Manassas Town Hall Meeting Monday Night
By Greg L | 3 December 2007 | Manassas City | 56 Comments
Tonight there will be a Manassas City town hall meeting at Haydon Elementary School at 7:00PM. There’s a lot for residents to discuss with the council, and with municipal elections on the horizon it certainly is a time when council members will be paying close attention to what residents have to say. Here are a few of the topics that may be covered:
Comcast is still abusing city resident Melyssa Webb’s family, and is now in the process of re-installing the equipment that they were shamed into removing. In their infinite compassion for this beleaguered family, they are moving the equipment six feet to the left, as you face the house. Unfortunately, should the city decide to not enter into a contract with Comcast, state law would allow Comcast to force the city to accept them anyways (under something called “contract by ordinance”), and under terms that would likely be more favorable to them than any the city would negotiate. The only real option here is for the city to ensure Comcast gets plenty of competitors, and let the marketplace solve this problem.
The city has displayed more than enough tolerance of the outrage on Liberty Street. The person acting on behalf of the property owner has chosen to reinforce the structure of this one remaining wall, which is an action that should have required a building permit — something that would have never been granted since the property is under a demolition order. This gives the city the option to demand immediate action to have this structure razed, and it should be done as soon as the law would allow. This is the historic district, and ugly forty-foot long billboards have no place there.
Not only did Historic Manassas allow a display of the devil in a Christmas Parade this weekend, but awarded the dance troupe that featured this outrage a prize for this display. Unless residents really want to encourage this sort of abomination to regularly grace public celebrations of Christmas in the future, the council should get some feedback about this.
Although the lawsuit against Prince William County has been dismissed, it’s probably not quite yet time for Manassas to follow suit and have the council direct the police department to establish a policy to question suspected illegal aliens about their immigration status outside of their upcoming Section 287(g) Program. After whatever legal challenges are completed in Prince William County, then the city can replicate the policy for the City of Manassas. Nothing is to stop the city from quietly following a similar policy or simply allowing police officers to use their discretion, but in the meantime adopting Councilman Jon Way’s proposal to ensure that city contractors don’t employ illegal aliens is probably a better course of action.
Overcrowding and zoning complaints are apparently discarded under an unwritten city policy that requires that a complainant reside within three houses of the property in question. This is a bad idea that needs to change. A violation of ordinances doesn’t become tolerable simply because the immediate neighbors may be afraid of reporting a problem. This rewards coercion.
I’d encourage everyone to attend this meeting. Without good citizen input, you can’t expect legislators to do what you want them to.
The opinions expressed here are solely the views of the author, and not representative of the position of any organization, political party, doughnut shop, knitting guild, or waste recycling facility, but may be correctly attributed to the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. If anything in the above article has offended you, please click here to receive an immediate apology.
You can follow the discussion through the Comments feed.
56 Comments
Views: 1401
Loading ...
He’s really upset about that sign. Isn’t he? That says a lot about him.
It says much more about the culture of trash and eyesores that ruin what used to be a beautiful historic district.
Sheriff Joe continues to do his job - http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AZ_IMMIGRANT_ARRESTS_COOL-?SITE=COLON&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Should change your name to el feo!
good one, anon.
I would like the address of Haydon Elementary School where the town hall meeting will be held.
Thanks!
One of the things that could be discussed is the proposal of zoning rules much like the ones elected by Loudoun County just recently as detailed in the following Post article. I think this is one of the most important things on the agenda, because overcrowding is nothing more than shelter for illegal aliens and the inability to know where criminals may be residing, not to mention illegal aliens who are not counted but used the school system and other social services.
Here is the article:
Sterling Areas Targeted for Stiffer Zoning Enforcement
By Sandhya Somashekhar
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 30, 2007; Page B01
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted last night to step up enforcement of anti-crowding and other zoning laws in an area where some officials have blamed illegal immigrants for bringing blight to the neighborhood.
Under the new policy, which must be confirmed at a meeting Tuesday, county inspectors would target homeowners in two areas of Sterling who rent out rooms illegally, park broken-down cars on the street and otherwise violate state and county guidelines.
Previously, such infractions were investigated only when someone complained. The pilot program would operate for six months and include some educational outreach. After the six months, the policy could be continued or modified.
The measures are part of a broad crackdown on illegal immigration that began during the summer, when supervisors passed a resolution aimed at cutting off county services to and stepping up deportations of illegal immigrants.
Last night was one of the board’s last chances to make some headway. At the end of the year, the board will change hands to a Democratic majority that might not address the issue with the same zeal.
