Community Newsletter June 2021 Edition
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It’s hard to believe that 2021 is nearly half over. This year is flying by, but I am excited to share a few things that the City of Lakewood has been up to this past month.
On May 18th, Shawn Leininger, Director of Planning and Development, and I delivered our final Virtual State of the City Addresses in each of Lakewood’s four wards. My goal with these Addresses was to discuss events of this past year, COVID-19, objectives for 2021 and beyond, current and future infrastructure projects, and certain ward specific items. I would like to thank everyone who attended and I look forward to seeing you all face-to-face again very soon. If you missed them, you can watch the recordings on the City’s website.
The City of Lakewood is slated to receive $47 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. On May 10 th, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released initial guidance on the use of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The initial guidance indicated that these funds may be used in the following areas:
- Support public health expenditures
- Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency
- Replace lost public sector revenue
- Provide premium pay for essential workers
- Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure
In June, I will be introducing to City Council a plan to allocate $25 million of the funds towards needed water/sewer upgrades. This allocation will be a major investment in one of the largest infrastructure projects in this City’s history. This necessary investment of ARPA dollars will benefit every water/sewer user in the City as to reduce future rate increases. We will be discussing this proposal as well as the Impervious Surface Fee at a community forum on June 16th at 7 p.m. The format of the meeting will include the ability to facilitate small group discussion and to address questions.
Conversations and progress on the Downtown Lakewood site continue. I joined members of the administration, representatives from City Council and the resident advisory panel, on a tour of CASTO’s most recent Dexter project in Ohio City. We are looking forward to CASTO’s updated proposal for the Downtown Lakewood site.
I would like to personally thank you for all of your support during this last month. I am proud of the direction we are moving in and look forward to continuing this momentum throughout June.
Mayor Meghan F. George
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H2O's HOME ALONE program to return this summer! |
H2O youth volunteers are going to present two sessions of HOME ALONE in July 2021! HOME ALONE is a safety and independence course for youth ages 9-12, designed and taught by high school leaders. Parents attend the event as well and hear presentations by emergency first responders and safety experts. Registration will be available in mid-June; more information can be found here.
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Clean Water Lakewood Update on June 16 at 7 p.m. |
Join us for an update on Clean Water Lakewood, our city’s plan to improve and update our 100-year-old sewer system. On June 16, 2021 at 7 p.m. city leaders will host a virtual community conversation to show you our progress toward meeting Ohio EPA and US EPA regulatory requirements. We’ll also discuss how we can use American Rescue Plan Act funding and a new proposed Impervious Surface Fee to help fund a modern sewer system that better protects Rocky River and Lake Erie from pollution while keeping water bills affordable. |
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Homebound Vaccination Program |
The Lakewood Fire Department is teaming up with five other communities to administer vaccinations to hard-to-reach homebound persons as part of the “Homebound Vaccinations for the Westshore Communities” Program. Each week, a participating community fire department in the Westshore will be chosen to administer the vaccine among the six the communities, however all vaccinations must be scheduled and approved by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Western Reserve. If you would like to make a referral for a homebound person, or check your own eligibility, please call the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging at (216) 621-0303, or visit here. |
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In honor of Pride month, Mayor George issued a Proclamation officially recognizing the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Lakewood, Ohio!
The proclamation acknowledges the ongoing hardships of LGBTQ+ community members in Lakewood, and affirms the city's full support towards "making Lakewood an inclusive, safe, and welcoming place for all those who live here".
Read the full proclamation here. |
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We want to hear from you! The City is beginning the public participation process for infrastructure improvements at Lakewood Park's Foster Pool. Help guide public outreach moving forward and share your visions with us by taking our survey! |
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The City of Lakewood is Hiring! |
The City of Lakewood's Human Resources Department is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:
- Public Works Division Manager
- Division of Aging Bus Driver
- Lateral Entry Level Police Officer
- Public Works Streets & Forestry Division Tree Crew
- Division of Refuse & Recycling Summer Laborers/Seasonal Help
- Full-Time Building Inspector
- School Crossing Guard
To learn more about each position and its requirements please visit here.
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2021 Street Construction Plans |
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There are several street construction projects planned for this summer.
Watermain construction is planned for the following streets in 2021:
- Elbur (Lakewood Hts., Blvd to Athens Ave.)
- Leedale
- Lauderdale
Resurfacing funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is planned for the following streets in 2021:
The biggest project this year is the Detroit-Sloane Intersection rehabilitation. This includes watermain replacement within project limits, new curb inlets, roadway re-alignment, sidewalk replacement, installation of ADA compliant curb ramps, landscaping, and much more! |
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LEAF Community Farmers' Market |
LEAF Community has hosted a free weekly celebration of local food that we have organized during Ohio's traditional growing season since 2007. LEAF hosts multiple CSA programs and invites guest farmers, vendors and craftspeople to sell their local goods. Consider stopping by! The Market returns on June 17th and runs Thursdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Lakewood Public Library. Learn more!
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LakewoodAlive's Summer Meltdown |
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Ohio's COVID-19 Public Health Order Updates |
These are the latest COVID-19 health updates issued from the governor going into the month of June:
- The Ohio Department of Health is adhering to recent CDC guidance, allowing those who have been vaccinated to stop wearing masks. If you have not been vaccinated, you should still wear a mask and socially distance.
- Everyone must wear a mask when in a healthcare setting, traveling on public transportation (including airplanes).
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Businesses will be able to choose for themselves whether they continue to require masks on their premises.
- As advised by the CDC, Ohio's order also continues to require masking in congregate settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and in settings with large numbers of unvaccinated individuals, such as schools and daycare centers.
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COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations are now available to Ohio's youth age 12 years and older, following members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this age group.
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Ohio Vax-a-Million
Are you vaccinated yet? The state announced two new incentives to get more people vaccinated.
- Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio's state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board.
- Ohioans 18 and older will be entered into a weekly drawing for five weeks with a prize of up to $1 million. Winners must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the date of the respective drawing. This is an opt-in program.
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City of Lakewood | lakewoodoh.gov
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