Community Newsletter July 2021 Edition
Mayor's Note
First, I am proud to announce that the City of Lakewood has moved to officially recognize the holiday of Juneteenth. I hope that Lakewoodites will use this holiday to educate themselves on Black history and culture.

On June 16th, the City held a virtual Community Conversation to discuss the next phase of the City’s sewer plan, Clean Water Lakewood, and to discuss the Impervious Surface Fee which will greatly aid in the transition to sustainable sewer infrastructure. If you were unable to attend or wish to rewatch the meeting, a full recording can be found here.

The City has recently completed a report on COVID-19-related assistance programs that were distributed across Lakewood with the help of CARES Act funding and the City’s Economic Development fund. Lakewood was able to provide $826,351 in small business assistance grants to 202 Lakewood businesses and provided $1,362,123 in residential rent relief grants to 1,409 Lakewoodites. Supporting those in the community during crisis is paramount to Lakewood.

On June 24th, I had the honor of participating in a panel held by Innovation Ohio, Ohio Mayors Alliance, and Small Business for America’s Future. At this meeting, we discussed how funding from the American Rescue Plan will support local communities like Lakewood. Opportunities like this are great ways for city leaders to connect with citizens and discuss important events and news that will undoubtedly impact those in the community. I would like to thank Ohio Mayors Alliance, Small Business for America’s Future, and Innovation Ohio for giving me that platform.

I am confident that the positive momentum we saw in June will be carried throughout the rest of the season. I look forward to seeing you all this summer and hope that you will join me in taking advantage of the season and the countless activities that our beautiful city has to offer. As always, stay healthy and safe.

Mayor Meghan F. George
City News & Updates
H2O's HOME ALONE is Back!
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.

  • Wednesday July 14th - 6:30pm-9:00pm - Garfield Middle School
  • Register here
  • Saturday July 24th - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Garfield Middle School
  • Register here

There is a $15 family fee, however, financial aid is available for those needing assistance. Contact 216-529-6045, and leave your name, phone number, and a message requesting financial aid. You will be contacted by phone to register your family, do not click the links above.
"It should be required for all parents, it’s that important!"

"MUST ATTEND. Life changing!"

"This is the kind of information you don’t think you need, but you do!"
ADA Transition Plan
The City of Lakewood is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to lead an ADA self-assessment of city properties and services. The well-qualified consultant will develop a Transition Plan that prioritizes improvements. For more information and to view the RFP visit here.
Construction Update
Construction projects this summer are underway, as you may have noticed with orange barrels and signs appearing across the city once again. Here is a quick update and guide to this summer's construction work:

Projects In-Progress, to be completed in 2021:
  • 2021 Sidewalk Improvements
  • 2021 Watermains: Elbur (Lkwd. Hts to Athens), Lauderdale, Leedale
  • Detroit Signal Timing Optimization
  • Detroit Sloane Improvements
  • Dominion Projects: Arlington/Clifton, Edgewater/Webb
  • Kauffman Park Playground Improvements
  • Lakewood Park Skate House Rebuild
  • LPD Jail Improvements
  • Summit Outfall Rehabilitation
Projects In-Progress, to be completed in 2022:
  • Fire Station #2 Building Addition
  • High Rate Treatment Facility

Projects Not Yet Started, to be completed in 2021:
  • Street Resurfacing: Bramley, Dowd, Magee
Firework Reminders
The Lakewood Police Department would like to remind you to please be considerate of your neighbors and refrain from discharging fireworks. Possession and/or discharging of fireworks in the City is illegal under state law and local codified ordinance 549.10(f) and will be enforced. We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!
The City of Lakewood is Hiring!
The City of Lakewood is currently seeking applicants for the following openings:

  • Lateral Police Officer
  • Part-time Bus Driver – Division of Aging in the Department of Human Services
  • School Crossing Guards
 
For further details regarding all our job opportunities and to apply, please visit here.
Affordable Housing News
An important piece of Lakewood’s Affordable Housing Strategy, new affordable home construction, is seeing results as work nears completion at two sites in Lakewood: Shaw Avenue and Plover Street. The construction of the homes is funded through the HOME Investment partnership program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, utilizing a high-quality approach to affordability and inclusionary design standards. Once construction has finished, the properties will be listed and sold to low-and-moderate income homebuyers, with a maximum allowed sale price of $265,000 that is typically reduced to an amount more affordable to the targeted population. The City’s investment in the project is protected by a deed restricted mortgage that incorporates profit sharing with the City should the home be sold within the first 10 years of ownership.
More
Third Thursdays in Madison Park
Friends of Madison Park launched Third Thursdays in Madison Park a quartet of free community events featuring refreshments from local eateries, family-friendly activities and neighborly conversation. The next one is July 15th at 6pm.
Lakewood Arts Festival
The 44th Annual Lakewood Arts Festival returns on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Detroit Avenue between Arthur and Belle. The Festival will also include community booths offering food, sweets, beverages, activities for children and more.
Summer Health Tips
Staying Safe this Summer!
Summer is a great time to relax, travel, garden, and explore nature. But it also brings several dangers to stay aware of – including mosquitos, ticks, and dangerously high temperatures.

Mosquitos can carry serious diseases and are most active in the hours directly before and after sunset. Ways to stay safe include:
  • Eliminate areas of standing water (containers, bucket, clogged gutters, leaky outdoor faucets)
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible to cover exposed skin.
  • Routinely reapply an insect repellent containing 30% DEET for adults; children and pregnant women should use a lower concentration.
  • Learn more here

Ticks are bad this season, and can carry diseases such as Lyme Disease. Ticks are a danger to both humans and their pets, especially dogs. Ways to stay safe include:
  • Check your pets daily before they enter the house for the night.
  • Dress in light-colored, long-sleeve garments. Spray insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and on exposed skin other than the face. 
  • Treat clothes with PERMETHRIN, which kills ticks on contact.
  • Learn more here

Finally, summer heat, exacerbated by high humidity levels, poses a health risk to many, especially children, those who are sick or overweight, and older adults. The four key ways to prevent heat strokes and heat-induced symptoms are:
  • Hydrate (Lots of water; avoid very cold, sugar filled, or alcoholic beverages to cool you down)
  • Educate Yourself (Keep up with the forecast, know the warning signs of heat-illness)
  • Act quickly when a heat-illness is suspected. Symptoms include: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting
  • Take it easy (Avoid over-exertion, and take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning to relax)
  • Learn more here