The View from Ward 2: Issue #23

City Council Meeting

At last Monday’s City Council Meeting there were several items on the agenda related to racial equity and our police department’s policies. Communications from Council related to the Lakewood Police Department’s policies were referred to the Public Safety Committee (you can find the communication on the agenda here). The next Public Safety Committee will be held on Monday, June 29th at 7:00 PM. I look forward to having an open and productive discussion that involves everyone, especially our local safety forces and residents. If you are interested in some of the Lakewood Police Department’s Polices and specialized training please read this communication from Mayor Meghan George.

We also learned last week that Police Chief Tim Malley will be retiring on July 4th. He has dedicated 38 years to serving Lakewood, with 18 years as Chief of Police. Please join me in thanking Chief Malley for his service and wishing him an enjoyable retirement.

All members of Council pledged to take part in the YWCA’s 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. As part of the challenge, participants are presented with daily activities, like a listening to a podcast or reading an article, on a given subject that covers an issue that is related to race, power, privilege, and leadership. If you would like to join us in participating the challenge, please visit www.ywcaofcleveland.org/21-day-racial-equity-challenge.

Warren Madison Intersection Beautification

You may have noticed some improvements to the Warren-Madison intersection over the past several weeks. The beautification project is part of a $50,000 investment made by Cuyahoga County, the City of Lakewood, and LakewoodAlive.

So far, we have seen the installation of two murals, the planting of 15 trees, and the installation of a new crosswalk! The Doughnut Pantry is the host of a 54-foot long mural designed by Lakewood artist Stephanie Crossen, who said that her mural was inspired by the sunsets that we all enjoy on the Solstice Steps. Fifth Third Bank hosts the other mural which was designed by local artist April Bleakney. She said that her design was inspired by an encounter she had with a deer while visiting Yosemite National Park.

Be on the lookout for more improvements in the coming weeks!

Black Lives Matters Unity Rally

Michelle and I attended the Black Lives Matter Unity Rally at Lakewood Park on June 13th. The Rally started with the playing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech and was followed by many speakers that shared their experiences in encountering racism in their own lives and how to combat racism in our community. Thank you to the organizers for putting on an educational and inspiring event.

2020 Asphalt Pavement Resurfacing, Signing, & Pavement Marking Project

The streets included in the 2020 Asphalt Pavement Resurfacing, Signing, & Pavement Marking Project are: Athens, Bayes, Ridgewood, Daleview, Delaware, Forest Cliff, McKinley, Parkside, and Wagar. We will also see guardrail removal and replacement on Donald, French, Lakewood, and Victoria. Additionally, this project includes the much-anticipated Lake Ave. bicycle lanes along with citywide stop bar, crosswalk, and roadway epoxy striping. The $2,084,000 contract for this work was awarded to the Shelly Company Northeast because their bid was the most competitive.

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