The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Hi Mayor Coles,

First, I want to thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to our town — it’s truly appreciated by so many of us.

I’d like to bring up an idea that, if implemented, could save residents a great deal of stress and time. While the Lakewood Police Department has launched a helpful text alert system for road closures and other updates, I’ve noticed that some closures around town aren’t always covered.

For example, when there’s emergency road work or a lane is blocked, it would be incredibly helpful if that information were sent out in real time via the same platform. I imagine any road work that requires closure must go through an approval process with a particular department. If that department coordinated with the alert system to send out closure notices — and follow-up notices when roads reopen — it would allow residents to better plan their routes and avoid delays.

I hope this idea is something you’ll consider exploring further. Thank you again for everything you do for Lakewood, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Warm regards,

SA

Response from Mayor Coles:

Thank you. We are looking into all these suggestions and other ways to make the system more informative. Please bear with us!

Ray

Question:

Would it be possible to put a crosswalk between Southfield drive and Garden of Eden drive on James Street? I’m not sure how these things work or if it’s even possible. Many adults and children try to cross daily and it is quite dangerous as cars drive quickly and do not stop. There is also no crosswalk for about a mile in each direction. Thank you very much!

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon. I spoke with the county engineer and they have agreed to install a cross walk there, hopefully in the next couple of weeks

Thanks

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles,

Thank you for your continued efforts to guide the Township through its rapid growth while striving to maintain safety and livability for all residents. Your leadership is appreciated, especially in navigating the challenges that come with such development.

That said, I’d like to raise a concern that I and many others continue to observe across town. Despite past mention of the Township working on guidelines to regulate construction sites, there appears to be little progress in their enforcement.

As shown in the attached photo, construction equipment has visibly damaged the roadway without any protective measures in place. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Similar issues, unsecured sites, debris spilling onto neighboring properties, and damage to sidewalks and streets can be found at many active worksites.

These repeated oversights create safety hazards, hurt the surrounding community, and leave taxpayers to bear the cost of repairs. Has there been any meaningful progress in establishing and enforcing site management standards? And if such guidelines exist, how are they currently being monitored?

We understand the need for development but it must be done responsibly. I appreciate your attention to this issue and look forward to hearing what steps are being taken to address it.

Sincerely,

A concerned neighbor

Response from Mayor Coles:

Hi Yosef

I spoke with engineering & inspections & asked they be more proactive

Thanks

Ray

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Have a question for the Mayor? Send it to [email protected]

Have a question for the Chief? Send it to [email protected]