The City of Lakewood wants to see its downtown developed into an inviting space with public parks and pedestrian connections.
To achieve this vision, the City recently announced its intent to acquire a key piece of real estate. The property is connected to the former QFC site, located between Motor Avenue, Bridgeport Way and Gravelly Lake Drive.
Specifically, the City is interested in the land where the former bagel shop operated.
The City wants to transform this 1.58-acre parcel into a public park that will connect with the Colonial Plaza festival street next door.
The land was recently appraised at $1.35 million. In a letter to property owner Emmert Lakewood Center LLC, the City offered to pay the appraised amount.
“The City Council looks forward to completing the acquisition of this long vacant and neglected parcel within our Central Business District,” said Mayor Jason Whalen. “Residents will be well-served by a vibrant, urban park with amenities, including a possible splash pad for residents to enjoy.”
Part of the City Council’s long-term vision for this area is the addition of public spaces like parks and pedestrian paths connecting to shopping, restaurants and residential areas.
“The purchase of this key piece of property allows us to move forward with its vision,” said Whalen. “It will serve as a catalyst for private investment and development.”
The property is abandoned and derelict, but its location by US bank, new CVS, etc., is well West of the core business district. Certainly something needs to be done with it, but hard to see how it serves the “vision” described w/out a master plan diagram.
It’s a lot of money that tax payers will pay. To get on board, need much more detail I should think.
I agree with you Frank !!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We have had to live with this eyesore for far too long. A park or grocery store to compete with two Safeways would be most welcome. Whoever bought it must have seen it as a tax write off. It’s time to be rid of it.
Has anyone given any that to making it an indoor/outdoor pickleball center?
I hate to say it, but, UNLESS the “park” has a way to keep the homeless and drug addicts from making it their “new home”, I just see another disaster in the making!! We don’t live in Mayberry anymore!!😞
I agree Rhonda. I like the “idea” of all the parks the city wants to start putting around Lakewood, but we don’t have enough folks to police these areas in order to keep them desirable for citizens to use. If this park was currently in our city, it would not be one people would be willing to visit and I think that needs to be addressed. How will we be keeping these parks usable and safe? Same issues arise with the Edgewater Park expansion plan, the city is not addressing how they will handle the safety and cleanliness or even the ecological impact in that area.