By Al Litman

2022 is coming to an end.  What a year it’s been! Elections are over, finally!  We have three new city council members, and recently added a new city manager.  Mesquite saw many changes in the past year with the start of a number of projects to improve our beautiful city. 

Our new pickle ball courts are getting rave reviews. We have a new off-road vehicle staging area, and our sports and events complex has received new turf. More improvements are scheduled for both facilities later in the coming year.

Mesquite has been working hard towards obtaining affordable housing for its needed workforce. 

We have approved hundreds of new units, and have rejected many, which I’ll address later.  Hafen Village, a very affordable housing project has broken ground next to the Mesquite Veterans Center thanks to the hard work of the Nevada rural Housing Authority. 

It will be first class, but affordable with 96 units. Sam Lee is building affordable units in the center of Mesquite which should be completed later in the spring. 

So what’s happened to the many other that we approved?  I believe that the rapidly rising costs of building materials and interest rates have caused many builders to hesitate for the time being. 

Hopefully, they will get started soon. We have had several proposed projects fail due to the usual of, “we don’t want them near us.”

Maybe attitudes will change in the future. Several other rather large housing projects have recently come before council, but have been sent back to the developers for very good reasons. 

Parking and being too close to other developments are the reasons, but I believe that the developers can overcome these issues if they want to. We need to make sure that developments do not adversely affect those around them if possible.

On the commercial level, we are moving in leaps and bounds. 

Crown Cork and Seal, one of the largest manufactures in the world of cans and packaging products is moving quickly to be open in 2023. 

Other smaller companies are feeling the ever-rising costs of building and may be on hold for awhile, but Nevada Bank and Trust is nearing completion as well as Dutch Bros Coffee. 

Right around the corner, the old NV motel may be renovated, and, if not, removed. 

Down the block, across from city hall, the Heritage Park development is moving dirt, and soon we will have a beautiful park, retail units, and apartments that will further enhance our city.  In the center of town,

Mesquite Works, a non-profit, is completing its S.T.E.A.M Learning Center and renovation of the old Bulldog Plaza.

A lot is happening in Mesquite, and a lot more will happen to  enhance our city in the coming year.  With that said, on behalf of myself, and the city of Mesquite, I wish you all the best in the coming year. 

Enjoy this holiday season.  Stay safe and healthy so you can enjoy all that Mesquite has to offer. We are truly blessed to live here.

Al Litman is mayor of the city of Mesquite