May 6, 2022: Lakewood Headlines
Lakewood’s summertime special events will kick off on May 21 with “Dancing In The Streets”. Enjoy food trucks and a beer garden, and learn some new dance moves.
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the area to celebrate the passage of a bipartisan infrastructure bill. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act may advance Pierce County infrastructure projects like the removal of the obsolete Chambers Creek Dam.
The most inconvenient stage of road work in Lake City is almost over. North Gate Road will close on Monday, May 9. A detour has been established. Washington Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen on May 24, but there will be additional detours and closures until mid-June.
7th and 8th graders are now invited to the Lakewood Youth Summit on May 21. Kids will talk with their peers about stress and mental health. Participants also enjoy games, activities, free food, and a live DJ. The event is free to attend. Transportation may be arranged.
Lakewood to Celebrate “Dancing In The Streets” on May 21
Lakewood to host four Saturday Street Festivals in Colonial Plaza throughout the summer.
Lakewood’s series of summertime Saturday Street Festivals kicks off on May 21. Four exciting events are scheduled, beginning with “Dancing In The Streets” on the 21st.
Saturday Street Festival: Dancing in the Streets
Saturday, May 21, 2022
4:00 to 8:30 p.m.
6114 Motor Avenue SW, Lakewood
The event will pack Colonial Plaza with food trucks, a beer garden, a live DJ, and entertainment. Dance groups will teach popular moves. Participants of all ages are invited to shake a leg.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and State Legislators Visit to Discuss Infrastructure
A project to remove the obsolete Chambers Creek Dam may be advanced by a recent federal infrastructure package.
The City of Lakewood works closely with tribes, agencies, and legislators at all levels to form effective partnerships and advance infrastructure projects of regional benefit. A recent bipartisan federal infrastructure package may advance some regional infrastructure projects in Pierce County.
On Wednesday, May 4, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Rep. Derek Kilmer, Nisqually Tribal Chairman Willie Frank III, Puyallup Tribal Chairman Bill Sterud, and Lakewood City Councilmember Don Anderson visited the Chambers Creek Dam to talk about the legislation. The new funding may help advance the removal of the obsolete Chambers Creek Dam.
Expect Traffic Adjustments in Lake City Beginning on May 16
Some roads will close, some roads will open, and some disruption should be expected in late May.
The intersection of Gravelly Lake Drive and Washington Boulevard will reopen on May 24, but several other brief closures and detours will follow. Until mid-June, Lake City residents may expect continued delays and detours.
Once Washington & Gravelly Lake reopens, Gravelly Lake & Veterans will close. Traffic will resume the familiar detour from the highway north on Nyanza, then west on Gravelly Lake. Once paving and striping is complete, the most inconvenient phase of road construction will be overwith.
Future phases of work will be much less disruptive. North Gate Road will close at Nottingham and Edgewood Washington on Monday, May 9. North Gate Road will be rebuilt, then sections of Washington Boulevard later this year.
Sign up for email updates on the project at the link below:
Lakewood Youth Summit Approaching on May 21
Over 160 kids are signed up for the Youth Summit on May 21, now open to 7th and 8th graders.
Students are invited to the City of Lakewood Youth Summit to learn how to manage stress, plan for a career, financial literacy, and more. Students will leave motivated to contribute to their community and plan their future.
The event is now open to 7th & 8th graders. Over 160 students have registered so far.
2022 Youth Summit
Saturday, May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Harrison Preparatory School
9103 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
More Headlines
- The Tree Advisory Committee will suggest code revisions to the Planning Commission in June.
- A Kids Outdoor Adventure Day Camp will be held from June 27 thru Aug. 19
Events
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Summit | May 21, 2022 | City Hall |
| Youth Fishing Event | May 14, 2022 | American Lake Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Dancing in the Streets | May 21, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Paddle, Row, & Canoe Day | June 4, 2022 | Harry Todd Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 7, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 14, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Carnival of Cultures | June 18, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 21, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concert: Afrodisiacs | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 5, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Herding Cats | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Olsen Brothers | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| SummerFest | July 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Candy Shoppe | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 2, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Good Co. Swing | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Jazz Night & Car Show | August 13, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Paperback Writer | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 30, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Fiesta de la Familia | September 17, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
Roads
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: The most painful stage of road work in Lake City is almost over. On May 23, Washington & Gravelly Lake Drive will reopen, but several new closures and detours will be required for the following two weeks. Pavement will be smoothed, utilities moved, striping applied, and then the hard part will finally be over. Future construction will be less disruptive for Lake City residents.
- Steilacoom & Weller: Sidewalks and a bike lane were installed along the north side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller & Phillips. Sidewalks will now be installed along the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller & Custer. That work will go out to bid next week, and work is expected to begin in June.
- 59th & Bridgeport: Sidewalks will be added along the east side of 59th Avenue between Bridgeport & 100th. Construction will begin in a few weeks.
- South Tacoma Way & 512: An overlay will be applied to resurface South Tacoma Way between SR-512 and 108th. That project will go out to bid shortly, and work will begin this summer.
- Phillips & Onyx: Construction of sidewalks along Phillips Road between Agate Drive and Onyx Drive will begin in May. Sidewalks will line the west side of the street, and a five-foot bike lane will line the east side. Segments of Phillips will slim to one lane with flaggers directing traffic during the work.
City Council Summary: May 2, 2022 (Regular Meeting)
City Council proclaimed the week of May 2 as ‘Water Week’ and acknowledged the efforts of the Lakewood Water District to serve residents clean and safe water.
City Council proclaimed May as Hunger Awareness Month. Emergency Food Network Development Director Elizabeth Howe noted that May is the end of the school year, and many families lose access to an important food source. Inflation and rising rents are additional challenges for families, and additional reasons to donate food.
City Council proclaimed the week of May 11 as National Police Week, and acknowledged the contributions of police officers to our City and society. The City Council reflected on the 21,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty nationwide, including 4 officers here in Lakewood.
City Council approved the 2021 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report and a contract for American Lake Park improvements. The park will receive ADA-accessible paths to the waterfront, new bathrooms, and a new shelter near the beach, among other improvements.
Cluster-style mailboxes will be required when the city has proposed major street reconstruction that necessitates the removal of present mailboxes. These mailboxes contribute to improved mail security and delivery efficiency, reducing stop-and-go delivery traffic on Lakewood streets.
Guidelines are now established to govern the removal and resignation of advisory board and commission members. Such removals would only occur following obvious impropriety.
City Council approved the CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan. Lakewood’s CDBG programs support major home repairs, affordable housing development, and other programs. City Council moved to redirect down payment assistance funds in favor of major home repair funds. The City’s major home repair program helps low-income homeowners perform necessary repairs they couldn’t otherwise afford.
LPD Chief Mike Zaro presented his Q1 2022 Quarterly Crime Report. Property crime fell dramatically from the prior quarter. Person crimes like assault are at three-year lows. Reckless driving has been a concern, but Q1 2022 accident rates fell sharply from last quarter’s levels. Vehicle theft continues to increase to unprecedented rates. 305 vehicles were stolen last quarter.
Zaro attributes the surge to new legislation restricting pursuits – vehicle theft soared immediately upon the passage of the legislation. Suspects also attempt to evade police officers by driving recklessly away from officers at unprecedented rates. Attempts to evade police have increased tenfold.
Zaro noted improved safety and reduced calls for service at mobile home parks. Some parks have seen calls for service fall by 60% or more. Zaro cites responsive property management and their cooperation with the City as a catalyst.
Until Next Week…
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