modifications. A total of 12
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Goals, Objectives & Action Strategies
Goal P1 The city will operate and maintain water, sewer and solid waste management systems that meet the current and future needs of the city as well as its obligations to the overall region. The city will encourage high quality access to public utilities provided by other systems.
Objective P1 Provide efficient and effective management of the water supply system and both sanitary and storm sewers to meet the current and future needs of the city’s residents and businesses.
Action Strategy P1.1 Ensure that development and redevelopment within the city do not occur at a rate which exceeds the capabilities of the city’s water and sewer systems to provide high quality service.
Action Strategy P1.2 Increase the use of technological innovations to operate, monitor and maintain the city’s water and sewer utilities, such as upgrade water meters and monitoring systems.
Action Strategy P1.3 Design and implement stormwater management projects according to the requirements of the Manassas Park Public Facilities Manual, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and other relevant state and national standards.
Action Strategy P1.4 Continue to limit development and redevelopment in areas located in the 100-year flood plain.
Action Strategy P1.5 Update the Public Facilities Manual to reflect or exceed the latest standards set forth by state and federal regulatory agencies.
Action Strategy P1.6 Ensure developments or redevelopments follow or exceed the guidance provided in the Public Facilities Manual.
Objective P2 Provide economically and environmentally friendly systems of high quality drinking water to all residents and businesses in the city. Ensure an adequate water supply, transmission means, storage facilities, water pressure, and distribution system capable of serving all existing and proposed developments.
Action Strategy P2.1 Continue to upgrade and maintain the city’s well system to maintain a high-quality source of water from city resources.
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Action Strategy P2.2 Rehabilitate deteriorating water lines to provide safe, clean drinking water and adequate water for fire protection.
Action Strategy P2.3 Negotiate economically feasible expansions of capacity rights with Prince William County, Fairfax County and the City of Manassas in order to provide for the projected needs of the city.
Action Strategy P2.4 Weigh costs and benefits of continuing to maintain existing wells and storage tanks versus purchasing added capacity from neighboring jurisdictions.
Action Strategy P2.5 Identify ways to reduce water consumption by each household and business to conserve natural resources and minimize capacity needs.
Action Strategy P2.6 Protect the water quality of nearby rivers, streams and other bodies of water by providing efficient stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to control run-off.
Objective P3 Ensure adequate and cost effective water supplies and capacities to support planned growth and development.
Action Strategy P3.1 Maintain the 100 gallons per person per day guideline set forth in the Public Facilities Manual for provision of water with a peak factor of 1.5 times the estimated average day demand to determine maximum daily demand.
Action Strategy P3.2 Maintain the standards set in the Public Facilities Manual for fire protection flow pressure (See also Chapter 10, Public Safety).
Action Strategy P3.3 Test for groundwater contamination throughout the city on a regular basis, particularly near city well sites.
Action Strategy P3.4 Provide additional fire hydrants to provide a convenient water supply for fire protection.
Objective P4 Ensure adequate sewer capacities based on the planned new development and redevelopment.
Action Strategy P4.1 Encourage innovative demonstration projects for stormwater runoff control, e.g., composting.
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Action Strategy P4.2 Change sewer plans based on planned development to supply adequate service.
Action Strategy P4.3 Ensure adequate sewage capacity allocations from the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority to meet anticipated needs.
Action Strategy P4.4 Plan and design sewer facilities in accordance with the standards set forth in the Public Facilities Manual.
Action Strategy P4.5 Provide adequate stormwater control facilities throughout the city.
Action Strategy P4.6 Place stormwater drainage facilities using best management practices (BMPs) to minimize future problems for developed or redeveloped sites.
Action Strategy P4.7 Rehabilitate the sanitary sewer system to minimize infiltration and inflow (I&I) on a planned schedule, with 5% of the total system rehabilitated each year.
Objective P5 Provide adequate access to utilities provided by other systems, e.g., electricity, high-speed telecommunications, and natural gas.
Action Strategy P5.1 Provide adequate access to high-speed communication utilities in keeping with the regional emphasis on technology and investigate new technologies as they become available.
Action Strategy P5.2 Coordinate planning of utilities provided by others with the Future Land Use Plan and Map.
