Council approves special-use permit for Manassas Pathways alternative education program at Centerville Road

The Manassas City Council on Nov. 10 approved Resolution R2026-375, authorizing a special-use permit (SUP 2026-61) for Manassas City Public Schools’ alternative education program, Manassas Pathways, at 8700 Centerville Road.

Planning staff described the site and proposal: the property is 3.22 acres in a B-4 general commercial zone; the program would occupy classroom, office and common-room space on the third floor of an existing building with six classrooms (three for high school students, one for middle school, one intermediate middle and one intermediate). Staff said buses would enter from Mathis Avenue, drop students at the side facing Mathis, and students would be escorted to the third floor. Staff recommended approval with conditions addressing accessible routes, bicycle racks, noise and lighting controls, and compliance with federal, state and local laws. Planning Commission recommended approval by a 4–0 vote.

A school representative told council the leadership goal is for the program to begin when students return from winter break. The representative said, “When the students return from winter break, this program would be started. January 5.” Councilmembers asked practical questions about access control, security placement, and the small on-site dining/kitchen intended to serve staggered student shifts; staff answered that an electronic access control door with panic hardware will allow egress and that a security officer will be stationed inside the program space.

Councilmember Ocina moved and Councilmember Hudson seconded the resolution; the clerk recorded YES votes from Ocina, Hudson, Vice Mayor Wolf, Councilwoman Teresa Coates Ellis, Councilmember Smith and Councilmember Sonia Vasquez Luna. The resolution carried, allowing the Manassas Pathways program to proceed under the conditions in the staff report. The school board had requested council action at this meeting to keep the construction schedule that would support a January opening.

Next steps include compliance with the SUP conditions, completion of any required accessibility improvements, and coordination between school staff and city inspectors to meet the scheduled opening timeline.