Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder delivers his annual State of the City address before a capacity crowd Tuesday at the White Palace at Wheeling Park. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

WHEELING – As the revitalization of Wheeling continues through major public and private investments in town, city officials intend to make new housing a priority for economic growth moving forward, according to Mayor Denny Magruder.

The mayor highlighted Wheeling’s momentum and championed the promise of future success Tuesday at Wheeling Park’s White Palace where he delivered the annual State of the City address. More than 380 community leaders and interested citizens gathered for the event – the first held outside of its traditional location of the Wheeling Island Showroom.

It was the 16th State of the City address to be delivered by the sitting mayor of Wheeling and Magruder’s second since taking office.

“Across our city, we are seeing tangible investments that reinforce a shared sense of optimism and confidence in Wheeling’s future,” Magruder said. “These projects represent more than bricks and mortar – they reflect organization and leaders who believe in serving Wheeling, investing in its people and building its future.”

Magruder applauded several private sector ventures that have recently made their marks in Wheeling, from the new Unified Bank and reconstructed Sheetz locations in Woodsdale to the new Ace Garage complex in East Wheeling, Fabio’s Pizza new location in Center Wheeling, new dining spaces at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, the planned relocation of National Equipment to Elm Grove, the Urban Collective and seasonal Jingle Bar downtown and the soon-to-be-constructed 7Brew on National Road.

“We’re also on the cusp of two major milestones with groundbreakings coming very soon for the WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex and the anticipated Gateway Center next to the Suspension Bridge – projects that will have lasting impacts on healthcare access, economic vitality and the gateway to our city,” Magruder said.

The mayor also noted that the pending completion of the state’s $37 million Downtown Streetscape Project has been transformative. The public improvements and major investments into the city’s infrastructure will continue, he said, citing the Washington Avenue Bridge replacement and the coming replacements of the Schilling and Baker Street bridges, $20 million in planned water system improvements throughout the city and $46 million in wastewater system improvements, including $31 million in upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

With the table set for economic opportunities, Magruder said the city must continue to lay the groundwork for the future. A number of new apartment developments, such as The Doris on Main, have begun to address the need for new housing, much more must be done, the mayor said.

“Housing remains our number one challenge, as young professionals and those coming to work in our expanding health care market are seeking new single-family homes,” Magruder said. “While there are still residents who enjoy remodeling and preserving our many historic Victorian homes, the demand for new housing options continues to outpace supply.

“Today I am announcing the creation of a Housing Development Task Force to examine barriers to constructing housing and recommend actionable strategies to increase the supply of quality, attainable housing within the city.”

As has become tradition with the annual State of the City address, the mayor honored several community members whose efforts help enhance Wheeling’s quality of life and set building blocks for a stronger future in the city.

– Bill Bryson was named as this year’s Gateway Award honoree, recognizing his life work that has “helped shape the spirit, identity and joy of our community.”

Bryson served as general merchandise manager and marketing director for L.S. Good & Company, marketing director of the Boury Corporation, and most recently, head of the Uniglobe Ohio Valley Travel Agency. He helped build the Elby’s Distance Race (today the Ogden Half Marathon) and helped establish the city’s annual Fantasy in Lights Christmas Parade.

“His legacy lives in our traditions, our celebrations and the countless people whose lives he has touched,” Magruder said of Bryson.

– John Moses was recognized for his 46 years of social service work in the city through his longtime role as executive director at Youth Services System Inc. to his more recent leadership with The Life Hub.

“Over the decades, John has helped provide clothing, food, shelter and utility assistance to thousands of families right here at home,” Magruder said. “John is a beacon to those in need in our city. And he walks alongside them – often through the hardest chapters of their lives.

“At a time when it’s easy to feel disconnected, John’s work reminds us what community really means. It means showing up. John Moses’ legacy is woven into the fabric of our city. It lives in a community that is better because of his compassion, consistency and care. His legacy is not measured in years alone, but in lives touched, families strengthened and futures changed.”