Action Strategy P5.3 Avoid interference caused by radio, television, and other telecommunications receivers.
Objective P6 Ensure that the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and the operating budget provide sufficient funds to support the maintenance needs of city water, sewer and waste management services.
Action Strategy P6.1 Ensure proffers are used whereby developers and redevelopers contribute funds to support public facilities directly impacted by their development proposals.
Action Strategy P6.2 Ensure new developments and redevelopments in the city cover the costs associated with expanding capacity and other needs of the water and sewer systems.
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Action Strategy P6.3 Analyze the costs of city water, sewer and waste managements systems to determine the benefits of contracting these functions to other organizations.
Action Strategy P6.4 Use the city’s CIP to plan when, where, and how to develop and improve city water, sewer and waste management facilities and services.
Objective P7 Provide cost-effective trash collection services that take advantage of recycling opportunities and explore ways of reducing the quantity of trash.
Action Strategy P7.1 Continue providing a curbside collection program for recyclable materials and study ways to expand the program.
Action Strategy P7.2 Continue the existing program of providing cost effective curbside collection of leaves.
Action Strategy P7.3 Provide opportunities for dropping off recyclable materials in public areas, city facilities and at all city functions.
Action Strategy P7.4 Continue to encourage citizens and businesses to participate in all recycling and hazardous waste collection programs by instituting an effective outreach program.
Action Strategy P7.5 Increase the current low level of recycling in the city to the State-mandated level of 25% through outreach and incentives.
Action Strategy P7.6 Provide economical trash and recycled waste pickup for all city residents at least once time per week by closely monitoring, controlling and, if necessary, replacing the contractor providing such services.
Objective P8 Minimize the visual impact of utilities and related buildings on neighboring properties. This includes those owned and operated by both the city and by other systems.
Action Strategy P8.1 Provide for the screening and buffering of proposed utility structures.
Action Strategy P8.2 Minimize the visual impact of ground transformers and distribution boxes by careful positioning.
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Action Strategy P8.3 Ensure future power and communication equipment areas buffer nearby residences from noise and other hazards.
Action Strategy P8.4 Place utility structures such as electrical transmission poles, telecommunication hubs and electrical substations in the same location to minimize the visual impact and the impact on adjacent properties.
Action Strategy P8.5 Minimize the visual impact of buildings, storage facilities and equipment on adjacent properties.
Action Strategy P8.6 Place utilities underground, preferably along existing or planned utility or road rights-of-way and on lot lines, to minimize their impact on neighboring properties.
Action Strategy P8.7 Place above-ground transmission lines along railroad rights-of-way to minimize impacts on neighboring properties.
Action Strategy P8.8 Use existing towers, water storage tanks, tall buildings and poles to support cellular antennae and utility lines to minimize the need for new towers and poles.
Action Strategy P8.9 Position water, sewerage, storm drainage, power and communication structures to minimize adverse visual impacts on nearby properties.
Action Strategy P8.10 Co-locate poles, towers and equipment buildings to minimize their impact on nearby properties in accordance with the policies found in the Public Facilities Manual.
Action Strategy P8.11 Mitigate the impact of utilities on the natural environment and avoid environmentally sensitive areas, e.g., wetlands, trees, streams, etc.
Action Strategy P8.12 Minimize the impact of sewer lines on the natural environment (e.g., stream valleys, wetlands, and wooded areas.
Action Strategy P8.13 Provide screening and buffering around water, sewer and other public works facilities to minimize their impact on nearby properties.
Action Strategy P8.14 Locate pumping stations in well-buffered, attractively designed structures to minimize their impact on neighboring properties.
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Action Strategy P8.14 Develop telecommunications policies, procedures and implementation measures for the city.
Objective P9 Maintain Public Works equipment and building as well as city vehicles to enhance their operation and minimize repair costs.
Action Strategy P9.1 Maintain and upgrade street sweepers, water/sewer vacuum, flush truck, road graders, trucks, and the like, systematically to spread costs over a number of years and to minimize large expenditures from unexpected vehicle breakdown.
Action Strategy P9.2 Maintain a Public Works facility to accommodate and service city vehicles from the public safety fleets, departmental vehicles and city equipment as well as administrative functions.
