City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin: Sept. 10, 2021

Celebrate the City of Lakewood’s 25th Anniversary on September 18

Our “Silver Anniversary” celebration will be held at Colonial Plaza

City staff are excited to celebrate Lakewood’s 25th Anniversary with you next Saturday, Sept. 18.

International performances will celebrate Native American, Russian, Indian, West African, Mexican, Chamorro, Korean, Carribbean, and Samoan heritage.

Kettle corn, BBQ, poke bowls, cotton candy, shaved ice, Jamaican food, ice cream, Mexican food, donuts, funnel cakes, and more will be served by a dozen food trucks booked for the event.

Enjoy art displays, an interactive photo booth, performances, speeches, food, and an exciting exhibit about Ivan, the artistic gorilla who lived in the B&I for many years.

DSHS Has Plans for Western State Hospital; Lakewood Residents Have Questions

DSHS hosted a virtual “open house” on Thursday to discuss the plans with Lakewood residents.

The Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) plans to build a new 350-bed forensic hospital on the Western State Hospital campus. The WSH Master Plan details plans for the new hospital, which would replace outdated facilities.

Residents asked thoughtful questions, expressing concerns not only for the surrounding community but for the wellness and civil rights of the patients within the hospital.

Lakewood Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11

A Remembrance Ceremony was held at City Hall on Friday afternoon

On Friday, Sept. 10, the City hosted a somber commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Harrison Preparatory School student Brianna Norris sang the National Anthem, and members of the Lakewood Police Department and West Pierce Fire & Rescue commemorated the occasion with a bell ringing, flag raising, bagpipe performance, and words of remembrance.

“It is important to remember those first responders who then, as now, run towards danger. Let us remember those that died in that noble endeavor.”
– Don Anderson, Mayor

Lakewood Growing in Population, Diversity

2020 Census data published; Lakewood population shows 9.4% growth over the last 10 years

The 2020 Census was released in late August. Lakewood’s population was reported to be 63,612, an increase of 9.4% since 2010. The census also indicated significant diversification; the proportion of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial residents all grew by over 1% each.

Upcoming Events:

https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-farmers-market/
Fresh kettle corn is poured at the Lakewood Farmers Market, held on Fridays through Sept. 24

COVID-19

  • Virus Activity: COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are surging in Pierce County and throughout the nation. COVID-19 is again a serious public health threat.
  • Vaccine Locations: Vaccination is the best defense against COVID-19, and the fastest way for us to return to normal. The Towne Center Vaccine Clinic is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 10330 59th Avenue Southwest, STE B, Lakewood, WA 98499.
  • Mask Mandate: Masks are now required in all indoor public spaces and outdoor events with 500+ attendees, regardless of vaccine status.
  • Relief Programs: Rent, mortgage, and utility bill relief is available under the City of Lakewood program and another by Pierce County.

Roads

  • 100th & Lakewood: On Monday (9/13) and Friday (9/17) nights, Lakewood Drive (Steilacoom to Bridgeport) and 100th Street (Bridgeport to Lakeview) will both close overnight from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Crews will mill and re-pave the roadway surface. Drivers have two detour options: North to Steilacoom Blvd or South to 108th Street.
100th Street and Lakewood Drive will close in this area overnight on Monday, Friday nights.
  • Steilacoom & Lakewood: Steilacoom Boulevard is currently open, but drivers should expect interruptions once Pierce County resumes repairs in the fall.
    • Repair Progress: Pierce County crews have established a bypass and will begin work on a permanent repair “in a few weeks”. The permanent repair will require another full closure, so expect future disruptions in this area.
    • Odors: The sewer system was opened a few times as crews installed equipment, but Pierce County reports that odors should diminish significantly now that bypass work is complete.
    • Waterways: The health department reports that bacteria levels in local waterways have diminished. All local advisories have been lifted.
  • Steilacoom & Custer: Various utilities are still in the process of moving overhead lines to the new, larger Glulam poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will proceed. Occasional lane closures will be required, typically in the evening.
  • Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Gravelly Lake Drive SW will be closed between Nyanza and Veterans until next February. Water main installation and storm drainage is complete. Water services will be connected once the line is tested. Roadway grading, curb & sidewalk, and concrete pouring is proceeding West from Nyanza.
  • Chip Sealing in Lake City: The Lake City neighborhood, 112th Street, and 150th Street will benefit from Chip Seal work – the contract is executed and the work will take place over the next two weeks. Drivers, especially motorcyclists, should drive with caution due to loose rock in the roadway.

Parks

Notes