;
Riverfront Park Concept Design Review Set

Riverfront Park Concept Design Review Set

By Susan Larson
Fredericksburg’s Architectural Review Board will hold a supplementary meeting Monday, Aug. 4, to review the recently released concept design for Riverfront Park.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 715 Princess Anne St.  The public is welcome to attend, but there will be no opportunity for public comment, the meeting notice said.

read more
Sales Tax Holiday for Back-to-School

Sales Tax Holiday for Back-to-School

By Susan Larson
Parents can save money August 1 – 3 during Virginia’s 2014 back-to-school sales tax holiday.
During this three-day period (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item, and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.  Online purchases are included.

read more
Diamond Nation Asks City for $18 Million More Towards Stadium

Diamond Nation Asks City for $18 Million More Towards Stadium

By Susan Larson
Diamond Nation is asking the City of Fredericksburg to contribute $18 million more towards building a stadium complex to host the Hagerstown Suns and provide space for amateur baseball and softball camps and tournaments.
The total cost of the project originally had been estimated at about $25 – $30 million.
City Manager Bev Cameron made the announcement in an update to City Council during their August 12 meeting.

read more
City Considers Real Estate Tax Exemption for Diamond Nation Stadium Complex

City Considers Real Estate Tax Exemption for Diamond Nation Stadium Complex

By Susan Larson
Diamond Nation has requested a permanent real estate tax exemption from the City of Fredericksburg in exchange for a revenue share “in perpetuity” and the city’s investment of up to $26 million to build a baseball stadium and sports complex in Celebrate Virginia South.
The new terms came in a letter to City Council on August 21 from Diamond Nation owner Jack Cust.

read more
Fredericksburg EDA Approves 22K in Grants

Do Not Jeopardize Fredericksburg’s Future Financial Capabilities. Say No to Baseball.

An editorial by Fredericksburg resident Anne Little.
Editor’s Note: Read the comment at the end of the editorial for an opposing viewpoint.
Dear Friends:
Fredericksburg officials have been negotiating on a baseball stadium for over a year.  The final negotiations last year resulted in a package that totaled $28 million dollars in cash, tax breaks and incentives to the Baseball Group (which is comprised of the former Hagerstown Suns and Diamond Nation) from the City.

read more
Patriot Day: ‘We Will Forever Remember’

Patriot Day: ‘We Will Forever Remember’

By Susan Larson
Patriot Day, observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the 2,977 who died at the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and in an open field in Shanksville, Pa.
Fredericksburg resident Allen P. Boyle and Stafford resident Martha M. Reszke died at the Pentagon.

read more
Fredericksburg EDA Approves 22K in Grants

River Road Closed for Chatham Work

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is restoring views to and from Chatham Manor, the Georgian-style mansion that served as a Union command post and military hospital during the Civil War.
“The vista of Fredericksburg from Chatham as seen in countless photographs over the past 150 years is one of the most famous views in the region,” a park official said.  That view has been obstructed by the growth of trees and underbrush.

read more
Fredericksburg Releases New Map of City Parks and Trails

Fredericksburg Releases New Map of City Parks and Trails

Fredericksburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities and Department of Economic Development and Tourism have collaborated on a new map of the city’s parks and trails.
The new, two-page map highlights 21 outdoor spaces, parks and trails as well as park features including picnic tables, playground equipment, fishing opportunities and more, city staff said.  Page one features downtown locations.  Page two includes Motts Run Reservoir and W. L. Harris and Dixon Parks.

read more