Heat advisory issued for region
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for our region. The advisory is in place until 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2023.
Temperatures are forecasted to be in the upper 80s to 90s. This level of heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.
People are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
For sheltering information and other human services dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit wa211.org.
Temperatures will gradually cool during the middle of next week but remain well above normal.
Lakewood Farmers Market, Summer Concert expected to be hot
Headed to the Lakewood Farmers Market and Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert Tuesday? Make sure you bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and find shade. It will be hot. Visitors are encouraged to leave pets at home or in a cool place.
The Lakewood Farmers Market runs every Tuesday, 2-7 p.m. followed by the Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series from 6:30-8 p.m. Shop local vendors, grab dinner from one of the food options and head to the Pavilion lawn for an evening of fun.
Next week’s band is Hair Nation, an 80’s rock band.
Note: There is no Lakewood Farmers Market or summer concert on July 16 or 23.
2024 Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert schedule
- July 9: Hair Nation (80’s Rock)
- July 30: Chapter 5 (Funk/R&B/Soul)
- August 6: Catch a Wave (Beach Boys Tribute)
- August 13: Wally & The Beaves (Oldies)
- August 20: ABBAgraphs (ABBA Tribute)
- August 27: Mr. Pink (Dance Hits)
City receives federal funds for park planning
At the end of June Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s office notified the city that the City of Lakewood is the recipient of a $1.1 million RAISE Grant.
This incredible achievement has been a key federal legislative priority for the city for several years. Its receipt is testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the Lakewood City Council and City of Lakewood staff.
The award of this grant sets the stage for the city to redefine its downtown area. It allows for the development of a plan to build the Lakewood Downtown Transportation Network, or “Green Loop”. The outcome of this work will position the city to apply for and secure a future RAISE construction grant, which could total between $20-$30 million needed to build the project.
This project is transformational for the Lakewood community.
The City of Lakewood thanks Congresswoman Strickland for her continued support and advocacy for the city and specifically this project.
Now accepting 2025 Comprehensive Plan amendment applications
Changes to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, and some related changes to zoning code and development regulations, are allowed once per year under state law. As the first step in this process, the City of Lakewood invites interested parties to identify proposed changes. Afterward, the Lakewood Planning Commission and then City Council will review and confirm the list of amendments to be considered over the course of the year, including privately initiated amendments. This list is known as the “Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket.”
Any individual, organization, business, or other group may propose an amendment. Proposals to amend the Comprehensive Plan and associated Zoning Code provisions must be received by the Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department through the online portal at between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m. until July 31, 2024. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered in the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
Questions? Send them to [email protected]
- Comprehensive Plan Map or Zone Amendment (PDF)
- SEPA Checklist Form (PDF)
- Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment Application Form (PDF)
Counting tress in Lakewood
FACCET NW, a contractor for the city, will be walking and driving through the area for the next few months to count the number, species, health, and other features of trees within the city. This is the first step to design and launch an urban forestry program.
The Lakewood City Council prioritized trees with a series of actions. That included adding a chapter to its 2022 Comprehensive Plan on Energy and Climate Change, adopting a tree preservation code and adopting a goal to have a tree canopy of 40% throughout the city by 2050.
Once complete the tree inventory report will be presented to the City Council at a meeting in November. Find more information and track the progress of the inventory on the city’s Urban Forestry Program webpage.
Volunteers needed to heat map Lakewood
This summer, Pierce County is doing an urban heat mapping project. Lakewood is one of the cities being mapped. This community-based science project will be conducted by heat ambassadors.
Volunteers are needed for three, one-hour time slots starting at 6 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 3 and Aug. 10. Two backup dates, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11 also need volunteers standing by.
As a volunteer you will help create high-resolution descriptions of ambient heat at the human level.
Find more information about this effort at the Tacoma Tree Foundation website. Want to volunteer? Use this form to sign up.
Council Corner: July 1, 2024 meeting recap
At its regular meeting Monday, July 1 the Lakewood City Council acted on the following items:
- Accepted a $15,000 from Amazon to sponsor SummerFEST.
- Authorized the execution of an agreement for the American Lake Park Improvement Project.
- Awarded a contract for the Lake Steilacoom Interlaaken Bridge Repair Project.
- Set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2024 on the proposed vacation of a portion of 100th Street SW west of Dekoven Drive and east of Lake Steilacoom.
The City Council also adopted an ordinance authorizing the city to move forward with condemnation of property located next to the site formerly known as the QFC building. Earlier this year the city announced its intent to purchase a portion of the property with the goal of turning it into a public park.
The creation of a downtown park is outlined in the city’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan. It is tied to the city’s Legacy Plan, which outlines future improvements, development and maintenance of city parks and open spaces. The downtown park proposal is also outlined in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which identifies how the city can be developed over the near and far term.
The city has attempted and continues to attempt to work with the property owner to negotiate the sale of the property in good faith. However, the owner and the city have not yet reached an agreed purchase price. The City is willing to pay fair market value for the property. Through adoption of the ordinance, the Lakewood City Council authorized the city’s legal team to move forward with condemnation proceedings to purchase the property.
The City Council also received a review of the city’s first quarter financial report from 2024 and review of financing options for future use to help increase city revenue.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on deck. The Lakewood City Council will hold a study session Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Tentative agenda items include:
- Joint Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting
- Pierce County Library System Update – Gretchen Caserotti, Executive Director
- Review of interlocal agreement for multi-jurisdictional specialty teams in Pierce County
- Review of Ordinance regarding camping in the City
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
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.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hardworkers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Citywide striping
Pierce County crews are scheduled to (re)stripe roads in Lakewood starting next week. Drivers are asked to please stay back from the striping vehicle(s), follow all warning signage and most importantly do not cross and track wet paint.
This work is weather dependent. The striping will occur across the city in multiple locations.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
The city’s contractor continues to place concrete curbs and gutter and sidewalk along the south end of the project. The electrical subcontractor continues to install conduit and luminaire foundations for the new pedestrian illumination system. Traffic continues to alternate through the northbound lane with traffic control personnel on site.
Hipkins Road
Landscaping activities continue and are expected to continue for the next two weeks. The city’s contractor is raising utility castings to grade in the roadway. In mid-July the contractor plans to transition traffic control from Angle Lane to 104th to accommodate the next section of construction. Hipkins will reopen at Steilacoom Boulevard at that time.
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
Remaining work includes the installation of street luminaires (expected installation end of summer) and the installation of the traffic signal (anticipated end of summer).
84th and Pine
Work on this project is paused while the contractor waits for the traffic signal to arrive. Estimated arrival timeline is now August. Once it arrives work will resume.