Ryan Fitzmaurice, Northern Virginia Daily Journalist Profile

Articles

Strasburg data center proposal prompts questions on water use, hydrogen, oversight

1 day ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

Developers of a proposed data center in Strasburg are promising that the 2-million-square-foot building will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure with a lower environmental footprint — including hydrogen-ready turbines, near-waterless cooling and on-site natural gas power. Many of these ideas mirror emerging trends in data center development, according to experts interviewed by the Northern Virginia Daily.
Mount Jackson faces steep reserve drop amid back-to-back budget shortfalls

1 day ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

Mount Jackson town officials are navigating back-to-back budget shortfalls, with more than $700,000 in unexpected losses this fiscal year and a projected $737,000 deficit looming in the town’s draft FY26 budget — despite proposed tax increases. "We've had some pretty shocking, startling developments this year," Vice Mayor Rod Shepherd said in the town's Tuesday work session.
New Market scraps housing proposal after VSA amendment stalls

2 days ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

New Market officials have formally abandoned a proposed housing development south of town that would have added nearly 180 homes along Clicks Lane, citing legal complexities and sustained community opposition. The project would have required an amendment to the 2012 Voluntary Settlement Agreement (VSA) between the town and Shenandoah County — a process Mayor Peter Hughes described this week as too burdensome to continue pursuing.
New Market proposes tax, rate increases to make up for loss of federal funds

3 days ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

New Market’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26 includes several tax and rate increases as the town adjusts to the loss of federal pandemic aid and rising operating costs, according to Town Manager Nathan Garrison. "[American Rescue Plan Act] funding is no longer available and in previous years we had accounted that as a revenue source. Due to federal guidelines, those funds had to be spent by the end of 2024," Garrison said.
Community programming effort emerges around New Market center

3 days ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

A new initiative to expand community aid and programming to southern Shenandoah County is coalescing around the emerging New Market Community Center. Early details of the effort were revealed Monday by New Market Mayor Peter Hughes and Town Manager Nathan Garrison at the town’s regular council meeting. Garrison announced that the town has secured a one-year, full-time AmeriCorps position through a grant to help coordinate community programming and partnerships, particularly at the center.
Free four-month program offers behind-the-scenes look at Strasburg government

4 days ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

Strasburg is inviting residents to step beyond the council chamber and into the engine room of local government. The town is launching its first-ever Civic Academy, a free, four-month program designed to give residents a deeper understanding of how government functions — from budgeting and planning to utilities, tourism and public safety.
Residents split over future of rail corridor at Woodstock meeting

1 week ago | dnronline.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

WOODSTOCK — Residents remained sharply divided Tuesday over whether the Shenandoah Valley’s dormant 49-mile rail corridor should be converted into a multi-use trail or preserved for future rail use. The Virginia Department of Transportation hosted its third and final public input session at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock as part of an ongoing study evaluating two options: a complete rail-to-trail conversion or a side-by-side rail-with-trail model.
EDA finalizes grants for Serioplast facility, Wholesome Foods expansion

1 week ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

The Shenandoah County Economic Development Authority on Wednesday approved agreements supporting two state-funded grant programs that will assist with business expansions in the county — including a $25.7 million investment from international packaging manufacturer Serioplast. The board authorized a local implementation agreement and performance agreement for the $180,000 Commonwealth Opportunity Fund grant awarded to Serioplast in February.
After 13 years, Tribute to Trent Skatepark breaks ground in Strasburg

1 week ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

“On the count of three, we’re going to do our best to dig a hole,” Mayor Brandy Boies said to the crowd gathered at Strasburg Town Park on Tuesday evening. Just like that, after 13 years of planning, the Tribute to Trent Skatepark was finally underway. Named in honor of Trent Williams, a local boy who died of cancer at age 8 in 2012, the project began as an idea to memorialize Trent with a community space.
Residents split over future of rail corridor at Woodstock meeting

1 week ago | nvdaily.com | Ryan Fitzmaurice

Residents remained sharply divided Tuesday over whether the Shenandoah Valley’s dormant 49-mile rail corridor should be converted into a multi-use trail or preserved for future rail use. The Virginia Department of Transportation hosted its third and final public input session at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock as part of an ongoing study evaluating two options: a full rail-to-trail conversion or a side-by-side rail-with-trail model.