Action Strategy P9.3 Improve the Public Works yard and garage; develop a vehicle/equipment replacement schedule; improve record keeping; develop a Fleet Business Plan; and follow other “Best Practices” for fleet programs as recommended by the December 2003 “City of Manassas Park, Virginia Report on Vehicle Maintenance Study”.
Objective P10 Maintain a clean street system and provide for the prompt removal of snow, ice, and post-storm salt and sand.
Action Strategy P10.1 Develop an efficient snow-removal plan for all streets.
Action Strategy P10.2 Sweep all streets on a regular cycle, at least once per month from March through November.
Action Strategy P10.3 Develop tree maintenance guidelines for trees along city streets, water lines and sewers, setting forth clear lines of responsibilities for the city and adjacent property owners.
______152 List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Town Hall Dot Voting Exercise 3 Figure 2.1 Regional Map 6 Figure 2.2 Manassas Park Map 6 Figure 2.3 General Johnston 8 Figure 2.4 Conner House during Civil War 8 Figure 2.5 Signal Hill Monument 9 Figure 2.6 Railroad Piers during Civil War 9 Figure 2.7 Railroad Piers Today 9 Figure 2.8 Georgia Cemetery 10 Figure 3.1 1957 Newspaper Advertisement 11 Figure 3.2 City Facilities Map 16 Figure 4.1 New Home Construction – 1957 19 Figure 4.2 Original Cape Cod Style Home 19 Figure 4.3 Entrance to Bloom’s Crossing 20 Figure 4.4 Entrance to Belmont Station 20 Figure 4.5 Entrance to Haverhill Apartments 20 Figure 4.6 Park Place Senior Apartments 21 Figure 6.1 Map of Signal Hill Park 37 Figure 6.2 Signal Bay Water Park 39 Figure 6.3 Nature Trail 39 Figure 6.4 Generals Ridge Golf Course 40 Figure 6.5 Parks and Recreation Map 41 Figure 7.1 Geologic Regions of Virginia 47 Figure 7.2 Pond at Signal Bay Park 50 Figure 7.3 Location of the Occoquan Basin 50 Figure 7.4 Floodplain Map 53 Figure 9.1 Students in Computer Class 71 Figure 9.2 Cougar Elementary School 78 Figure 9.3 Manassas Park Elementary School 81 Figure 9.4 Manassas Park Middle School 83 Figure 9.5 Manassas Park High School 84 Figure 10.1 Fire and Rescue Equipment 90 Figure 10.2 Police Department Accreditation 94 Figure 10.3 Police Department Vehicle 95 Figure 10.4 Department K-9 Unit 95 Figure 10.5 Emergency Communications Center 97 Figure 10.6 Animal Control Vehicle 98 Figure 11.1 Annexations and Boundary Line Adjustments Map 100 Figure 11.2 Future Land Use Map 111 Figure 12.1 Manassas Park Region 116 Figure 12.2 Intersection of VA Route 28 and Manassas Drive 118 Figure 12.3 Street System Map 120
______153 Figure 12.4 “Comprehensive Plan” Alternative being considered 122 for the Tri-County Parkway near Manassas Park Figure 12.5 Proposed Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway and 123 Trail Network near Manassas Park Figure 12.6 Existing Roadway Cross-Section 124 Figure 12.7 Recommended Roadway Cross-Section 124 Figure 12.8 VRE Station Map 125 Figure 12.9 VRE Train Station and Parking Lot 127 Figure 13.1 Waterline System Map 140 Figure 13.2 Sanitary Sewer System Map 142 Figure 13.3 Street Sweeper 143 Figure 13.4 Public Works Garage 144 Figure 13.5 Storm Water Management Facilities Map 145
______154 List of Tables
Table 4.1 Population Growth 17 Table 4.2 State and Region Population 17 Table 4.3 Population Estimates 17 Table 4.4 Race and Ethnicity 18 Table 4.5 Age and Gender 18 Table 4.6 Record New Home Construction 20 Table 4.7 Average Cost of Housing 20 Table 4.8 Unit Type of Housing (2003) 22 Table 4.9 Total Housing Occupancy 22 Table 4.10 Owned vs. Rented Units 22 Table 5.1 Employment within Manassas Park, 1990 – 2000 25 Table 5.2 Resident Employment by Occupation, 1990 – 2000 25 Table 5.3 Annual Statistics for Unemployment 26 Table 5.4 Median Incomes 27 Table 5.5 Percentage of Revenue Generation by Jurisdiction 28 Table 5.6 Resident Commuting Time 31 Table 6.1 VOP Facility Standards 2002 36 Table 6.2 Parks and Recreation Inventory 2004 42 Table 6.3 Local Park Area Standards & Results 43 Table 7.1 Average Climate and Weather Conditions 49 Table 9.1 Enrollment Trends FY01 to FY05 73 Table 9.2 MPCS Student Demographics 74 Table 9.3 Limited English Proficient and Special Education Students 74 Table 9.4 SOL Test Scores and State Accreditation 75 Table 9.5 Enrollment Projections 77 Table 9.6 School Facilities & Campus Data 77 Table 9.7 Graduation Statistics and Senior Plans 86 Table 9.8 Senior Plans 87 Table 10.1 Fire and Rescue Vehicle Replacement Schedule 91 Table 10.2 Police Vehicle Replacement Schedule 95 Table 12.1 Road Mileage Totals 117 Table 12.2 Average Daily Traffic (Vehicles) 117 Table 12.3 Levels of Service (LOS) Definitions 118 Table 12.4 Future Levels of Service for Major Streets and Highways 119 with Planned Development Table 12.5 Planned Sidewalk Completion Schedule 124 Table 12.6 Planned Street Rehabilitation Schedule 129 Table 13.1 Existing Sources of Water and Capacities 137 Table 13.2 Water Consumption Rates and Projections (MGD) 138 Table 13.3 Water Storage Tanks 139 Table 13.4 Sanitary Sewer Lines 141 Table 13.5 Public Works Vehicle Replacement Schedule 145
