WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder spent more than an hour focused on his city’s situation and where they are headed in the coming year. Magruder delivered his State of the City address Tuesday by highlighting the city’s accomplishments in the past year and spotlighting areas of necessary improvement. He also spent much of his time recognizing a number of individuals who have gone above and beyond to help the city achieve its goals.
Magruder acknowledged the city’s first responders for their outstanding work. Magruder noted the Wheeling Police Department responded to 20,784 calls in the past year. The Wheeling Fire Department answered 8,244 calls. Magruder said the performance demonstrated both a demand for and the reliability of the city’s first responders. Magruder told those gathered the dedication was never more evident than in the June flood in the city.
“Conducting multiple rescues both inside and outside the city in extremely dangerous conditions; with a dedication of highly trained personnel, state of the art equipment, and the opening of our new, modern fire department headquarters last September, Wheeling continues to set a high standard for public safety and emergency response,” said Magruder.
Magruder also addressed the city’s homeless issue. Although the action drew fire on the administration from some circles, he acknowledged the dismantling of the large homeless camp in the city last year was an important step.
“The camp was exposed to freezing weather and plagued by severe sanitary issues, fire hazards, environmental risk, and the presence of drugs, bullying, and criminal activity. These were simply unlivable and unsafe conditions for any human being,” said the Mayor.
He added the second reason for the action was the negative impact the camp was having on downtown business and lifestyles.
“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,” he added.
He did acknowledge work by charitable groups and the city to find true help for the homeless and getting them into situations where they can rehabilitate and get the help they need.
Magruder lauded the work of infrastructure development in the city. He spotlighted three key areas which are going to help move the city forward. The city has invested $37 Million in streetscapes to beautify the city with a fresh look and modernizing the buried electrical lines downtown. The city has invested $20 Million in water upgrades and $46 Million in improved sewer systems. The Mayor also noted significant progress on several bridge replacement projects in the city.
The Mayor acknowledged several locally owned business and national chains who have located new facilities or upgraded their existing facilities to bring a fresh look and excitement to the city. Looking ahead, the Mayor said two key projects in the coming weeks are expected to be major additions. Those included the groundbreaking of a WVU Medicine Cancer Center and the new Gateway Center at the end of the Suspension Bridge.
“We continue to set the table for future opportunities, laying the groundwork for growth that will follow. These investments matter, but they’re not our greatest asset, that distinction belongs to people of Wheeling. Resilient, hard working, and deeply committed to this community,” said Magruder. “Together with pride in our past and belief in one another, we’re not just imagining a stronger Wheeling, we are building it.”