Lakewood Weekly Manager’s Bulletin: Feb. 7, 2025

City Manager John J. Caulfield announces retirement

City Manager John J. Caulfield announced this week he will retire on June 5, 2025, after almost 12 years of dedicated service to the Lakewood community.

During his tenure, Caulfield led staff to dramatically improve Lakewood’s finances, to aggressively pursue legislative agendas that brought much-needed attention and funding to improve Lakewood’s parks, road and sidewalk infrastructure, public safety initiatives, and strengthened critical relationships with JBLM, the Nisqually Tribe, and other regional partners.

As a result of Caulfield’s leadership, years of professional management, and investment in key staff, Lakewood has prospered in all areas.

“It is with sincere appreciation as well as sadness that the Lakewood City Council received and accepted City Manager John Caulfield’s retirement notice,” said Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen. “Since his appointment in September 2013, John has served Lakewood incredibly well, achieving much success for the community and regional accolades for our work together as Manager and Council.”

The Lakewood City Council will take the lead on hiring a new city manager. Details on the process will be shared once they are finalized. A community celebration will be held closer to June to celebrate Caulfield before he departs.

Read more.

Hidden Heroes: Chase Washington

The Hidden Heroes campaign kicked off Monday with a feature on Chase Washington, a Lakes High School senior and accomplished young leader in Lakewood.

Washington strives to uplift and advance his school and local community. He does this by being an active member of an array of academic and community organizations.

This includes the city of Lakewood’s Lakewood Youth Council, Clover Park School District’s Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council, Lakes High School Black Student Union and Associated Student Body, and Key/Kiwanis Club. He currently serves as the Club President of Lakes High School’s DECA chapter, where he continues to qualify and place in regional and state competitions. His most recent accomplishment was a first place award in his division for the DECA area conference. 

Read more about Washington and his many accolades.

The goal of Hidden Heroes is to raise the visibility of Black and African American leaders in our community. The focus is on celebrating their accomplishments and bringing to light lesser-known individuals who have made a big impact either on their local community, in their profession, or on the global scale.

Learn more about these heroes by reading about them on the City of Lakewood’s website or by following the city’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Want to receive the information in an email? Click this link to sign up using the form at the bottom of the page.

Lakewood Hearing Examiner issues decision on proposed housing development in Lakewood Towne Center

The Hearing Examiner for the City of Lakewood approved the Master Planned Development Permit for Alliance Multifamily (Lakewood Towne Center Apartments), a mixed-use housing project that will bring 309 market-rate apartments to the downtown area.

The approval by Pro Tem Hearing Examiner Stephanie E. Marshall comes with several conditions to address community concerns about traffic, environmental impact and infrastructure.

Project Overview

The development is located on a 34.11-acre site at Lakewood Towne Center where there is currently a large parking lot and a Barnes & Noble store. As proposed, the building will be demolished. Barnes & Noble is relocating to another location in Lakewood Towne Center. The project includes:

• One, five-story building with 143 apartments
• Seven, three-story buildings with 168 apartments
• 40,132 square feet of open space with community amenities like a pool, playground, and clubhouse
• 473 parking spaces, including ADA-accessible and EV charging stations

As part of the approval, the Hearing Examiner required the development meet the City of Lakewood’s conditions for approval. That includes:

1. Traffic Mitigation:
   • A traffic impact fee must be paid to offset the project’s effect on the local road network.
   • The project must comply with the city’s traffic management requirements to ensure no major disruptions to existing traffic flow.
   • Pedestrian pathways must be enhanced for safety and connectivity.
2. Stormwater & Environmental Protections:
   • The project must follow strict stormwater management guidelines per the Washington Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Manual.
   • Infiltration trenches, permeable pavement, and on-site water treatment systems must be installed to improve stormwater drainage and water quality.
   • The development must include landscape buffers and tree retention, maintaining at least 91 existing trees while adding over 280 new trees.
3. Building & Design Standards:
   • The developer was granted two deviations from Lakewood’s form-based code:
     • One building will exceed the maximum allowed length by 10%.
     • Mid-block pedestrian connections will be modified to improve landscaping and safety.
   • The project must comply with design review requirements to ensure compatibility with the downtown area.
4. Public Services & Infrastructure:
   • The developer must coordinate with utility providers to ensure sufficient water, sewer, and emergency services.
   • Compliance with fire safety and emergency access regulations is required.

Read more.

Snow may return Saturday and Sunday

While we didn’t see the snow or ice accumulation in Lakewood that other cities experienced this week, our operations and maintenance team was ready with snowplows and de-icer to keep roads clear.

The most recent forecast is still calling for some snow overnight into Saturday morning and possibly some Sunday. Predicted snow accumulation is low with estimates at less than 1-inch. Warming temperatures could bring rain by afternoon Saturday, melting anything that does stick.