______155 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Glossary and Acronyms
The following are provided as a reference for the Comprehensive Plan.
A ADA Americans with Disabilities Act (see description) AFDC-FC Aid to Families with Dependent Children Housing affordable to families with incomes at or below 70% of Affordable Housing the area median income, provided that the occupant pays more than 30% of gross income, including utility costs Provided civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities Americans with and guaranteed them equal opportunity in public accommodations, Disabilities Act employment, transportation, state and local government services, (ADA) and telecommunications Road that connects outer suburban communities with the central Arterial Street part of a community B Best Management Practices considered to be the most effective and practicable with Practices (BMP) regard to technical, economic, and organization concerns Block Park See Vest Park BMP Best Management Practices (see description) Data transmission medium capable of handling a wide range of Broadband data transmission frequencies or channels at the same, e.g., cable Communication TV, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), etc. service and may be used System for online computer communications, e.g., via the Internet A physical barrier or designated open space that moderates the influence different land uses has on another. For example; trees Buffer and yard space intentionally placed separating a commercial building from a housing community to the reduce noise and visual impacts The Census Bureau, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, conducts censuses of population and housing every 10 years and of agriculture, business, governments, manufacturers, mineral Bureau of the Census industries, and transportation at 5-year intervals. In cooperation with BLS, the Census Bureau also conducts the monthly Current Population Survey. Information from this survey is the source of unemployment statistics C The CIP is the scheduling of public physical improvements over a Capital Improvements specified period of time. The CIP is an important device to assist Program (CIP) in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
______156 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
An enumeration of the population of a given area at a particular time. Besides counting people, censuses also collect information Census on age, sex, and race of individuals, family incomes, housing, and other characteristics. See Bureau of the Census CERT Citizen Emergency Response Team CGAs Critical Ground Water Areas French for "cart," comes from intensive three-day painting sessions, in which French art students would have to duplicate master works in three days as a test. Urban legend says that on the Charette third day, the master painter would ride by with a horse cart, and the students would have to throw their work into the cart for a grade, no matter if they'd finished CIP Capital Improvements Program (see description) A water distribution system whereby pipes connect to each other Closed Loop Water so that any given location, water service may be provided from Distribution System more than one direction if the service should be disrupted from a given direction Roads designed to carry moderate flows of traffic from arterial Collector Streets streets to local roads Community Parks are larger recreation parks designed to serve Community Park urban and rural residents and include a wider range of equipment and facilities One who travels regularly from one place to another, for example Commuter between a home in a suburb and a job in the city A labor market concept that refers to worker flows between municipalities and/or counties. Data representing commuting patterns is collected through the decennial census and is available for larger municipalities and counties; measures include the number of workers that travel to jobs between municipalities, Commuting Patterns counties, and states. Data on commuting patterns can reveal the most economically developed areas, such as those that draw large amounts of labor, or they may reveal the need for economic development, such as those counties that export large amounts of labor A plan which establishes the goals and objectives for the Cities development, and guides future decisions on land use, Comprehensive Plan transportation, public facilities, economics, resource protection, housing, human services, and recreation. State law requires a Comprehensive Plan to be reviewed every five years CPTED Crime Prevention trough Environmental Design CSA Confederate States of America CUP Conditional Use Permit (see description) D DARE Drug Abuse Resistance Education Statistics characterizing human populations, or samples of human Demographics population broken down by race, gender, etc ______157 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
