Sometimes, doing the right thing also brings added benefits — and that’s exactly what’s happening with an exciting new initiative at Fort Steilacoom Park. Let’s unroll some background to explain why. The park gets its name from an actual US Army fort, whose surviving 170-year-old buildings stand across Steilacoom Boulevard on the ‘front lawn’ of […]
A New Hope: Lakewood City Council shows restraint on the rush to apartments and condos
Years ago, the original Star Wars movie was renamed “A New Hope” when George Lucas decided to place it in the middle of a 9-episode saga. I wanted to share a small sign of new hope for Lakewood and development that balances community, small business and housing. The saga began last spring when the city […]
Two talks about Lakewood’s early military history, Nov. 17 & 20
I want to share two opportunities to learn a lot about Lakewood’s early history as part of the United States. One is online, and one is in person. They cover a big part of our community’s history as the first US military presence in all of Puget Sound. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17: Learn about […]
Letter: Lakewood: Where the police are great, and the statistics first-rate
I wanted to share good news about public safety in Lakewood. I’ll begin with a personal experience. If anyone would like to skip that part and get to the news, just scroll below to the subhead “The Numbers.” I served on the council in 2004 when the police department began. It was a busy time, […]
Letter: Lakewood: Where citizens pout, and often sit things out
This is a letter to me. When I use strong language in this letter, it’s subconsciously addressed to me. However, it would be very weird to write a letter to myself in The Suburban Times. So I’m going to address this letter to all my fellow citizens of Lakewood. It’s up to any individual if […]
Letter: Lakewood-Where Developers Win, and Residents Chip In
As we see box apartments going up around Lakewood, and 800 more people potentially moving onto the Barnes and Noble property, I thought The Suburban Times readers would be interested to know that Lakewood has been laser-focused on giving developers the highest possible profits. This came up at a recent City Council hearing. The council […]
Letter: Lakewood – Where Housing is Hot, and Public Input is Not
A funny thing happened on the way to incentivizing developers to put housing instead of businesses along Gravelly Lake Drive. Now the rest of the city is under consideration as well! You may recall that earlier this year, the City Council told the planning commission to re-examine the idea of incentivizing housing along Gravelly Lake […]
Letter: Housing densities in Lakewood and a proposed tax incentive for multifamily housing
I’m way overdue on posting an update to an issue I raised here in April. Thanks for your patience. This has to do with the proposal to create financial incentives for developers to build apartments and condos in the pink spaces you see in the map. Here’s what’s going on: – A divided City Council […]
Letter: More apartments for Gravelly Lake Drive by the mall and high school
I’m reaching out for anyone who lives in the area of Gravelly Lake Drive as pictured in the map. I’m looking for you! Or if you know someone who lives in this area, please alert them. You might also want to read this if you are interested in the main Lakewood Library. The City of […]