Community Corner
Lakewood City Manager Publishes Weekly Bulletin For July 10
Starting on July 6, 2020, the city is accepting applications for the 2021 Human Services Grants. The application deadline is August 22.
July 11, 2020
Now accepting applications for 2021 Human Services Grants
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since incorporation, the City of Lakewood has supported low-income and vulnerable citizens by partnering with and funding community-based organizations to provide basic health, housing and human services.
As one element of this, the city designates 1 percent of its general fund to support human services in the Lakewood community.
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Starting on July 6, 2020, the city is accepting applications for the 2021 Human Services Grants. The application deadline is August 22, 2020.
Applicants must be a non-profit health or human services organization or public entity serving Lakewood residents. All funding proposals must align with one of the city’s human services funding strategies:
- Emotional supports and youth programming
- Access to health and behavioral health services
- Housing assistance and homeless prevention
- Crisis stabilization and advocacy
- Access to Food
Additional information is available on the City’s website at https://cityoflakewood.us/community-services/human-services-grants.
Now accepting applications for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative
With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in November 2018 and SHB 1064 in 2019, incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm require an independent investigation. These independent investigations will be conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law requires that the “independent investigation” be completely separate from the involved agency.
Police agencies in Pierce County are meeting this requirement through creation of the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT).
The city is recruiting for the position(s) of Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative to assist the Lakewood Police Department in their role on the PCFIT.
Applicants may submit application materials to Joanna Nichols at jnichols@cityoflakewood.us.
Application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on July 23, 2020.
To read more about the position and how to apply click here.
Now accepting applications for the Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant Program
The city is now accepting applications for the Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant program. This program is designed to support local businesses and the economy. The program is funded with $607,640 from a portion of the City’s CARES Act stimulus package distribution.
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on July 17, 2020
To learn more about this program’s eligibility requirements, application process, and to download the application click here.
Lakewood COVID-19 business assistance loans now available
The city of Lakewood established an assistance program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is focused on providing much needed capital to sustain business operations and retain employees who may otherwise be laid off as a result of the current economic climate.
If your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to apply for assistance if you meet the criteria. The city will begin reviewing applications Friday, July 10, 2020. The program will remain open until all funds are exhausted.
View eligibility requirements and download the loan application from the Lakewood COVID-19 Business Assistance Loan Program website.
Summer Nights at the Pavilion (concert series) postponed
With Pierce County remaining in Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start Plan, the city has decided to postpone the Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert dates in July (7/16, 7/23 and 7/30). The city continues to plan for concerts in August, if regulations and conditions allow.
Lakewood Farmers Market returns this Friday
The third week of the Lakewood Farmers Market is here! As mentioned last week, in the first two weeks the city has seen record sales at the Lakewood Farmers Market. Sales from week two were up 30.5% from the previous year! Today’s market is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball fields.
Holding the Lakewood Farmers Market here allows us to achieve social distancing and meet public health directives to keep the community safe during the current health crisis. Fort Steilacoom Park has plenty of free parking available for shoppers. Market goers can walk around the parking lot to access booths and purchase items or pick up items that were pre-ordered.
The market runs every Friday at Fort Steilacoom Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 18, 2020.
See the full lineup of vendors, including food trucks and dessert options on the Farmers Market page.
Summer Lakewood Connections Magazine is here!
The latest edition of the city’s Lakewood Connections Magazine is here!
In this most recent edition you’ll find a listing of all our 2020 city sponsored events, including dates and times. Events include the Lakewood Farmers Market, Drive-in movies, and more!
Other highlights in the Lakewood Connections Magazine include updates on the Lakewood Station Subarea Plan, Lakewood Landing development opportunity, the proposed Western State Master Plan, fireworks in Lakewood, park improvements, roadway improvements and restoring Waughop Lake.
Want to read the magazine now? You can view a pdf version or check it out on flipbook.
View eligibility requirements and download the loan application from the Lakewood COVID-19 Business Assistance Loan Program website.
Additional COVID-19 related resources:
Phase 2 reopening guidelines
The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber and the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County have shared resources for business to assist in re-opening and recovery. View more.
Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program
Pierce County small businesses who have experienced significant economic injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for this loan program if they meet program criteria. View more.
Free Personal Protection Equipment for businesses
Pierce County is offering FREE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to businesses physically located in Pierce County to help them comply with COVID-19 worksite-specific safety practices in order to protect employees and customers. View more.
