The mixed-use development Rush River Commons broke ground on Tuesday, with owner Chuck Akre calling it a “hallelujah” moment in an emotional speech.

The Rappahannock Food Pantry on Saturday has planned a proper in-person return of its annual benefit dinner to help raise funds for one of the county’s most valued nonprofit organizations that provides food to those in need.

Rush River Commons property owner Chuck Akre on Monday indicated to the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors that he would agree to not construct additional homes on the segment of his property that currently sits under the county’s jurisdiction if it means the body will support his efforts to adjust the Town of Washington’s boundary.

As talks surrounding Rush River Commons’ efforts to expand the Town of Washington’s boundary continue, several members of the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors have made clear that they oppose the inclusion of additional housing units in the development’s proposed second phase.

In a letter to the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors, a spokesperson with Rush River Commons outlined potential uses of the development’s proposed expansion that’s been held up in talks over whether Town of Washington and county officials can reach an agreement to adjust the town’s boundary to accommodate the addition.

The Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors on Friday sent a letter to the Town of Washington seeking additional details and probing what Washington might be willing to provide in exchange for the Supervisors’ support of the town’s request that both bodies enter into an agreement to expand its corporate limit to accommodate further development of Rush River Commons.

Town of Washington Mayor Fred Catlin sent a letter to the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors last week asking that the body discuss at its December meeting expanding the town’s corporate limit so that Rush River Commons’ entire lot, which straddles the town and county lines, could be brought under Washington’s jurisdiction.

Washington Town Council on Monday unanimously approved a special use permit for Rush River Commons, allowing construction of what is likely to become the first mixed-use development in town.

The Washington Town Council on Monday continued its review of the planning commission's recommendation to approve a special use permit application for the Rush River Commons development and an application to extend sewer service for the project.

Town officials take a tour of the Washington site By Julia …