Dec. 4 new date for Manassas residents to speak out on future capital needs

Manassas City government and Manassas City Public Schools are changing the date for the next citizen engagement opportunity, previously scheduled for Nov. 7.  The next opportunity for residents to offer their suggestions and comments regarding City and School Capital Improvement needs will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Mayfield Intermediate School.

According to Patty Prince, the city’s public information officer, with the focus on Hurricane Sandy over the last few days, and with the overwhelming amount of quality information collected, both online and during the first citizen meeting, City and School staff want to give the proper time and attention to the collected information.

City Manager John A. Budesky was quoted as saying, “The group has received great, quality feedback from residents about the future of our City. Staff want to ensure that proper time and care are given to putting together this information in a meaningful presentation to residents and we hope to get wonderful feedback at the Dec. 4 meeting as well.”

At the Dec. 4 meeting, participants will hear a short recap of the first meeting and then have an opportunity for public comment and suggestions.  These projects, which the city and schools have worked together on gathering resident input, willultimately go into the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Magouyrk was quoted as saying, “I was pleased to meet and get feedback from so many residents from the City of Manassas,” said .  “The school system will benefit from the participation and involvement of our residents.”

This is a one-of-a-kind effort in the Northern Virginia area.  The City of Manassas and Manassas City Public Schools will use the information gathered at these meetings, along with recommendations from staff, to create their Capital Improvement Plans, according to Prince.