Online city services
While city facilities continue to remain closed, the majority of the city’s operations have continued with minimal impacts to the public. The following city services are available online:
Police reports and other items
Changes and temporary closures coming to north and southbound I-5 in Lakewood
The state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is rebuilding the interchanges at Thorne Lane and Berkeley Street, and adding lanes to I-5. After the holiday weekend, travelers will see continued overnight lane and ramp closures on both directions of I-5 while paving activities occur near 41st Division Drive. No work is scheduled over the Fourth of July holiday.
Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time into their trips and give work crews a brake by paying attention while traveling through work zones. All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.
Night ramp closures are schedule for the following dates this upcoming week:
Monday, July 13
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 14
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Berkeley Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 15
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Northbound I-5 exit to Berkeley Street will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
Thursday, July 16
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
- Northbound I-5 off- and on-ramps at Berkeley Street will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
- Southbound I-5 off- and on-ramps at Thorne Lane will close from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
- Madigan Gate will close from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
Friday, July 17
- Northbound I-5 off- and on-ramps at Berkeley Street will close from 10:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
- Madigan Gate will close from 10:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Additional construction information, including other overnight closures, for the week of July 5 are listed on Tacomatraffic.com.
Travelers are encouraged to watch their speeds and give crews the room they need to work. A temporary speed limit reduction from 60 mph to 50 mph is in place on I-5 from mileposts 121.9 to 124.1.
Before heading out the door, travelers can find the latest information on the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.
Station District Subarea Plan survey closes July 15
The future of Lakewood’s Station District is in the public’s hands. Input from residents, business owners and developers will help the city develop a subarea plan which will guide future development within this designated area. The goal for the district is to craft a plan that is grounded in the first-hand experiences of the community it will serve.
Take the SURVEY! Answer questions about the area around the Lakewood Sounder Station. The survey takes about 10 minutes. The survey is open until July 15, 2020
Participate in the WALKSHOP! To understand community priorities, we need volunteers to explore the Station District — in a safe, socially distanced way — and report back about your experience. Make it a family adventure, we even have a worksheet for kids to fill out.
Public comment on Western State Hospital update closes July 10
Today is the last day to provide comment! The state Department of Social and Health Services has proposed a complete reconstruction of Western State Hospital and its campus.
Public comment will be accepted until 5 p.m., July 10.
- View the proposed master plan update.
- View the notice of application.
- View the project website.
- Read more about what is proposed and how to comment.
Registration remains open for Lakewood’s Camp Create
Next week is week two of Camp Create! There is still space available for campers! Camp Create is a low-cost summer day camp offered by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Camps run in one-week intervals; campers can register for just one week, or the full summer schedule. Cost is $99 per week. The camp is open to children ages 5 to 12 years. Camp weeks are:
- Week 2: July 13-17
- Week 3: July 20-24
- Week 4: July 27-31
- Week 5: August 3-7
- Week 6: August 10-14
New this year the camp will be held at the Lakewood Senior Activity Center, 9112 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Camp will adhere to current public health guidelines outlined by the state Department of Health and the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction as it relates to childcare services.
Download and fill out the registration packet, then email to Cameron Fairfield.
City Council July 13 meeting preview
Items on the July 13, 2020 Study Session agenda include:
- Joint Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting
- Public Art Policy and Program Update
- Review of code amendments regarding Lake Management Districts
The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) waiver by the state legislative leadership was extended on July 7 until August 1, 2020. As a result, Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers will not be open for City Council meetings until August 3. For more information on the waiver extension see here.
Residents can virtually attend City Council meetings by watching them live on the city’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityoflakewoodwa
Those who do not have access to YouTube can participate via Zoom by either calling by telephone: Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 868 7263 2373 or visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373.
City Council meeting agenda and materials can be found here.
Transportation updates
The city’s road improvement projects are allowed under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
Onyx Drive
Grading for curb and gutter on the south side of Onyx Drive is now complete. Crews will continue to work on installing curb and gutter on the north side of Onyx Drive for the next two weeks. Intermittent lane closures will continue along both segments of the project until September. Expect up to 10 minute delays as the contractor pours curb and gutter. Additionally, the speed limit from Garnet Lane to Phillips Road has been reduced to 25 MPH.
Read more about the Onyx Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.