“We’ve done as much as we could in the short period we had and with the laws that are in place today,” said Lori L. Waters (R-Broad Run). “I think it is having and will continue to have an impact on the community.”
The board has struggled to fulfill its promises, confronting the legal limitations imposed on counties by the state and federal governments and facing the high cost of taking on federal enforcement duties.
Also yesterday, the board voted to require companies that have contracts with the county to certify that they do not hire illegal immigrants. Parents who enroll their children in county child-care programs also would be asked to sign a document saying that the children are in the United States legally. This year, Loudoun supervisors directed the sheriff’s office to forge a closer relationship with federal immigration authorities, a deal that is in negotiations.
It is impossible to know how many illegal immigrants live in Loudoun, but officials believe an increasing number are settling there. In particular, they said, there has been growth in Sterling Park, a diverse, working-class community that borders Herndon and Fairfax County.
Yeah, that was a good one. A personal insult that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic being discussed. Again, that says a lot about you.
Haydon Elementary School is located at 9075 Park Avenue in Manassas. We hope to see you there!
Good article about Loudon county. Zoning enforcement is the best way to deal with quality of life issues regardless of whether the individuals involved are here illegally or not.
Sherriff Joe arrests lawbreakers while they “protest” Americans laws on private property! Awesome! Good to know there is at least one real man left in America. Would that there were more Sherriff Joes in the world.
Again, El Guapo, it is the blatent snubbing of the ILLEGALS noses at the law. This is what people are upset about:
The ILLEGALS protesting when they are here ILLEGALLY.
The ILLEGALS demanding they be accepted before someone that has made the LEGAL trip through immigration.
The ILLEGALS demanding everyone change to their values.
The ILLEGALS driving down wages because they are willing to slave themselves out for the day at sub standard pay.
The ILLEGALS flying the Mexican flag above or prominent to the US flag.
The last time I checked this IS AMERICA. If people can not adapt to the culture and traditions of this land as it stands, then go back to where you came from. The only reason the ILLEGALS demonstrate is because we let them. It is time to enforce the demonstration permit law and other laws in the area. The sign is on a building that has been slated for demolition. It has not been demolished and therefore, is in violation of the law.
Does you just love how the illegals don’t understand the laws of this country? There needs to be revolution in Manassas City and all over this country…it’s time to fight back…The Illegals need to get what’s coming to them.
Greg, appreciate everything you do, but you need to have your facts striaght. zoning complaints and property maintenance complaints do not follow under the same requirements as overcrowding complaints. As it was explained to me, this was a way to ensure the “success” of the program. Not sure either way, but in light of the law suit it may be a good idea for now. Please make sure you have your facts straight because I filed a complaint about a vacant house and I don’t even live on the same street, and it was taken cleaned, had the grass cut and I got a call back, so I know it was because of my complaint and not a neighbors.
/\/\3|)iç 64, the guy that owns that property isn’t an illegal thereby rendering your post yet another comment that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic.
Shawn, That is, already in place as a peaceful organization, Help Save Manassas.
Regarding the sign on Liberty Street, has anyone considered that the infamous sign on Old Town is good for business? I wonder how many folks go to Old Town just to take a look… and then do a little shopping, perhaps lunch or dinner, etc. This thought ran across my mind because when I went to take a look (as a result of reading about it on this blog) I stopped by Okra’s for a Shrimp poor boy sandwich (which I highly recommend, by the way.)
I would be interested in what Old Town business people really think. Your coverage may have actually been good for Old Town… generating interest and traffic down town. (The conspiracy theorists might even think that the Old town Business association is behind the whole thing for the publicity. I wonder how far people drive to look at the infamous sign.)
I think I would leave the issue to the Old Town business community (and perhaps actual neighbors). I live nowhere near the sign so I can’t really take offense to the issue. I suggest everyone else at least consider MYOB (and try a Poor Boy next time you go down town to check the sign’s status).
I have talked to some of the neighbors on Liberty street and they are very upset about this billboard.
What Maureen Wood said on 3 Dec 2007 at 4:20 pm
…then let them complain (about the billboard on Liberty Street). I’m guessing there are quite a few people who recognize the first amendment right of this legal resident to state an opinion on his property (including perhaps a few folks who don’t necessarily show up on this blog). We strongly criticize foreign Governments who stifle dissent; I hope a few offended folks with no real stake in the matter don’t cause local Government to do the same.
Rick Bentley said on 3 Dec 2007 at 1:21 pm:
Sherriff Joe arrests lawbreakers while they “protest” Americans laws on private property! Awesome! Good to know there is at least one real man left in America. Would that there were more Sherriff Joes in the world.
