February 4, 2022: Summary of the Week
February is Black History Month. City Council will commemorate the occasion with a proclamation on Monday. We visited 86-year-old JoEthel Smith to talk about her memories of local Black leaders.
A major detour change will occur on Monday, Feb. 14. Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen between Veterans & Nyanza, and Washington Boulevard will close between Lake City & Gravelly Lake.
The sewer main repair beneath Steilacoom Boulevard is nearly complete. The roadway will reopen on Friday, Feb. 18 or a perhaps few days prior (weather permitting).
The City has begun a resident satisfaction survey – many residents may have received a yellow mailer with instructions. The online survey will open to the whole community later this month.
Lakewood’s inaugural “Reel Life ’96” film contest is beginning. 37 teams will produce 5-minute short films. A public screening event will be held on Saturday, March 19.
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month and an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Black leaders and organizers in the Lakewood community.
The Lakewood City Council will issue a proclamation on Monday night to acknowledge Black History Month. The City also has been working with the Clover Park School District on the Hidden Heroes campaign, a small effort to acknowledge the community service of local Black students and the legacies of local Black leaders.
We also spoke to JoEthel Smith, now 87. She has lived in Lakewood for over 50 years and was a prolific organizer in her day, even marching at Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King. Her mind is full of memories of inspiring figures, and we had the privilege to talk to her about some of those people.
Major Lake City Detour Change to Occur on Valentine’s Day
On Monday Feb. 14, Gravelly Lake Drive and the new Veterans/Gravelly Lake roundabout will open to through traffic. That same day, Washington Boulevard will close between Lake City Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. This phase of work is expected to be completed by early summer.
The JBLM North Access project is progressing on schedule and delivering improvements. Sidewalks and bike lanes will improve non-motorized access. New crossings will improve safety. New medians on Washington Boulevard will feature trees and streetlights. New roundabouts will reduce delays and accidents, and improve pedestrian friendliness.
YELLOW = LOCAL ACCESS
GREEN = DETOUR ROUTES
Lakewood Conducts Resident Satisfaction Survey
The City of Lakewood has begun a survey to assess resident satisfaction with life in Lakewood. The survey will be available online and instructions will have already been delivered by mail to many Lakewood residents.
On Friday, Feb. 18, the open phase will begin and the online survey will open to the general community. A link will be posted to the City of Lakewood’s social media and website. The open survey will close on Friday, March 4.
Steilacoom Boulevard Expected to Reopen by Feb. 18
Steilacoom Boulevard is expected to reopen on or before Friday, Feb. 18.
The newly-installed sewer main is working and the bypass has been removed. In the project’s final phase, Pierce County crews will perform a few concrete repairs, pave the roadway, raise some structures to grade, then mark the pavement. Weather permitting, it may reopen a few days sooner than the 18th.
Lakewood’s Inaugural “Reel Life ’96” Film Contest Begins
The City of Lakewood is hosting an exciting short film contest. 37 teams have registered, and orientation takes place this weekend to kick off the contest. (Registration is now closed)
Teams will be assigned a theme and will have only 96 hours to plan, script, shoot, and edit a short film. All films will be screened at a public event at the McGavick Center on Saturday, March 19.
Events
Reel Life ’96 Film Contest Screening (March 19)
Lakewood has a new film contest! 37 teams are signed up to produce 5-minute films in a quick 96-hour contest. These films will be screened at the McGavick Center on Saturday, March 19.
Lakewood’s Colonial Plaza will host an exciting series of summer Saturday Street Festivals featuring music, dance, culture, cars, and delightful foods. Refer to the event page or poster below for dates.
Roads
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: On Monday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day) a major detour change will take place. Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen between Nyanza Road and Veterans Drive. Washington Boulevard will close between Lake City Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive
- Steilacoom & Lakewood: Steilacoom Boulevard is closed between Lakewood Drive and Gravelly Lake Drive – reopening is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 18 or just before.
- Steilacoom & Custer: Sidewalk work is ongoing along the north side of Steilacoom Boulevard. The northern lane (right lane as you drive west) will remain closed through Valentine’s Day. (approximately).
City Council
The City Council did not meet this week.
Next Meetings:
- Monday, February 7, 2022
Until Next Week…
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