Veterans Drive
Lighting work continued this week as crews continued to trench and add conduit between Lake City Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. Sidewalk construction also started this week and is expected to be completed by the end of next week for this segment of the street. All storm drainage work is completed from Lake City Boulevard to Alameda Avenue SW.
The first segment detour remains in place as does the detour of Vernon Avenue between Kenwood and Veterans Drive.
As a reminder only those living within (and providing services for) the closure limits are allowed access. The closure is expected to last a total of four to five weeks. It is anticipated the base lift for the closed section will be completed the final week of June. Once that work is complete the closure will be lifted.
Read more about the Veterans Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.
Steilacoom Boulevard
Paving was completed on Steilacoom Boulevard three weeks ago. Crews will be out today and this Saturday to add pavement markings and install stop lines and crosswalks. The long lasting plastic pavement markings will take approximately 30 minutes to cure and harden. Flaggers will continue to be on site directing traffic.
Pavement patching
The City of Lakewood’s contractor, Asphalt Patch, completed the 2020 patching program and will paint striping shortly. O&M crews will continue to patch streets as needed throughout the year.
Chip Seal in-progress
The city’s 2020 Chip Seal program began this week between Clover Park High School and Halcyon, and north of 112th and south of 108th streets. Chips will be laid down and then fog seal sprayed through July 21st. Lane stripping will occur the week after. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of July.
Census 2020: Be counted
The Census Bureau is continuing to reach out to those who have not filled out the Census yet in an effort to make sure everyone is counted. In light of COVID-19, the bureau recently announced the deadline to complete the census was extended to Oct. 31, 2020.
As of July 9, 62.0 percent of US households responded to the 2020 Census. Washington’s response rate is 67.3 percent. Pierce County’s response rate is 67.3 percent. The city of Lakewood’s 2020 Census response rate is 62.3 percent overall.
Last week, the city sent out a second round of 6,500 mailers to the Woodbrook/Tillicum and Springbrook neighborhoods to help increase participation in the count.
As of June 30, Woodbrook-Tillicum has a response rate of 48.2% and Springbrook has a response rate of 40.3%. In the 2010 Census, these areas had response rates of 28.4% and 34.3% respectively.
There are three ways that people can respond to the census:
- Respond online at www.2020census.gov.
- Call a toll-free number (4 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT)
- English, 844.330.2020
- Spanish, 844.468.2020
- Other languages available, please contact me for information
- Return by Mail
How to help or get help
Looking for ways to help your community during this time? Or are you looking for assistance?
Pierce County created a website with information about how to donate to area food banks, including Emergency Food Network based in Lakewood, and a fund set up specifically to assist the human services needs facing our community in light of COVID-19 impacts.
There are also resources for individuals and businesses looking for more information about available financing and public assistance options. View the website.
Veterans Brick Update
Did you purchase a brick to be engraved on the Veterans Memorial located outside Lakewood City Hall in Lakewood Towne Center?
We hope to see the bricks engraved this summer, dependent on weather.
Thank you to everyone who purchased a brick for your patience while volunteers continued with the brick sales to be able to engrave them all at one time.
Volunteers were able to sell 153 of the 242 bricks remaining at the memorial. They are grateful for the community’s support of veterans and proud to see this memorial that was dedicated in 2003 by a citizen-led committee come closer to completion.
Join a community advisory board
Do you like to give back to the community? Are you looking to get better connected to Lakewood? Have some free time you want to fill? Consider joining one of the city’s community advisory boards. Board members often have experience or expertise they can lend, can meet on a monthly basis and can commit to serving a full term, or longer.
Boards with openings:
- Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board: 2 vacancies. Open until filled.
- Lodging Tax Advisory Board: 4 vacancies. Deadline: Open until filled.
- Planning Commission: 1 vacancy (unexpired term through Dec. 15, 2021). Open until filled.
Board and commission descriptions, meeting schedule and application form can be found online.
Stay up to date with MyLakewood311
Did you know Lakewood has its own free mobile app? All you need to know about the city is at your fingertips. Updates on road projects and detours around the city and other city announcements can be found under the “Public Announcements” header.
Contact the city using the “submit a new request” button and select from the appropriate category. The app allows you to track city staff’s response to your request and follow it through the process.
Please only submit one request per item – submitting multiple requests for the same item slows the review process. Note: This app is not monitored 24/7. If you are reporting an emergency that needs immediate assistance please call 911.
Download it now in the iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.