The Virginia Department of Corrections has postponed a plan to relocate its probation and parole facility next to a swim club as it negotiates to keep the center in Manassas.

Neighbors objected to the proposed site in the 8500 block of Rixlew Lane because they feared the site would bring convicts to an area bustling with families and young children, especially the half-century-old Sudley Club.

Club President Mike Allen told The Examiner earlier this month that the plan was a nonstarter for club members.

“Didn’t they do their due diligence and find out what was next door?” he asked.

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The state agency canceled a public hearing slated for Wednesday night because of ongoing negotiations with its landlord for the current office near the courthouse, officials said.

“I think there is a chance they might stay where they’re at,” said Prince William County Supervisor Wally Covington, who requested the public hearing last month because of constituents’ concerns.

“There’s two schools over there, an elementary and a high school, and there’s a swim club. The combination of those uses don’t seem to be conducive to having parolees visiting there,” he said.

The state is required to consider other locations when a lease ends, which led to the interest in the Rixlew Lane site, officials said. Public hearings are required when the local government voices strong reservations against a proposed location, but are rare.

“The current location in Manassas is still being considered as an option,” Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor said, calling the hearing process “indefinitely postponed.”

A decision is expected within 45 days, said Susan Pollard, a spokeswoman for the state leasing agency.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com