Our operations and maintenance team remain ready to respond and proactively treat the roads. If roads are wet during the day due to rain or snow, that moisture could turn to ice at night when temperatures drop. Some roads could have ice patches as a result in the morning. Drivers are reminded to drive for conditions, slow down and give themselves extra time to get to their destination during inclement weather.

Enjoy a cup of coffee with Lakewood Police

Members of the Lakewood Police Department, including Chief Patrick D. Smith, will be at the Lakewood Towne Center Starbucks on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Stop by between 12-1 p.m. to meet the Chief, talk with the department’s Neighborhood Police Officer team and enjoy casual conversation. Mayor Jason Whalen will also be there to meet with people.

The Lakewood Towne Center Starbucks is located at 5618 Lakewood Towne Center Boulevard.

Drop in for winter wellness programming

Chase away the winter chill with wellness programming offered by the City of Lakewood.

Available classes include Gentle Yoga, Fusion Yoga, a new four-week Kirtan Chanting class and a Sound Healing workshop on Feb. 23.

Classes are offered at the indoor Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW. Unable to commit to a full session? The following classes allow drop-ins for $12 per class:

• Gentle Yoga, Mondays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Gentle Yoga, Thursdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Fusion Yoga, Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.

Find class descriptions, registration links and more information about drop-ins online.

Council Corner: Feb. 3 meeting recap

Black History Month. The Lakewood City Council read a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month. As part of its reading, the City Council honored the 2025 Hidden Heroes, presenting them with a copy of the proclamation and inviting them to speak.

Recognizing Landmarks & Heritage Advisory Board members. The City Council presented certificates of recognition to members of the city’s Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board. The board was recently disbanded. The City Council thanked longtime member and volunteer Glen Spieth for his dedication to preserving Lakewood’s history and his 15 years of volunteer service. Other board members who were recognized included Bethene Campbell, Christina Manetti and Amelia Escobedo.

The City Council acted on the following:

• Authorized the execution of an agreement with D.P. Excavation, in the amount of $357,825, for the demolition of dangerous and nuisance structures at 9230-9330 Bridgeport Way SW.
• Adopted an ordinance granting Ezee Fiber, a non-exclusive franchise for the transmission of telecommunications in, through, over, and under the rights-of-way of the City of Lakewood.
• Adopted a resolution authorizing the agreement for tax exemption regarding Residential Target Area Development for 11409 Kendrick LLC.
• Adopted a resolution amending the 2025 Docket of Comprehensive Plan Land Use, Zoning Map and Policy Amendments.
• Adopted a resolution amending the City Council Rules of Procedure.

Watch the meeting.

What’s on Deck? The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 7 p.m. for a study session in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:

• Natural Environment and Climate Change (NECC) Program, implementation plan and work plan review.

How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend virtually via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.

Police Chief’s Corner

Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.

Weekly summary Jan. 21-28, 2025

• Calls for Service: 1011 (up 5% from prior week)
• Arrests: 61 (down 2% from prior week)
• Violent Crime: 21 (up 40% from prior week)
• Property Crime: 60 (up 3% from prior week)
• Traffic Stops: 182 (up 26% from prior week)
• Collisions (reportable): 15 (down 6% from prior week)

Weekly Summary Jan. 28-Feb. 4, 2025

• Calls for Service: 878 (down 13% from prior week)
• Arrests: 59 (down 3% from prior week)
• Violent Crime: 26 (up 24% from prior week)
• Property Crime: 60 (no change from prior week)
• Traffic Stops: 108 (down 41% from prior week)
• Collisions (reportable): 21 (up 40% from prior week)

Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting in 2025

Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Through its Neighborhood Connections program, the City of Lakewood aims to not only better connect the community, but also help residents better understand city processes.

There are currently six Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. Five meet regularly. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Find out more about the Neighborhood Connections Program online.

• Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Feb. 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (meets the second Tuesday of the month).
  • Location: Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave SW.
• Downtown Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Feb. 12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW.
  • Agenda: Tiffany Speir, planning division manager for the City of Lakewood, will share information about the city’s Downtown Subarea Plan and its vision for the future of Lakewood’s central commercial district.
• Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Feb. 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (meets the third Tuesday of the month).
  • Location: The Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.
• Springbrook Community Meetings
  • Meets: Feb. 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (meets the third Thursday of the month).
  • Location: Springbrook Connections, 5105 Solberg Dr SW #A.
• Lake City Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Every other month. Next meeting is March 13, 2025 at 7 p.m.
  • Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue station, 8517 Washington Blvd. SW.
• North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
  • No meetings scheduled.