– Dave Rotriga, owner of Miklas Meat Market, was recognized for his commitment to community not only through his “neighborhood cornerstone” business, but also through his dedication to helping others.

Magruder said Rotriga’s spirit of giving back took a new perspective when his young nephew Hines was diagnosed with cancer and later when the family welcomed a granddaughter who was born with numerous medical challenges.

“Dave often says that Miklas Meat Market is ‘the little store with the big heart.’ Anyone who knows him knows that phrase couldn’t be more accurate,” the mayor noted, stating that when “business and heart come together,” the entire community benefits. “His generosity, compassion and dedication embody the very best of what a local business owner can be.”

– Kim Florence, president and general manager of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, was recognized for her leadership at the destination venue that remains a vital economic engine for the Ohio Valley.

Florence’s impactful vision and commitment to the city has helped sustain a true partnership dedicated to the community’s success, Magruder noted.

“Kim exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose,” he said, adding that Wheeling Island employs nearly 600 people year-round, remains a key tourist destination and helps drive visitors, revenue and visibility to Wheeling and the surrounding area.

– Rabbi Joshua Lief of Temple Shalom was named this year’s Community Spirit Award winner. The award recognizes those who strengthen the city not for recognition but out of commitment, compassion and love for the community.

“What makes Rabbi Joshua Lief especially deserving of the Community Spirit Award is not simply the number of roles he fills, but the way he fills them – with humility, kindness and an unwavering belief in Wheeling’s potential,” Magruder said. “He reminds us that leadership is not about position, but presence – and that community spirit is built through consistent acts of service, compassion and courage.”

– John Larch was honored for his work in bringing the popular Military Banner Program to Wheeling. The mayor also thanked the veterans organizations and community partners that helped bring the banner program to the city.

“From the very beginning, John understood that this was not about banners – it was about people,” Magruder said. “It was about making sure no veteran felt invisible. It was about ensuring that sacrifice was acknowledged not just on holidays, but every day.

“Because of John’s leadership and compassion, Wheeling’s Military Banner Program stands as one of the strongest examples of how a city can honor service at the local level. This is what community looks like.”

Magruder also took time to thank fellow city leaders, staff members and city employees for their efforts in serving residents on a daily basis. The mayor applauded the police and fire departments for dedicated work in reducing crime, responding to emergencies like the deadly flash flooding last year and continuing to set a high standard for public safety and emergency response.

Leadership in the city does not come without having to make tough decisions, the mayor noted. Over the past year, Wheeling officials took some action that was met with strong opposition by some, but was done for the greater good of the community, Magruder noted.

In order to finance tens of millions of dollars in water and wastewater system improvements, Wheeling City Council passed 38% water and sewer rate increases. Late last year, city leaders also made the decision to close its only homeless encampment.

“The camp was exposed to freezing weather and plagued by severe sanitary issues, fire hazards, environmental risks and the presence of drugs, bullying and criminal activity,” Magruder said. “These were simply unlivable and unsafe conditions for any human being. Secondly, we listened to the voices of nearby residents and business owners. Crime and vandalism were increasing, fear for personal safety was growing and questionable activity was occurring around the clock. These concerns could not be ignored.”

Magruder expressed gratitude to The Life Hub for stepping up by expanding bed capacity and services, partnering with the Salvation Army to help meet the immediate needs of the homeless community in Wheeling.

“Moving forward, the city is committed to working with local faith communities and social service agencies to develop lasting solutions,” the mayor said. “We must also confront the reality that mental illness and addiction make up a significant portion of our homeless crisis.

“Wheeling will strongly advocate with state and federal leaders for the creation of treatment centers that provide real pathways to recovery, stability and dignity.”

Looking ahead, Magruder said confidence in Wheeling’s future is matched by its momentum. He said the transformative public and private investments into the city will have a huge impact, but they are not the city’s biggest asset.

“That distinction belongs to the people of Wheeling – resilient, hardworking and deeply committed to this community,” he said. “Together, with pride in our past and belief in one another, we are not just imagining a stronger Wheeling, we are building it.”