Walkable Communities Have Better Quality of Life

Walking isn’t just good for all us, it’s proven to improve our quality of life…and Lakewood is among the most walkable communities around.

Walkable communities are happier, healthier, greener and better support local businesses. It’s one of the best things about Lakewood, especially considering more and more folks are placing an emphasis on walkability.


According to walkscore.com, a walkable community has:

• “A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
• Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
• Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
• Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.”

Lakewood is very walkable. Check out your address's walkability at www.walkscore.com

Realtors Seminar a Huge Success

The 2009 Lakewood Realtor Seminar, hosted by the City of Lakewood, was the most well attended in the seminar's history!

Local favorite Dick Feagler was the City’s special guest speaker and led off the morning with his own unique insights and humor on Lakewood, the West side and real estate in general.

In addition to the Mayor’s welcome, representatives from various City Department presented information about new initiatives and developments in housing and economic development.

The Federal Reserve Bank was on hand to provide information on “Breaking the Housing Crisis Cycle” and informative national and local economic perspective on how the housing crisis arose, where we are at now, and recommendations for the future.

Lakewood resident and appraiser Bill Gaydos provided an afternoon lecture on appraising in the current market.

The day concluded with a mobile classroom (Lolly the Trolley) that took realtors and other guests to various development sites, local businesses and homes throughout the Lakewood.

New Video Content

Don't forget to check out our videos on the web site. We posted a new video on the city's refuse and recycling initiative here.

RTA Update

We've made some progress in our fight to save the RTA Circulator, but we have a long way to go.

Last week, we had a hearing before Judge John D. Sutula regarding the public records request we filed in Common Pleas Court. As recently as yesterday, we are continuing to receive more of the requested documents from RTA, which we originally asked for over 40 days ago. One thing is clear - whatever happens with this issue, RTA must examine its transparency and communication.

Last Friday, RTA announced that it would be starting a one day per week "shopper service" for participating communities beginning on January 1st, 2010. This certainly doesn't represent a substitute for the circulator service, but we will discuss with RTA whether it would make sense for Lakewood.

The circulator service just makes common sense for Lakewood. Sooner or later, I hope RTA realizes this and restores 7 day a week circulator service for Lakewood and other communities with a high participation rate. In the meantime, we are continuing our efforts to gain federal funding for a Lakewood-based service.

Protecting Lakewood's Landmarks

Last tonight, City Council introduced legislation to protect the interiors of Lakewood's most prized properties.

This new legislation (available below) would amend the historic preservation law, which Council passed last year, to include the interior public portions of historical properties. This amendment will help fully preserve the most historic and unique architectural structures from their exteriors to the architecturally significant portion of their interiors that have traditionally served the public.

One of those significant properties, St. James Catholic Church, is scheduled to close in 2010. Council passed a motion supporting efforts to save St. James Church. If the proposed legislation passes, it should help efforts to save St. James.

See the proposed ordinace:
Amend%20Chapter%201134%20Historic%20Properties.pdf

Introducing a New (Historic) Face for Lakewood's Busiest Intersection

The Bailey Building, located at the southeast corner of Detroit Avenue and Warren Road has been a long time concern for Lakewood's downtown. It's drab concrete brutalist look and aging facade has been an eyesore for many years. Called the Bailey Building because if was once the location of the 1920's era Bailey Department store - a beautiful brick and stone building with great awnings and wide storefront windows. Turns out it is still the location of the 1920's Bailey Department store all this time it has just been hidden since the early 1960's under a curtain wall of concrete and steel.

Under new ownership since earlier this year, the Department of Planning and Development has been working with the new owner to give the building a second life, attract new tenants and be a asset to the busiest intersection in Lakewood. Then Design Architects were retained by the owner to develop a restoration plan that removes the concrete facade and reveals the well preserved brick building that has been hidden for all these years.

A special hearing of Lakewood's Architectural Board of Review was held on September 3rd and the rehabilitation plans were approved. The new Bailey Building will be the high quality building fitting such a prominent corner of Lakewood's downtown and provide a bevy of new dining and shopping options for residents and visitors alike. Though some hurdles remain, parties are optimistic that the project will be complete mid 2010.

Lakewood Receives Clean Audit

Today the State Auditor's Office released the City of Lakewood's 2008 Financial Audit which certifies the City's 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The City received an unqualified opinion (that means good) from the Auditor of the State of Ohio. An unqualified opinion represents that the City's financial statements are presented fairly in all material aspects in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit and CAFR can be viewed here.