Manassas to Revitalize Georgetown South Following Murders

The Manassas City Council has unanimously voted to make revitalizing Manassas’ Georgetown South neighborhood a top priority for the city following a triple murder in the area.

Res. No. R-2011-48 focuses on making the area better for residents and the community by increasing safety and activities for the youth in the Manassas neighborhood.

The resolution was called to action by Vice Mayor Andrew L. Harrover and came just three days after three people were killed and another three were injured at the hands of an illegal immigrant who went on a shooting and knifing spree in the neighborhood. Although the attack was said to be domestic—and not gang-affiliated, city officials decided action was needed after four murders in the area in as many months.

Last November, a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death in broad daylight as he walked home from Osbourn High School. That incident alone was enough for Council member Harrover to take on the revitalization effort, and after the latest killings this month, the council is in unanimous agreement to implement a plan as soon as possible.

Vice Mayor Harrover told the Washington Post  revitalizing the neighborhood should be a top priority because “"if a place looks inviting for crime, then it is inviting for crime.”

The resolution calls for increased patrolling by Manassas City Police and will allow for city zoning and property code officials to crack down on violations in an effort to maintain the appearance of homes and surrounding properties. Officials from the various departments would also be required to report on “common trends, complaints, violations, and crime, including a summary of opportunities for increased enforcement initiatives and the adequacy of existing resources to provide enforcement activities,” according to city documents. 

City leaders are also calling for the schools and community to initiate activities that will keep the youth off the streets.

Manassas City Manager Lawrence D. Hughes said at a recent press conference that schools, nonprofits and the  Boys and Girls Club in the area are all working to develop a presence and relationship with the Georgetown South Community.

  One example is the establishment of new bus stops so that the youth in the area can get to the local Boys & Girls Club.

Under the resolution, the Land Use Committee is directed to "take up and create strategies for community involvement, create a model strategy for neighborhood revitalization and  prepare a report of recommendations for city council."

Appropriate department heads are expected to come up with funding and action plans for review of the council within 60 days in regards to the resolution.