Community events 

Valentines for Veterans

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland kicked off her annual Valentines for Veterans and First Responders drive. Through this program valentines will be distributed to veterans and first responders in Washington’s 10th Congressional District, and for the first time, Valentines will be distributed to JBLM soldiers deployed to Korea.

Residents can leave cards at a drop box in Lakewood City Hall at the box located at the front desk. Lakewood City Hall is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other locations accepting valentines include the city halls of Lacey, Olympia, Puyallup and Yelm.

Lakewood Playhouse offers winter camps and classes

Lakewood Playhouse recently released a winter class schedule that offers a range of options for youth, young adults and adults. Find the full class listing online.

Lakewood Playhouse presents “The Laramie Project”

In honoring the memory and legacy of Matthew Shepard, this production of “The Laramie Project” strives to inspire the community to see themselves in the citizens of Laramie and reflect on their own reaction to recent attacks on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, locally and nationally. With a cast composed of local actors, this production will bring a whole new perspective on the work by putting community at the center of the storytelling and offering space for conversation and reflection. What can we learn about ourselves by examining the words and actions of another community?

The show runs Feb. 21-March 9, 2025, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The “pay what you can” and industry night is Sunday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org to book tickets online.

Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)

The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.

If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.

Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.

Find out more and sign up today.

Road project updates

Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87^th Ave. The contractor continues demolition of the north side of the road in preparation for new storm system installations. The installation must go in before new curb and gutter, sidewalks and curb ramps can be built. Storm installations are expected to begin early next week.

84^th and Pine. Remaining items include the luminaires on the traffic signal poles and some signage corrections. The city’s contractor is working to coordinate the installations.

Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project. Work is anticipated to start early March.

South Tacoma Way Overlay 96^th to Steilacoom Blvd. Miles Resources is expected to start work in March.

South Tacoma Way & 92^nd signal replacement. Work is expected to begin in March.

South Tacoma Way  88^th to north city limits. Work is expected to start late March or early April. Lakewood Water District is currently in this vicinity installing a new water main ahead of the city’s capital improvement project.

Lakewood Station Access Project: Sound Transit and the City of Lakewood are working together to invest nearly $70 million in road improvements in and around the Lakewood Sounder Station to improve roads in the Lakeview and Springbrook neighborhoods. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall.

Park project updates

American Lake Park: Construction continues with significant progress on the new retaining walls along the beach and boat launch parking lot as well as the new shelter. Completion is anticipated by June.

Wards Lake Park Improvements: The 35-acre park is closed and will remain closed through November 2025 while the city’s contractor makes major upgrades to this park. Once finished park users will have access to a network of walking rails, bicycle pump track and separate 3-acre bike track and skills area, a new off-leash dog park, expanded parking, new restroom facilities, upgraded playground and more.

The Big One: Relocation of the Tenzler Log: Construction of a shelter around the log is complete. The log was refinished to protect and seal the monument, and a wire mesh is installed to protect the round it in its new home at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Chambers Creek Trail. The city partnered with Pierce County and University Place on a project to improve access along Chambers Creek between the City of Lakewood and University Place. Pierce County recently completed the construction of a boardwalk. Pierce County Trails crews will begin work on the soft surface portion of this trail this month. The first section of the trail will open to the public in spring 2025, with the remaining two sections of trail opening throughout the spring and summer as trail crews complete work. The public should expect trail closures during this work.Please be aware of trail signage and stay on the open trails.

Other projects planned for 2025:

• Primley Park playground replacement: The city is planning a community work day to help install the surfacing for the playground in March. A save the date notice with details about that effort will be shared with neighbors to gain volunteers.
• Oakbrook Park: A new picnic shelter is on order and design is ongoing for a trail inside the park permitter that will be installed before the busy summer season.    
• New park signs: Park signs will be replaced this year with updated designs. Expect the signs in place by summer.
• Historic H-Barn revitalization: Grants and community funding continues to come in to support the preservation of the H-barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. Local nonprofit Partners for Parks is working to raise $3.5 million to match a $4 million commitment from the city. Design work will start in early spring to determine building and code needs, as well as cost estimates. 
• Street End pilot project: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will host a community meeting March 8, 2025 to look at how to create a new public open space at the Westlake Ave Street End on Lake Steilacoom.   
• Harry Todd pickleball courts: Four new pickleball courts will be developed at Harry Todd Park this year. The city has submitted permits for this work. The courts should be available for public use by fall 2025.
• Nisqually Loop Trail Fort Steilacoom Park:In partnership with the Nisqually Tribe the city will install several interpretive exhibits along the Nisqually Loop Trail in the southeast area of the park. The exhibits will be located along a 1-mile trail and include Nisqually art, educational information and Lushootseed language. Construction is anticipated to occur late summer-fall of 2025.