Heat & Smoke Hazards Ongoing; Expected to Diminish Over Weekend
High temperatures and reduced air quality may affect sensitive groups.
There exists a dual hazard of heat and poor air quality in the region today. Pierce County Library locations remain open as cooling centers, and Pierce Transit offers free rides to cooling centers during heat emergencies. Sensitive groups should consider limiting outdoor activity during excessive heat and during poor air quality events.
The heat is expected to fall by Sunday, and air quality is expected to improve by Saturday morning.
Pierce County has issued a “Red Flag Warning“, strictly limiting burning. Only gas grilling is allowed; other types of burning are currently prohibited. Refer to West Pierce Fire & Rescue Twitter (@WestPierce) for updates.
New Forensic Hospital Proposed for Western State; Open House Event to be Scheduled
Open House will review the proposal and allow for interactive Q&A between residents and subject matter experts.
A new 350-bed forensic hospital has been proposed for the Western State Hospital campus. The new hospital would replace outdated facilities, and focus exclusively on treatment of “forensic patients”, or those accused of a crime. This is a state-led project, and one that has produced many public comments and concerns.
An upcoming open house event (yet to be scheduled) will permit residents to ask direct questions to DSHS and subject matter experts. The Master Facilities Plan for the hospital is accessible here. Previous public comments are accessible here. A question-and-answer summary of the Master Plan is accessible here.
LTAC Grant Application Period Now Open
2022 LTAC grant application period closes August 23, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The City of Lakewood invites proposals that encourage local tourism and cultural activities. Applications must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2021 to be considered by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for grant award consideration.
Road Work on Gravelly Lake Dr. and Steilacoom Blvd. Ongoing
Three significant road work projects are affecting traffic in Lakewood.
- Gravelly Lake Dr: Gravelly Lake Drive remains closed between Nyanza & Veterans as part of the “JBLM North Access Project”. The stretch will be closed through February. Crews are performing water main work and are preparing to install a roundabout at the intersection of Gravelly Lake & Veterans. More permanent signs have been installed to clarify the detour route. Timing at signals near the closure has been adjusted to respond to changes in traffic flow.
- Steilacoom Blvd. Utility Project: Tacoma Public Utilities continues to perform evening work on utility poles between Custer & Fairway. Occasional lane closures and other adjustments will be required. Commuters will note that several large Glulam poles have been installed. Advantages of these larger poles include durability, capacity, increased spacing between poles, and raising service wires away from hazards. Work in this area will continue through the fall: sidewalk work will follow utility work.
- Steilacoom Blvd. Sewer Repair: On Tuesday, July 21, a sewer main collapsed beneath Steilacoom Blvd. The main is over 25 feet below the road surface, so a significant repair is required. A temporary bypass is set up on the surface. Pierce County crews are still planning a more permanent repair.
Start with a Permit Before Cutting Down Trees
City staff may help property owners avoid damage to significant trees.
Illegal destruction of trees may result in fines and legal action. If a tree is in question, property owners should contact the City of Lakewood Community Development Office at (253) 512-2261 to request a tree removal permit.
Lakewood Police Department Citizens Academy Begins Sept. 2
Program features eight 2.5-hour interactive courses taught by Lakewood officers.
The Lakewood Police Department (LPD) Citizens Academy is open for application. During the eight-week program, participants will undergo some of the same training as LPD officers on their way to a deep understanding of the nature of police work. Applications are due by Thursday, Aug. 19.
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, August 13: Lakewood Farmers Market at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Friday, August 13: Drive-In Movie at Fort Steilacoom Park (School of Rock)
- Thursday, August 19: Concert at Fort Steilacoom Park with Kim Archer Band (soul, R&B)
- Friday, August 20: Lakewood Farmers Market at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Saturday, September 18: City of Lakewood 25th Anniversary Celebration at Colonial Plaza
CITY COUNCIL
August 9, 2021 – Lakewood City Council Study Session
Highlights of Discussion:
- Joint Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
- Review of transportation improvement priorities
- Review of multifamily tax exemption for proposed development at 4606 108th Street SW.
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. Masking in indoor public spaces is encouraged. Vaccination is also encouraged.
- Relief Programs: Rent, mortgage, and utility bill relief is available under the City of Lakewood program and another by Pierce County.
Roads
- Lakewood & 100th: A traffic signal has been replaced at this intersection. The new signal will be turned on this Monday, Aug. 16. Lakewood Police will be present to direct traffic during the conversion. Expect minor delays on Monday as you travel through the area.
- Steilacoom & Custer: TPU continues to perform utility work. Occasional lane closures will be required; typically in the evening.
- Steilacoom & Lakewood: Sewer repair along Steilacoom Blvd may cause various delays and lane adjustments.
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Gravelly Lake Drive SW will be closed between Nyanza and Veterans until next February.
Parks
- Spillage from recent sewer issues reached Flett Creek. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has proactively closed connected public water access. TPCHD continues to monitor water quality.
- Sunnyside Beach Park
- Chambers Creek Regional Park
- Kobayashi Park
- Chambers Creek Canyon
- Chambers Bay Park
- Mount View Cemetery
- Chambers Creek Canyon Trail will close between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice as Pierce County crews build a new bridge and improve the trail.
Notes
- Visit the Community Advisory Boards and the City of Lakewood Jobs pages for open volunteer and paid positions.
- Report problems and stay engaged with MyLakewood311, available on iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
- Keep in touch with the City of Lakewood by subscribing to our official email newsletters.