Council closes public hearing on city‑initiated rezoning for 9161 Liberia Ave; county credit union seeks branch

The Manassas City Council held a public hearing April 14 on a city‑initiated rezoning request to change the zoning for 9161 Liberia Avenue from I‑2 (heavy industrial) to B‑1 (business office).

City planning staff said the 1.4‑acre property, constructed in 2006 and containing 22 condominium office units, sits in the general business area of the comprehensive plan along a commercial corridor. Staff said the I‑2 heavy industrial designation is more intensive than the existing office/condo use and does not permit typical office uses such as financial institutions and medical offices; the city initiated the rezoning to align zoning with established uses and to remove heavy industrial zoning from residential and downtown character areas. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its April 2 meeting; staff recommended approval to the council.

During public comment, Robin Bodie, CEO of PwC Employees Federal Credit Union, said the credit union — a new owner of a condominium unit in the building — intends to open a Manassas branch and urged council support. No other public speakers were present. Council member Vasquez Luna moved to close the public hearing; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes. The council did not take final action at the April 14 meeting; the item will return for decision at a future meeting.

If the rezoning is approved, property owners and tenants would be able to pursue office and similar B‑1 uses that staff said are already present.