Mesquite Insights

In a complicated land swap that involves land not yet owned by one of the benefactors, the City of Mesquite voted to exchange several acres of highly valuable land in the Technology and Commerce Center for several acres of virtually worthless Virgin River bottom land.  Does this sound like a good deal?

While the transaction makes sense because of the City's need to set aside property to mitigate the environmental impact of the recent BLM land acquired by the City in 2003, it involves highly questionable decision making.  The questionable aspects of the deal center on the "not-yet-owner" of the river bottom property....a former Mesquite Mayor - Jimmie Hughes.  Mr. Hughes wanted to exchange property he does not yet own and he stands to substantially benefit from the trade - a trade of river bottom property that has virtually no beneficail private uses - for highly valuable property in the City's developing Technology and Commerce Center.  And why would Mr. Hughes want to purchase the river bottom land in the first place if he could not benefit substantially by swapping it with the City?

Although the City Council voted 4 to 1 in favor of the exchange, Councilman Gustaveson must be commended for voting in opposition.  His concern was centered about the fair market value of the property - he should also have questioned the ethics of negotiating with someone who does not yet own the property in question! 

You may remember the excitement generated when a new Casino/Resort committed to coming to Mesquite?  Land was purchased near the old rodeo grounds at the intersection of Falcon Ridge Parkway and Pioneer Blvd.  Eventually grading started, and a local contractor started moving literally millions of yards of earth.

Then, what seems to be several months ago, work stopped suddenly.  We were told the project needed to obtain permits to make improvements to the wash running along the North side of the property.  As time passed, people began to wonder if the project was going to proceed, and rumors started to circulate.

Now, word is out that the permits, while not in hand, may be close to being approved.  

The project is planned to be constructed in phases.  Specialty shopping, a resort/hotel, an RV park, the casino, employee housing, a spa, and other features.  And most importantly, there will be many hundreds of jobs.

With new developments, such as the Solstice Project, the future for Mesquite is bright and sunny!   Check back soon for more updates!

No question about it.  Mesquite is growing!  There are several new commercial ventures under construction.  From Calais Village to Courtyard Plaza, the new businesses will help usher in the next phase of Mesquite's future.  More shopping, dining and professional offices will ensure that fewer and fewer trips are made to St. George or Las Vegas.

Near WalMart (and across the street at Calais Village), we will soon find several new food establishments including: pizza (Pappa Murphys and Little Ceasars), fast food (Popeyes, Del Taco, and Quiznos), ice cream (Baskin Robbins), and coffee (the 3rd Starbucks in Mesquite).  In addition, there will be other businesses such as Walgrens to make this area one of Mesquite's prime shopping area.

As we move down Pioneer Blvd. towards Mesquite GMAC and Lee's Liquors, the Eureka and Virgin River Casinos we will find more businesses popping up at the Town and Country Village Plaza.  Professional offices and restaurants will be among the first tenants.

And at the Courtyard Plaza (corner of Sandstone and Mesquite Blvd., there will be professional offices, restaurants, and specialty shopping.

These developments are in various stages of construction and most should be completed, occupied, and open for business during 2008. 

I invite you to visit (and stay) and to experience the "Magic of Mesquite" that has drawn so many wonderful people to our community.....See you soon!