Community Newsletter November 2022 Edition
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Note from Mayor Meghan F. George |
Earlier this year, the City of Lakewood was excited to announce plans for the redevelopment of the former Lakewood Hospital site. That plan met the goals identified by our residents, including community and economic development; priorities for public space; high quality architectural & environmental design; diverse & affordable housing; historic preservation; active commercial uses; and workforce growth.
If you have driven by the site lately, you will have noticed construction vehicles and a team of workers performing site preparation work as the project advances. Last week, the development team from CASTO also had multiple meetings here as they continue to fine tune details of the site plan. Last Monday, they attended Lakewood City Council’s meeting, which was held jointly with members of the Lakewood Board of Education, where they engaged in dialogue on details of the development deal and pro forma. CASTO also presented to our local Architectural Board of Review, which provided more feedback and guidance on the latest concepts for the site plan.
Our City Planning and Development team continues to work hand-in-hand with the CASTO development team to incorporate feedback and provide updates and communication to the City administration, council, and relevant boards. My administration is pleased with the progress being made and we know that the final product will meet the high standards for design, materials, and planning for which Lakewood is known. Both our team from City Hall and CASTO are also in consistent conversations with our anchor tenant, Roundstone Insurance, the rapidly-growing local Lakewood business, with over 100 employees today and expectations to add 100 more in the next few years.
In related news, I was also happy to be invited to be part of the grand opening of the Fieldhouse at Hird and Detroit. As the cornerstone of phase I of the $100 million Studio West 117 development that aims to serve Greater Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ community, the Fieldhouse will provide a welcoming gathering space for all. The grand opening event was a great opportunity to see the new space and get a taste of the overall vision for this impressive project. Look for more news from City Hall on subsequent phases of the project in the months to come.
Finally, it was a pleasure that so many of you were out and about this Monday with your children trick-or-treating on Halloween. I enjoyed seeing so many boys and girls running from door to door with broad smiles on their faces, and so many parents doing their best to keep up! As we handed out candy from the porch, I was reminded of the incredible sense of community we have in Lakewood. It’s something I am so grateful for and which I will never take for granted.
Mayor Meghan F. George
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Upcoming Events & Updates |
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Backflow Management Program Update
The City of Lakewood Water Department is making some improvements to its Backflow Management program. Beginning in 2023, the City will be utilizing BSI Online to manage notification letters, overdue letters, and test reports in an online web portal site. Many neighboring water utilities use BSI Online as well. If you have a backflow device in your plumbing system, then you know that annually you are required to hire a plumber certified in backflow testing to test your device to ensure it is properly working. Instead of mailing it to the City of Lakewood, the certified tester can upload it into the web portal.
Most residential housing units do not have a backflow device, but backflow can still occur, so please be sure to read more about the Backflow Management program here. If you need additional information or have questions please contact the City of Lakewood Water Department at 216-529-6820.
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Participate in the Community Health Needs Assessment Action Plan
As part of the City's work on the Lakewood Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Action Plan, your input is needed. The City is requesting participation from residents either online (between October 30th-November 12th) or by stopping by the Cove Community Center on Wednesday, November 9 anytime between 6 and 9pm.
Click here for more information.
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Lawther Community Room at Cove Community Center
On October 21st, Mayor George and members of the Department of Human Services dedicated the main room at Cove Community Center as the Lawther Community Room in honor of Kathleen & Robert Lawther.
Kathleen proposed the creation of the Human Services Department in 1989 and served as its first director. Robert served as a member of Lakewood City Council for six years and as mayor for 13 years. Kathleen attended the dedication ceremony and was presented with a proclamation from Mayor George.
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Spectacular Vernacular Art
Have you seen the newest murals in Lakewood? Both of these murals are part of the City's Spectacular Vernacular program. The goal of this program is to further refine and advance our public art program, beautify public spaces, and incorporate the community of artists. In addition to these pieces, four additional pieces are to be completed as part of this year’s program.