E An interest in real property that is held by someone other than the Easement owner that limits the property to a specific use or condition Those individuals who are 16 years of age and over who worked for pay any time during the week which includes the 12th day of the month, or who worked unpaid for 15 hours or more in a family-owned business, and individuals who were temporarily Employed Persons absent from their jobs due to illness, bad weather, vacation, labor dispute, or personal reasons. Excluded are persons whose only activity consists of work around the house and volunteer work for religious, charitable, and similar organizations EPA Environmental Protection Agency F FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency A floodplain is land along a natural drainage way that is subject to Floodplain continuous or periodic inundation or flooding Land Use development style and intensity recommended for an Future Land Use area to achieve the Comprehensive Plan’s long-range vision Fiscal Year Business Year for the City
FY Fiscal Year (see description) G Geographic A computer based system for the capture, storage, analysis and Information System display of spatial data. It uses advanced mapping capabilities that (GIS) allow attractive, informative, and interactive maps to be displayed GIS Geographic Information System (see description) General policy statements of what the City of Manassas Park, as a Goals community would like to achieve H HOA Homeowner Association As defined by the Census Bureau, all persons who occupy a housing unit, room or group of rooms intended for occupancy as Household separate living quarters and having either a separate entrance or complete cooking facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants HUD Housing and Urban Development (U.S. Department of) I I&I Inflow and Infiltration (see description) Income Total amount of money earned by an individual from all sources I&I (or I and I) – Inflow and infiltration (alternatively infiltration Inflow and and inflow) storm water results from leaks in the sanitary sewer Infiltration pipelines and manholes permitting storm and other sources of water to enter into the sanitary sewer. IT Information Technology
______158 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
L LF Linear feet, a measure of distance M The Bureau of Census designation for the metropolitan region that (Washington) includes Manassas Park. It also includes the District of Columbia; Metropolitan Montgomery, Prince George's, Charles, Calvert and Frederick Statistical Area Counties, Maryland; the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls (MSA) Church, Manassas; and, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford Counties, Virginia The middle value in a distribution of numbers. For example, half of all families have an income greater than the median family Median Income income, and half of all families have an income lower than the median MGD Millions Gallons a Day MSA Metropolitan Statistical Area (see description) MWCoG Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments N NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards Neighborhood Parks are relatively small local parks designed to Neighborhood Parks serve densely populated areas that include specialized equipment and facilities NFPA National Fire Protection Association US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant NPDES Discharge Elimination System NRVC Northern Virginia Regional Commission O Specific benchmarks of progress that serve to support a respective Objectives goal. These often include strategies that should be considered if Manassas Park is to take positive steps towards its desired future The Virginia Open Space Land Act defines "open-space land" as any land which is provided or preserved for (i) park or recreation purposes, (ii) conservation of land or other natural resources, (iii) historic or scenic purposes, (iv) assisting in the shaping of the Open Space character, direction, and timing of community development, or (v) wetlands as defined in §28.2-1300. [The Virginia Open Space Land Act, Va. Code Ann. §§ 10.1-1700 through -1705 (Michie 1998)] P PCAC Park Center Advisory Committee The annual total personal income of individuals from all sources-- wage and salary disbursements, other labor income, proprietors' Per Capita Personal income, rental income, dividends, personal interest income, and Income transfer payments--minus personal contributions for social security insurance, divided by resident population as of July 1 PRTC Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission
