Is Lakewood cutting down trees on Interlaaken Drive?
Information was recently shared via social media about the city’s plans for Interlaaken Drive. Concerns were raised about tree removal and lack of public information. These concerns were understandably heightened by markings on selected trees, giving some the impression the trees would be cut soon.
To make sure our residents have the facts about the safety improvements planned for Interlaaken Drive, a response was shared on the city website.
It is also important for people to know that when the city outlines road safety improvement projects, it seeks holistically to minimize impacts on the environment and the community whenever possible. When making decisions, everything must be taken into consideration. That includes balancing the desire to preserve trees and the natural environment with creating a safe place for residents to live and be able to access their community.
Crime continues its downward trend
Crime is down across the City of Lakewood, according to a summary of third quarter crime data collected and analyzed by the Lakewood Police Department.
Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith reported the most recent year-over-year statistics to the Lakewood City Council at its Oct. 21, 2024 regular meeting.
Overall, calls for service to the department are down nearly 10% from the same period in 2023.
Arrests are up roughly 12%. This is due to police officers increasing emphasis patrols like the department’s retail theft emphasis efforts.
Robberies are down 32% and property crimes are down 28%. These declines – specifically the property crime reduction – reflect the work the department is doing to deter crimes like shoplifting.
The largest drop in year-over-year data is for vehicle thefts. During the third quarter of 2023 the Lakewood Police Department saw a 40% increase in motor vehicle thefts. Fast forward to 2024 and the total number of reported stolen vehicles dropped by nearly 68% from the same period 2023.
Read more about the 3rd quarter statistics.
Lakewood proposed 2025-26 budget
The Lakewood City Council is in the process of reviewing the proposed 2025-26 Biennial Budget. A public hearing is planned for November and final adoption is anticipated by mid-November.
The biennial budget reflects the policies, goals, programs and service priorities and values of the Lakewood City Council. It represents a financial roadmap for the city that guides operational decision‐making, strengthens organizational values, and invests in vital community initiatives.
The City Council will review the proposed budget at the following meetings:
- Nov. 4, 2024 7 p.m.: Public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
- Nov. 12, 2024 7 p.m.: Review of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council study session.
- Nov. 18, 2024, 7 p.m.: Anticipated adoption of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
Once adopted, the budget establishes the direction for all city programs and services for the coming biennium.
Sound Healing Bath
Join Yoga instructor Patrea Sunday, Oct. 27 from 7-8 p.m. as she leads the group through 60 minutes of sound healing and yin postures. There are only 7 spots remaining, so reserve today! Bring comfortable clothing and an openness to release and receive. The workshop is at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW. Register today.
Registration is open for November recreation programs
The next round of recreation programming kicks off next week. Now is the time to register for classes. Offerings include various levels of yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and Cardio Drumming.
Register for Tai Chi, Qigong & Cardio Drumming
Sign up for the next session of Lakewood’s wellness recreation programming. Offerings include:
- Gentle Yoga (Mondays/Thursdays)
- Yin/Yang Yoga (Thursdays)
- Beginning Qigong (Tuesdays)
- Beginning Tai Chi (Tuesdays)
- Cardio Drumming (Wednesdays)
Find the full class list and class/Sound Healing registration links online.
Take the Pierce Transit survey
Pierce Transit partnered with EMC Research, a local, independent market research company to conduct a survey of riders to gather opinions about Pierce Transit and its service.
If you have not already participated, this is your reminder to share your experience with using Pierce Transit.
The survey is available in English and Spanish. Answers will be used for research purposes only.
Save the date: Fall Community Cleanup is Nov. 9-10
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s Fall Community Cleanup Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear. Read more about what is allowed and not allowed.
Council Corner: Oct. 21 recap
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Work is beginning now to update sections of the City of Lakewood’s local hazard mitigation plan. As a member of the West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition, the work is being done by the coalition in coordination with Pierce County’s Department of Emergency Management. The county is responsible for a larger plan that encompasses the entire region. That plan includes local plans for all the jurisdictions.
Lakewood’s local mitigation plan outlines the city’s commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards. It serves as a guide for city leaders as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards. To receive federal mitigation or post-disaster funding, an all-hazard mitigation plan must be completed and approved by the City Council.
Review of 3rd Quarter (2024) Police Report. Police Chief Patrick D. Smith reviewed the 3rd Quarter police crime summary with the City Council. Crime rates continue to drop across the city, a result of the department being fully staffed and its use of technology and proactive policing. Comparison to the same period in 2023 shows:
- Aggravated assaults are down 8.3%
- Burglary is down 18.9%
- Fraud is down 10.6%
- Motor vehicle theft is down 67.5%
- Stolen property is down 23.9%
- Vandalism is down 33.7%
- Eluding is down 51.6%
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Lakewood Water District for the construction of a water line along 88th Avenue Court SW and Wadsworth Street SW.
- Authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Lakewood Water District for construction of a water main along Nyanza Road between Gravelly Lake Drive (South) and Gravelly Lake Drive (North).
- Authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with David Evans and Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,123,586 for services related to the Lakewood Station Access Improvement Project.
- Appointed Nancy Camirand, Donald Doman, Adrianne Kelckner and reappointed Emily Feleen, Darryl Owens, Phillip Raschke and Adriana Serrianne to serve on the Lakewood Arts Commission through October 15, 2027.
- Approved the 2025-2026 Federal, State and Pierce County Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual.
- Held a public hearing to consider the vacation of a section of Cline Road lying between Interstate 5 and Pacific Highway SW.
- Adopted a motion providing guidance related to Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Residential Target Area (RTA) expansion.
- Reviewed an interlocal agreement between Pierce County and the City of Lakewood for the provision of specialized law enforcement services.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Review of 2025 Property Tax Levy.
- Review of 2024 Year-End Budget Adjustment.
- Introduction of 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
- Introduction of 2024 Development Regulation Updates: Amendments to comply with SB 5290 (permitting timeliness) and to govern manufactured home parks and camping and recreational vehicle parks.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; (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, Oct. 15-21, 2024
- Calls for Service: 955 (down 4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 41 (down 24% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 24 (up 14% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 69 (down 30% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 100 (down 22% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 28 (up 22% from prior week)
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 hard workers 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
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
The new signal bridge was installed and after installation it was discovered the bridge needed to be rotated 180 degrees. That required the contractor to be on site longer than originally anticipated. The bridge is now installed in the correct direction. Work will continue Monday while the contractor wires the components. The road closure was removed Friday and through the weekend, but will return Monday. It is anticipated for only Monday, Oct. 28 during business hours. The closure includes:
- Ardmore will close from Steilacoom Blvd to Whitman Ave.
- Whitman Ave will close from Motor Ave to Steilacoom Blvd.
- 93rd Street will close from Bridgeport Way to Whitman Ave.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Work is paused while waiting for the new pedestrian luminaires to be delivered (anticipated arrival is early next week). If the luminaries are delivered as estimated, work will resume in November.
84th and Pine
The contractor was on site this week rewiring the signal system. Vandals cut the wires previously installed, requiring the work to be done again. Once the system is rewired, testing of the system will begin.
Hipkins Road
The contractor continues to work on the remaining to-do items.
Rose Rd Sanitary Sewer Project: This sewer extension project was awarded to Miles Resources. Work is anticipated to start in January 2025 due to material procurement lead times.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
The city opened bids Oct. 23. An apparent low bidder was identified. Next a contract will be developed and sent to the Lakewood City Council for approval. Once approved a construction timeline will be created and shared with the public. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.