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Artist: Mike Sobeck
Location: 1384 Hird Avenue, Fieldhouse. Not titled.
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Artist: Stephanie Crossen
Location: 13400 Madison Avenue, United Readers Building. Title: “Summer at the Lake”
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Back row: Michael Wood (parks), Peter Rancatore (finance), Issac Jones (police), Nick Hudson (parks), Ray Billman (police), Patrick Linn (fire),
Bottom row: Jessica Eddy (finance), Mayor Meghan George, Dawn Watkins (finance), Claudia Dillinger (human resources), David Dunn (fire)
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Community Challenge Basketball Game
On Saturday, October 22nd, City of Lakewood staff participated in a friendly game of basketball against staff from Lakewood City Schools. The game was for a good cause: to raise money for the Lakewood High School Class of 2023 Prom. Fun was had by all, and the team is ready for another game next year!
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Tree Action Plan
In an effort to preserve and increase the impressive amount of trees within its borders, the city has implemented a proactive tree strategy and updated its Tree Action Plan.
The Tree Action Plan, created by the City’s Forestry Division, is regularly updated to allow the City to act swiftly to leverage opportunities for new trees while addressing threats to existing trees. This includes strategically staffing the Forestry Division to increase capacity to care for the more than 13,000 trees in Lakewood. A current area of focus of the plan is ensuring that the tree presence in City parks is maintained and expanded. Most recently, four matures were planted at Madison Park with the goal of the trees growing to large scale and providing a century or more of value to the community.
At Lakewood Park, the annual inspection showed a number of mature trees around the Kids Cove playground were damaged years ago during construction and some must be removed. In partnership with City staff and Bartlett Tree Experts, the administration has made it a priority to replace those trees with mature trees that will grow to the same stature. The remaining trees will receive root invigoration treatment and careful pruning of dead limbs to ensure proper care and survival.
With aspirations of meeting or exceeding a recommended canopy coverage of 33% in the next 12 years, the Tree Action Plan also includes a program where Lakewood homeowners can request to have a tree or multiple trees professionally planted each spring by a professional for below market cost. The tree professionals involved use ODNR Division of Forestry and Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association approved methods, and all trees come with a one-year warranty.
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Meet Corrections Officer Matthew Irmiter
Matt began as a corrections officer in July 2018 and has been a great addition to our department. Born in Iowa, he moved around the country with his family before settling in the Cleveland area. He graduated from St. Edward High School in 1982 and spent most of his professional life managing in the restaurant industry before beginning a new career path in Corrections.
Matt is noted for being hard working and always willing to help cover shifts. He a reliable teacher, helping to instruct new personnel regarding jail operations. Matt has mentioned how appreciative he is to have found this position in his adopted hometown and enjoys serving his community and being part of the LPD team.
In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Patty and the Cleveland sports scene. He is also interested in travel and world history, reading, and taking in historical documentaries when he can.
Matt is a valued member of Lakewood Police Department, and his upbeat attitude is infectious with all those fortunate enough to work with him.
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Check out Programs at
The Lakewood Family Room
Attention parents, grandparents, and caregivers! Be sure to check out the programming and events taking place at
All programs are free to Lakewood residents with their children aged birth to 8. Adults must stay with their child at all times. Programs are facilitated by an Early Childhood educator and volunteer staff.
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Preparing the Next Generation
Building Commissioner Chris Parmelee is now a mentor for the Westshore Trades Program at Lakewood High School. Chris will meet monthly with seniors to touch base and engage with students from Mike Dow's class.
Chris also recently spoke with students from Lorain County Joint Vocation School about the history and importance of building codes and how to pursue a career in this industry.
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We are Hiring!
The City of Lakewood is currently seeking applicants for the following openings:
- Public Works Project Manager
- Sewer Maintenance Crew
- Entry Level or Fleet Mechanic
For more information and to apply, please click here.
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City of Lakewood | lakewoodoh.gov
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