______159 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Facilities that are required to support the services and functions provided by the County government or public utility companies. Such facilities are essential to support the community and its development and to enhance the overall quality of life. Public Public Facilities facilities include such necessities as water and sewer lines, drainage and storm water management facilities, and police and fire protection, as well as educational, recreational and cultural services A development plan and/or written condition, which, when offered voluntarily by an owner and accepted by the Board of Supervisors, becomes a legally binding part of the regulations of the zoning district pertaining to the property in question. Proffers, or Proffer proffered conditions, must be considered by the Planning Commission and submitted by an owner in writing prior to the Governing Body public hearing on a rezoning application, and thereafter may be modified only by an application and hearing process similar to that required of a rezoning application R Development activity generally characterized by clearance of existing structures and new construction. The new development Redevelopment may be the same type of land use, or a new type, but it is usually at a higher level of intensity or density than that it replaces Regional Parks are large parks designed to serve a wide Regional Park geographic area with a diverse range of equipment and facilities The renewal and improvement of older commercial and residential areas through any of a series of actions or programs that encourage and facilitate private and public investment. This community investment can include (but is not limited to) activities and Revitalization programs designed to improve neighborhoods; strengthen existing businesses; attract new businesses; encourage quality renovation and new construction; enhance public spaces and pedestrian amenities; ensure safe, efficient and convenient traffic flow; and contribute to the social and economic vitality of the area RPA (Chesapeake Bay) Resource Protection Area S Aimed at ensuring neighborhoods, towns, and regions accommodate growth in ways that are economically sound, Smart Growth environmentally responsible, and supportive of community livability - growth that enhances quality of life over the long term Special Use Parks are highly specialized parks designed to serve the entire City with unique facilities and activities, such as Special Use Parks marinas, historic areas, historic areas, recreation centers, golf courses, equestrian facilities, greenway and equestrian trails, and similar facilities SIP State Implementation Plan
______160 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
A water collection basin for managing stormwater runoff. The Stormwater Retention pond may be “dry” (retains water for a limited time, e.g., 3 days) (or detention) pond or “wet” (water is always present) T TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Land uses of an intermediate intensity between a more intensive and less intensive use (i.e., locating an office building between a residential use and a business). Land uses of this type act as a Transitional Uses buffer between two land uses with their purpose being to preclude the more intensive uses from “creeping” into the less intensive zone U Occurs when any of the factors of production (labor, land, capital, and entrepreneurship) are not employed in production of goods and services. Unemployment occurs when labor, a factor of Unemployment production, is not being fully utilized to due to the unavailability of suitable jobs. It is strictly defined as a situation where people who are willing and able to work cannot find employment The number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labor force. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate eliminates the influence of regularly recurring seasonal fluctuations which can be Unemployment Rate ascribed to weather, crop-growing cycles, holidays, vacations, regular industry model changeover periods, etc., and therefore, more clearly shows the underlying basic trend of unemployment UOSA Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority V VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation Also known as ‘mini-parks’, they are a subcategory of neighborhood parks and take advantage odd-sized parcels of land, Vest (Block) Parks vary in size and serve neighborhoods by providing open space and play areas VIEW Virginia’s Initiative for Employment Virginia DEQ Department of Environmental Quality Virginia Railway Commuter rail service in the Southern Railway and Richmond, Express (VRE) Fredericksburg and Potomac rail corridors Virginia’s guide to all the levels of government and the private Virginia’s Outdoor sector that endeavor to meet the conservation, outdoor recreation, Plan and open space needs of Virginia VOC Volatile Organic Compounds VOP Virginia’s Outdoor Plan (see description) VRE Virginia Railway Express (see description) VRSAF Virginia Rescue Squad Assistance Fund W Consist of earnings before payroll deductions, including Wages production bonuses, incentive earnings, commissions and cost-of- living adjustment ______161 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Z The legislative process/document by which a local government classifies land within the community into areas and districts Zoning Ordinance referred to as zones. Zoning regulates building and structure dimensions, design, placement, and use. Requirements vary from district to district, but they must be uniform within districts
______162 Appendix A
Park Center Design Standards & Guidelines
March 7, 2002
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