Lakewood Manager's Weekly Bulletin For April 9

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

April 9, 2021

25th Anniversary Art Contest Gallery Published

Artwork submitted by Lakewood residents and students of Gimhae, South Korea featured.

The City hosted an art contest as part of the ongoing celebration of its 25th anniversary. Lakewood artists of all ages and students from our Sister City of Gimhae, South Korea participated. The collection is breathtaking.

Enjoy the winning works and a full gallery of submissions on the City website.

Major Roadway Improvements to Begin around Gravelly Lake in April

Significant road closures expected during the JBLM North Access Project.

Road work will begin in early May on the JBLM North Access Project. The work will completely rebuild several key interchanges and roadways West of Gravelly Lake. The work will take approximately 18 months to complete and will be performed in several stages.

In the first stage, Gravelly Lake Drive SW will be closed between Nyanza Road SW to Veteran’s Drive SW for 7 to 8 months. Local access will be permitted at the North end of the closed section via Veteran’s Drive SW.

Learn more about the project and sign up for e-mail updates on the project website.

Community Cleanup Scheduled for Next Weekend

Many disposable and recyclable items to be accepted.

The Lakewood Spring Community Cleanup will be held at the Lakewood Transfer Station at 3869 94th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 on Saturday, April 17 (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and Sunday, April 18 (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m).

Residents are invited to dispose of accepted trash, recyclables, furniture, and more. Please refer to the event rules before planning your trip. Look for our postcard reminder on Tuesday.

RSVP to the Facebook Event here.

Opportunities for Public Comment

• Enjoy “Coffee with the Mayor” on Tuesday, April 13
  • Mayor Don Anderson and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth will discuss current Lakewood events.
• City of Lakewood to hold public hearing on Community Development Block Grants.
  • The public hearing will occur during the regular City Council session on April 19 at 7:00 p.m. Comments will be accepted by mail, email or by live virtual comment. Send comments to bschumacher@cityoflakewood.us at least one hour prior to the meeting.
• City of Lakewood to hold public hearing for 2020 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map amendments.
  • The meeting will be held on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Instructions on how to attend or testify will be published here no later than April 15.
• Washington State Transportation Commission to hold a virtual meeting on April 20, 21.
  • The two-day meeting will be held on Zoom. The agenda is posted here. Please register for each day separately:
    • Tuesday, April 20, 2021: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Register
    • Wednesday, April 21, 2021: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Register
• Sound Transit seeks input on access to Sounder Train, ST Express buses
  • The on-ramp to Southbound I-5 at Thorne Lane will remain closed until June. Drivers will detour to southbound I-5 using the Gravelly Lake Drive or Berkeley Street interchanges.
  • Review the project and submit feedback here.

Road Improvement Projects

• Completed Projects:
  • The Veterans Drive and Onyx Drive projects are complete. Enjoy this video about the finishing touches to Veterans Drive

• Current Projects:
  • Thorne Lane On-Ramp Closure:
    • The on-ramp to Southbound I-5 at Thorne Lane will remain closed until June. Drivers will detour to southbound I-5 using the Gravelly Lake Drive or Berkeley Street interchanges.
    • Review project status here.
  • 100th Street SW & Lakewood Drive: The City is rebuilding the traffic signal at the intersection of 100th Street SW and Lakewood Drive and installing a sidewalk along 100th. Work is underway.
  • 111th & 112th Street: New roadway surface, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and illumination will be constructed. The roadway will be closed to all traffic except local access only until mid-May.
• Soon to Begin:
  • JBLM North Access Project:
    • The first phase will begin in May. Gravelly Lake Drive SW will be closed between Nyanza Road SW to Veteran’s Drive SW for 7 to 8 months. Local access will be permitted at the north end of the closed section via Veteran’s Drive SW.
    • Review project status and sign up for email updates here.
  • Steilacoom Boulevard: Installation of sidewalks along this area is anticipated to begin in summer 2021 and will be constructed in two phases. Relocation of utility poles to make way for the sidewalks is expected to begin in summer 2021.
  • 108th Street Overlay: The City will refresh the driving surface on 108th between Bridgeport Way SW and Pacific Highway. Work is expected to begin in April and is expected to continue until August.
  • Pavement Patching: The City plans to use preservation funds to patch-repair roadways in several neighborhoods. Work will begin this summer.
  • Chip Seal: The City will coat, seal, and texture chip roadway surfaces in the Lake City neighborhood. Work will begin this summer.
  • Streetlights: Streetlights are to be installed in several neighborhoods in 2021. The project is in design. Work will begin in the fall.

Park Improvement Projects

• Harry Todd Park: Work is underway to improve accessibility, rebuild the bulkhead, renovate the beach, and add new amenities like a rinse-off area, lighting, and a fishing pier. Work is expected to finish this summer.
• American Lake Park: The new picnic shelter is now built and open for enjoyment. Other improvements to the park will follow later this year.
• Fort Steilacoom Park: Several projects are ongoing at Fort Steilacoom Park.
  • The completed Angle Lane Project has resolved access issues and added new landscaping and restrooms.
  • The completed Restroom Project has erected permanent public restrooms, drinking fountains, and a shaded swing.
  • The Fort Steilacoom Pavilion will benefit from a new warming kitchen and restrooms later this spring.
• Edgewater Park: Work is planned to build a new dock and improve public access to Lake Steilacoom.
• Chambers Creek Trail: Work is planned to build a 2.5-mile trail along Chambers Creek in partnership with University Place and Piece County. The project will likely begin this summer.
• Wards Lake Park: Work is planned to expand the park, remove encampments, and add amenities like a dog park and walking trails.
• Springbrook Park: A restoration of Clover Creek is under consideration. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2021.

COVID-19 REGIONAL HEADLINES

• Universal Vaccine Eligibility Effective April 15
  • Everyone over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine beginning on April 15.
• Paycheck Protection Program for small business payroll relief extended
  • The new PPP Extension Act extends the program through May 31.
• New round of small business grants now open for application
  • Working Washington Grants are available to many small businesses affected by the pandemic.
• Shuttered Venue Operator Grants available
  • Theaters, performing art centers, and other venues may be eligible for relief.
• Rent and mortgage assistance available from City of Lakewood & Pierce County
  • The City of Lakewood is offering emergency payments for rental and mortgage assistance. Terms and application information are detailed here.
  • Pierce County is offering rental assistance for tenants affected by COVID-19. Terms and application information are detailed here.
• Eviction and utility shutoff moratoriums extended
  • The statewide eviction moratorium is effective through June 20, 2021. The statewide utility shutoff moratorium is effective through July 31, 2021.

NOTES FROM THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD

• Visit the Community Advisory Boards and the City of Lakewood Jobs pages for open volunteer and paid positions.
• Report problems and stay engaged with MyLakewood311, available on iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
• Keep in touch with the City of Lakewood by subscribing to our official email newsletters.

This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.