Wonder why there aren’t more like Sheriff Joe? He gets the job done and appears to meet all the standards. Don’t see any lawsuits filed against him and he is making an impact.
Well I guess people that live in the City should start erecting BILLBOARDS all over town. The bigger the better!!!!
Now that you mention it, there are billboards all over town… and some of them are pretty big! …even lit at night.
Anonymous…I agree about the first amendment, but I also feel, as should you, that breaking the law is wrong. Am I correct?
Now that you have answered, which I will feel you did the right thing and answered yes, don’t you think the sign is part of a building that was suppose to be demolished quite some time ago?
Now that you have answered, which I will feel you did the right thing and answered yes, since said building has had additional support put into place, don’t you think that is adding on to a building that was set to be demolished?
Now that you have answered, which I will feel you did the right thing and answered yes, don’t you think those who break the law by disregarding the building permit process and do not follow the law by demolishing a building that has been condemned as well as continue to keep said building erect not a violator of the law?
Let’s just say this didn’t have a sign about the plight of ILLEGALS, but said some nasty things about Jews or was propaganda for the KKK, how long do you think this first amendment right would be allowed to be displayed?
If one illegally parks a car plastered with political bumper stickers, is any attempt to tow that car a violation of that vehicle owner’s right to freedom of speech?
I keep thinking of the laws that the founding fathers broke when they created this great country… the pamphleteers (like Thomas Paine) who ignited public opinion… the illegal invasion of an English ship to dump tea in protest of taxes… and an “illegal” revolution.
The “right thing” is an interesting concept. I assume you are familiar with Gandhi and Dr. King. Their acts of civil disobedience violated the law; however, they resulted in required and fundamental changes regarding human rights. The law isn’t always the “right thing.” I think you will find should this to litigation, that free speech trumps people concerned about an untidy sign.
Your view is one side of a complicated issue. If you have read the sign, you will realize that it doesn’t even talk about the illegal immigration issue. I actually like the sentiment… when good men do nothing. I fear that the desire of one side to silence the other using zoning codes puts our Democracy at risk and makes us both a national and an international embarassment.
If you are on the right side of an issue, expressions of disagreement don’t matter because your cause will triumph. It’s just a sign. Why does it frighten you so?
What MP Resident said on 3 Dec 2007 at 6:52 pm
You know the answer… or the key: is it on public property or private property?
Let’s say it’s a broken down, inoperable vehicle on the vehicle owner’s property in plain view, and, as already mentioned, plastered with political stickers.
Can the city cite the property owner for that violation without violation his right to free speech?
As far as I can see these people are violating several ordinances. And nowhere can I find mention of a 6 month demolition permit in the city code. What I fouund is, they have 30 days from the date of the notice to commence work to rectify the specifics, or to initiate a request to demolish, or move such structure. If appropriate action is not taken within the 30 days, the zoning administrator shall initiate appropriate legal action as a violation of this chapter. 30 days+ 30 days + 60 days not 6 months.
Sec. 130-546. Certificate of appropriateness. (In the Historic District)
(a) Activity requiring review, unless exempted by this division:
(1) No building or structure, including signs, shall be erected, reconstructed, altered or restored within an HOD unless approved by the ARB or, on appeal, by the city council as being architecturally compatible with the historic structures within.
Sec. 130-86. Prohibition of uses deemed a public nuisance.
No person shall be permitted in any zoning district to conduct any activity that by reason of its nature or manner of operation emits noxious or injurious odors, dust, smoke, cinders, fumes, noise, vibrations, waste, fire, or explosion, or unsightliness that offends reasonable or otherwise normal sensitivity and is not otherwise permitted under a special permit authorized by the DCSM. The zoning administrator shall be the agent for the city to make the determination if an activity is a public nuisance under the provisions of this section
Oh gosh, do I see something about signs? Look at the part that says unsightliness that offends.
If this had been a sign saying thank you Stirrup and Stewart, do you really think we would be going through all of this?
P.S. political signs do have certian times they can go up and have to be taken down.
BTW- Anonymous said on 3 Dec 2007 at 7:04 pm
We are not frightened of the sign. We want the laws to be enforced fairly for everyone. Not selective enforcement. That is what is at issue here.
Where were all you people last night. Very few folks at the town hall meeting .
What MP Resident said on 3 Dec 2007 at 8:22 pm
If it’s on private property, why would you care? Too many people worry about what their neighbor’s are up to and not enough about their own conduct. Let me know if they park it on your property. Hypothetical’s are of dubious value as they take people off of the subject at hand. I doubt the folks that object are actual stakeholders in the issue (bordering neighbors and down town business people).
