City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin: Oct. 22, 2021

Lakewood Headlines for October 22, 2021

Bring your trash and junk to the fall Community Cleanup on Nov. 6 & 7 – a 5-minute unloading limit will move the line faster. Lakewood will join the purchase of the Comfort Inn on Hosmer to expand emergency shelter space. Steilacoom Blvd. will close for three months beginning Nov. 1 as Pierce County repairs a sewer main. Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen and Nyanza will close on Monday near the I-5 Gravelly Lake exit. Businesses are invited to build a float at the Dec. 11 Holiday Parade of Lights, and Lakewood will host an amateur film competition soon.

Community Cleanup Scheduled for Nov. 6-7

Lakewood residents may dispose of trash, recyclables, and junk for free

The City of Lakewood will host a Community Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7. Residents may bring trash, recyclables, and junk for disposal.

Demand overwhelmed the spring event, so a 5-minute unloading limit will be enforced. Please review the rules before planning your trip.

City of Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup
3869 94th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Saturday, Nov. 6 & Sunday, Nov. 7 
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Click this image to review event rules

Steilacoom Blvd Sewer Repair to Require 3-Month Closure

Steilacoom to close between Lakewood & Bridgeport on Nov. 1

Pierce County intends to begin repairs on the sewer main beneath Steilacoom Blvd. on Monday, Nov. 1. This will begin a three-month closure of Steilacoom Blvd. between Lakewood Dr. and Gravelly Lake Dr.

The sewer main collapsed in late July. Pierce County built a temporary bypass as they planned a permanent repair. The sewer main is buried 25′ below the surface, so the repair requires a complete road closure.

Traffic will detour North to Custer Rd, similar to the temporary detour used in August.

Gravelly Lake to Open and Nyanza to Close as JBLM North Access Project Continues

Project on schedule for February completion.

Gravelly Lake Dr. will reopen from Nyanza Rd. to Veterans Dr. on Monday, Oct. 25. The reopening was scheduled for Friday, Oct. 22 but was delayed due to rain.

Once Gravelly Lake Drive reopens, Nyanza Road will close. Crews will connect Nyanza to the roundabout. Once the connection is complete, Nyanza will reopen and Gravelly Lake will close again.

The City of Lakewood Road Work Map shows all current closures and road work. Residents may request email updates on the JBLM North Access Project webpage.

Gravelly Lake Drive is paved and will reopen Monday. Nyanza will close.

​

Upcoming Events

Holiday Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 11

The City of Lakewood will celebrate the holidays with a drive-through “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Visitors will drive through a maze of holiday floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.

Reel Fest ’96 Film Competition: Registration Opens Mon. Nov. 15

Lakewood will host an exciting amateur film competition. Registration opens Nov. 15 and closes Jan. 5, 2022. Contact Jim at (253) 255-3396 to express interest.

Enjoy a Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 11

CITY COUNCIL SUMMARY

Next Meeting: Monday, Oct. 25 (Study Session)

Prior Meeting: Monday, Oct. 18 (Regular Session)

On Monday, Oct. 18, the City Council recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and declared Oct. 21 as Community Conflict Resolution Day. 

The council executed agreements to expand emergency services, agree to terms with the Lakewood Police Independent Guild, and improve sports fields at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Lisa Mansfield was reappointed as Municipal Court Judge. Adriana Bhan, Gabrielle Chappell, and Willow Warren were appointed to the Youth Council.

The council agreed to participate in the purchase of the Comfort Inn on Hosmer St. It will provide emergency shelter through 2023 and permanent affordable housing for at least 40 years. The City will contribute $1,000,000.

COVID-19 & Relief Programs

  • Virus Activity: Local virus activity and hospitalizations remain at very high levels. TPCHD implores residents to get vaccinated, mask up, and practice social distancing.
  • Vaccine Locations: Vaccination is the best way for us to return to normal. The Towne Center Vaccine Clinic is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 10330 59th Avenue Southwest, STE B, Lakewood, WA 98499.
  • Mask Mandate: Masks are required in all indoor public spaces and outdoor events with 500+ attendees, regardless of vaccine status.
  • Proof of Vaccination (King County only): Proof of vaccination (or negative COVID test) is required to enter indoor businesses in King County. The order takes effect on Monday, Oct. 25. No similar announcement has been made in Pierce County – this applies only to King County establishments.
  • Relief Programs: 

Roads

  • Steilacoom & Lakewood: Steilacoom Blvd. will close for three months starting Monday, Nov. 1. Pierce County will begin a permanent repair of the collapsed sewer main beneath the roadway. Traffic will detour North to Custer Rd W.
  • Steilacoom & Custer: Utilities are still moving overhead lines to new poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will begin. Occasional lane closures will be required.
  • Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Gravelly Lake Dr. will reopen on Monday, and Nyanza Rd. will close. This change will revert in a few weeks once Nyanza is connected to the new roundabout at its southern junction.

Parks

Notes