By Al Litman

ell, 2023 is rapidly winding down, and what a year it’s been for Mesquite.  The first thing I want to do is wish everyone of you and your families a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a wonderful New Year in 2024.

Mayor Al Litman

2023 was one of the most productive in our local history.  So many projects were started and completed, and many more are in various stages.  The demand was there, and we added more state of the art pickleball courts, restrooms and a concession area. 

I expect with all these new courts that we will see many tournaments here in the coming years that add to our local economy.  Not to be outdone, Sun City has also expanded its courts as they continue their rapid growth.

Over the past year I have talked about the need for affordable workforce housing if we are expected to bring new business to Mesquite. Several local builders have stepped up to the plate and delivered, with more on the way.  Nevada Rural Housing Authority is completing their 93 unit development on Hafen Lane, and I am told will be housing new residents by early June. 

I am working closely with them on another housing project, and hopefully by this time next year it will be underway. 

Crown Cork and Seal is up and running with more employees than we expected.  BARK, a doggie resort has broken ground, the new motor home park on Hafen Lane, just across from Sunset Greens has completed phase one, and looks completely occupied every time I pass by. 

Heritage Park, a mixed use development across from city hall is moving along very quickly, and Danielle’s Chocolates has moved into the old Nevada Bank and Trust on Mesquite Boulevard.

The new bank is beautiful, and a great addition to the city. Dutch Bros Coffee continues to thrive with what seems like a continue stream of vehicles going through their drive thru. 

Recently we had the grand opening of the S.T.E.A.M Learning Center and the renovation of the old Bulldog Plaza. I understand  that they are fully occupied with businesses. 

The old Abbott hotel over by the Maverick is going through complete renovation and reconstruction and will house a bicycle shop, and perhaps a coffee shop when built.  It’s a huge undertaking, but I believe it can be done. 

Back to housing.  We have approved a number of apartment projects over the past few years with mixed results.  As I mentioned, a few small developments have been completed, but no major ones. 

I believe that’s going to change, as a large complex is under way near Mesa View Hospital, and another one, just approved, should start construction after the start of the new year. 

I am concerned when I read about large companies and hedge funds buying up large numbers of single family homes, both used and new, and controlling the rents charge.  I don’t believe it’s happening in Mesquite, but it is in other parts of southern Nevada. It certainly could happen here.

I want to finish this article on a bright note.  Our Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra is back at it’s prior location, the Casa Blanca Showroom. It’s better than ever with Susan Thiriot as the new director. I can’t thank the Casa Blanca enough for reopening their facility to accommodate them. 

It was a sell out for their first concert of the year and I expect the same for the coming ones.  Don’t miss it!

I want to end this in the same fashion as I started.  Happy, Happy Holidays to all of you from myself, my wife Phyllis, and all of us at city hall.

Al Litman is mayor of the city of Mesquite.