I see a rush to use zoning laws to stifle free speech. It’s a rather transparent attempt to silence the opposition. Fortunately, we have the Supreme Court to sort things out (if it goes that far). You see, the Constitution trumps State, County, and local law (including zoning law).
You only draw attention to the sign and its message by objecting. As a strategy, I would suggest ignoring it would be the best way to make the sign irrelevant. Right now, all you are doing is drawing crowds (which I am sure the Old Town business folks appreciate).
Don’t hate is right, where was everyone. Maureen spoke on (or should I say against) the now infamous sign. Another resident said he had a for sale sign on his home because of the Citys’ lack of enforcement of zoning. One or two others spoke on the generally inferior quality of Comcast service. One person asked who was going to shovel the sidewalks of the many now vacant homes when it snows and I couldn’t help but think that few people shovel their walks anymore anyway (my kids walk to school in the street as a result) and the City does nbothing.
Given all of the passion here and elsewhere surrounding the many quality of life issues in the City, I was perplexed at the reasonably low turnout and the fact that few people in attandance (myself included) did not speak.
Chief Skinner said crime (other than burglaries) is down. I regret not asking if the burglaries was gang related, tied to the general economic slump, or what.
“If it’s on private property, why would you care?”
There are many things one can do with their private property that affect their neighbors, and there are laws and regulations to control what one may do with their private property.
“You see, the Constitution trumps State, County, and local law (including zoning law).”
The man has a right to free speech.
He does not have a right to exercise his right of free speech in a manner that is contrary to law.
Many cities, counties, and states have sign ordinances. I suppose you think these are all unconstitutional because they limit one’s free speech?
Incidentally, the sign is in the City of Manassas. That is a city, not a county. County law does not apply in the City of Manassas.
Which makes the location of this sign protesting a Prince William County action a bit odd, but then again, we all know how much trouble illegal aliens and their supporters have with the concept of borders.
sheriff joe is my hero!!!
I’m writing him in for president, he would get rid of the illegals in short order and that would be most awesome!!
Bayberry resident said on 3 Dec 2007 at 1:49 pm:
You can not blame Greg for not having the facts straight, as you said.
PWC and Manassas City have different rules, etc. They handle it very differently, and you are correct in assuming thios may have something to do with “the lawsuit”.
Greg, Thanks for keeping us involved.
Maureen, thanks for ALL you do. You made good points at the meeting before Council, I hope they respond!
Regarding the sign at 9500 Liberty: We are definitely not ‘afraid’ of this sign or the people responsible for it. The big issue I see is that this degrades our Manassas City just as much, or more than, the overcrowded sf homes that have fifteen vehicles parked every night, as well as the transients walking into our neighborhoods every night looking for the open doors.
Anon said: “I was perplexed at the reasonably low turnout and the fact that few people in attandance ”
Have you been to a regular MCC meeting held in chambers lately? The turn-out at Hayden was actually better than the average regular meeting.
Sad, but true!
Mike Austin 1:05: Why can’t I blame Greg. He wrote it. he did not confuse the County and City, he specifically wrote “overcrowding and zoning complaints are apparantly discarded under an unwritten CITY policy…” which is completely incorrect as I wrote. All you have to do to make factual statements is call and ask. If Greg is to be taken serious and not discarded as I discard the Journal Messenger then he must have his facts straight. Another instance is Mauren Wood 9:58. She should stick to doing what she knows best like cleaning house or making babies because the 6 month time frame is for a building permit, not the zoning section of City code. Building permits are issued on a 6 month time frame unless they recieve at least one inspection in that time frame and then it is good for another 6 months. In the case of a demo permit, the only inspection required is the one to see the structure has been removed and the ground stabilized so there would be no need for a second inspection therefore no need for an extension, so the permit is good for 6 months only. I am all for removing every single illegal alien from this country no matter what crime they did or did not commit, but you peopel have gone completly bonkers.
Bayberry resident said on 4 Dec 2007 at 6:48 pm:
“Another instance is Mauren Wood 9:58. She should stick to doing what she knows best like cleaning house or making babies because the 6 month time frame is for a building permit, not the zoning section of City code”
WHAT?
Bayberry resident, congratulations. You have just successfully
announced to everyone who posts here your total and complete
ignorance. I am referring to your inane comment directed at
Maureen Wood. Shame on you!
“Building permits are issued on a 6 month time frame unless they recieve at least one inspection in that time frame and then it is good for another 6 months.”
My understanding is that a building permit is good until there has been no work performed for 6 months, at which point the permit expires.
MP Resident, exactly, that is what the inspection is for, to verify that work has occurred.
