Loehr touts changes, learning, in MV State of the City

By Lois Mittino Gray

Mount Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr was feeling lucky on St. Patrick’s Day when his third annual “State of the City” address was very well-received at a luncheon at the American Legion Post 5, sponsored by the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club. He delivered his retrospective speech to about twenty persons in attendance, including a few members of the Green River Kiwanis Club, as estimated by local Club President Jeff Greenwell.

“This past year was a year of learning, a year of changes, a year of new opportunities and growth for me. Learning starts with me and trickles down. I am continuing to learn in this role daily. Just when you think that you have something figured out, something changes and you don’t. But that is one of the many aspects that I love about this job, things, people change. It has taken a little time, but I truly believe that our departments and the people in those departments, realize that change can be good. That is why surrounding yourself with the right people became so important and I am happy to say that I have the right people in the right positions.”

The Mayor began by outlining the work done in each one of the city departments and the changes that have taken place this year. This included water works, wastewater, street, police, fire, and code enforcement and parks and recreation departments. “I continue to challenge the department heads to think outside the box and how to continue to improve our respective departments. We must put plans into motion today that might take years to complete.”

“I am proud to say that 2025 saw several new opportunities come to life. There is continued growth at Hagemann Park, possibly the final revision of Sherburne Park issued by Sasaki, new housing is increasing, new businesses are opening, the Tile Factory Road project bid was awarded, and the Water Street force main project is now well under way.”

Specifically, he cited that the Avery’s Place specialized playground was opened and is now used by families daily. The Phillip H. Hagemann Event Center next to it is presently under construction by Danco with a targeted completion date of April of 2027. He added this project will also include a new parking area adjacent to the Beulah Masonic Lodge. “This is in return for them donating the land behind the lodge to the city for the construction of the pickleball courts. Thank you, Masons!!!”

“Other things are going in at the parks as well. There is a skate park which we are waiting on final construction drawings so we can go out for bid on it, an outdoor fitness exercise center was completed this past fall with a grand opening sometime this spring, and two additional new ball parks and walking paths with a bridge will be in the plan.” The Mayor answered questions and exchanged dialogue on issues. On housing, he stated, “Obviously, this is a key issue that will always be around. We do have two areas where new homes are currently being constructed, Lawrence Addition and Country Terrace. I am still working to create a Workforce Housing Initiative to build sustainable homes for under $180k along with new developments. This is something that I feel very strongly about and hoping that 2026 will be that year.”

On Infrastructure, the Mayor commented that this is usually something that most citizens will never think about until there is an issue. “I was one of those citizens at one time. Our city is old, above and below the surface. We needed to start being proactive, instead of reactive, when it comes to infrastructure. The new force main going in on East Water St. is a huge investment in our city’s future. This will allow growth to the East. I tell people that this is the gift that keeps on giving, but you must have plans, which we have and are continuously changing.” He also spoke about increasing water capacity to the east with the help of the Southwind Port Commission.

“In combination of all of the above, parks, housing, new businesses and it all means pride! We have Sasaki working on what our River Vision is going to be looking like. We need to bring the river to the people and the people to the river. Does that mean things might look different along lower main and at the riverfront?? It might possibly, but for all the right reasons. The old CenterPoint Building has been torn down to make room for future development with a goal of reviving our second most beautiful asset, the riverfront.”

“We need to get the message about Mount Vernon out there. We were fortunate enough to have Business View Magazine reach out to do an article about us. It was a great article in that it let the rest of the country know what we have always known, this is a great place to work and live!” The Mayor offered to forward the link the article to anyone interested if you contact him at City Hall.

“In conclusion, people ask me all the time how I like being the Mayor, I tell them that I love it! It is literally a different job every day that I walk into the office, and it is very self-rewarding when things are accomplished. I want to thank you for allowing me to speak to you today. It is truly an honor to represent the great City of Mount Vernon and its citizens as Mayor” he summarized, knowing full well it was a lucky day for him to be elected Mount Vernon Mayor.