Not in my experience. In my experience they only do inspections to check the quality of the work once you reach the point where one is required(framing, plumbing, final, etc). If it takes you 8 months to finish the framing of your addition you can call for a framing inspection on the 8th month and your permit is still valid. You don’t call for an inspection just to have them check the progress of your work. There’s no option for that on the automated inspection hotline of the jurisdiction I dealt with for a building permit.
If the inspectors were called out simply to check the progress of the work, without good notes or photographs from the last time, they’re not going to be able to determine if any additional work has occurred.
Sometimes I run into an individual on this blog who makes me instantly want to never come back to participate! They are usually rude, self-rituis, obnoxious, disrespectful, smell bad, etc., etc.
“Bayberry…” has joined that list!
I don’t mind the response you sent about myself, I can let that slide off my back, and I can agree to disagree. However, the remarks you made about Maureen Wood are unacceptable.
You owe her an apology.
I have no doubt that if you were to address her face-to-face you would not have the guts to say what you did on this blog. I’m sure that you prefer to hide behind your computer and the name “Bayberry…”
What kind of person hides there name and then says things about someone who works so hard for the rights of that same persons community?
You are a Coward! You are not someone I would like to know I am associating with!
Therefore, YOU ARE just that person who ruins an open forum for others.
If you insist on continuing to express your opinions here, please be civil.
If you wish to continue to use your recently expressed demeanor that I and others found to be rude and unacceptable, then please at least publish you real name so someone can come visit you and kick your asp!
Bayberry resident,
Your comments about Maureen are some of the most dispicable I’ve seen here on bvbl. Not to mention “making babies” what a disrespectful statement to all females. You are so off base you aren’t even on the playing field. Maureen, devotes her time and energy to our communty and for the good of all legal citizens.
What have YOU done to better the quality of life for your fellow citizens?
Mike Austin,
Thank you for your well thought statements as always. Bayberry resident has been added to the IGNORE BUTTON list in my book for sure. We know all Maureen does, as well as many other concerned LEGAL citizens such as ourselves.
Dingleberry resident said on 4 Dec 2007 at 6:48 pm:
“Another instance is Mauren Wood 9:58. She should stick to doing what she knows best like cleaning house or making babies …”
HOLY SEXISM, Batman!!!
Bayberry resident said on 4 Dec 2007 at 6:48 pm “Another instance is Mauren Wood 9:58. She should stick to doing what she knows best like cleaning house or making babies because the 6 month time frame is for a building permit, not the zoning section of City code.”
Bay, your statement leads me to believe that you are simply another anatomically limited male sitting behind a computer screen feeling like Studly Hung-well because you can insult Maureen Wood. WOWOWOWOW….SUCH A MAN!
I don’t need to tell you that sexist remarks like that are inappropriate. You know they are and you feel you can get by with it because of your anonymity.
If per chance you are female, it is pretty obvious that you are simply jealous of Maureen because she is smart, involved in her community, and when she speaks, people listen. When you speak, no one will listen because you lack the social skills to present what might have otherwise been a valid opinion.
Bayberry, aka Jackass…
Maureen Wood has ten times the guts and sense of duty to her community than you could ever hope for. When I go into battle, I want Maureen slugging it out right next to me. You, on the other hand, would not be fit to carry her water.
While we are on the subject of your profound ignorance, when Greg wrote “overcrowding and zoning complaints are apparantly discarded under an unwritten city policy that requires that a complainant reside within three houses of the property in question” he was dead right.
This discussion stemmed from a number of Weems residents who tried to call in an overcrowded house down the street only to be told by the city that they had to be within three houses of the residence in question. This selectively-applied policy was then confirmed by a number of city council members.
Looks like you won the BVBL Schlep of the Day Award! Congrats!
Oh and by the way, Bayberry? Your opinons don’t matter. You are not in the game and are a non-entity. MW works for her community day in and day out and has been doing so for years. She sticks her neck out, makes her opinion unequivocally known and attaches her name to it. What have you done? Anonymously posted some intentionally outrageous comments on a blog and gotten your kicks from it? Impressive.
Dan A,
More like gotten his arse kicked from it….and it was richly deserved.
Everyone, please do not make sexist assumptions regarding this individual.
Most MEN would not stoop to making such statements.
Rather, we should consider this entity as an IT.
I should have said “REAL MEN”………
Thanks to all of you for the nice comments, they are appreciated. I have done what Chris Pannell has done, ingaged the ignore button on Bayberry
And still waiting for an apology…..
Like Dingleberry is man/woman enough to apologize.
I’m in complete agreement with last two comments.
Where’s that apology? Hmmm. Not holding my breath.