Proposed Sloane Avenue Development Project

Over the past few years, Lakewood has realized millions of dollars of reinvestment along the commercial districts of Madison and Detroit Avenues. Some of this has created housing as well as business structures. As the majority of Lakewood’s housing structures approach 100 years of age we must be open to a number of options to ensure our 17,000 housing structures are sound, efficient, and, in some cases, modernized. (Note – Lakewood may have up to 1,000 distressed properties. That is, way behind housing code and standards, foreclosed upon, tax delinquent and/or abandoned.)

One such option for developing modern housing options, razing and rebuilding, is being proposed by a developer, Abode Living LLC, for the three housing structures at the southern part of the Sloane Avenue curve. Replacing three riverfront properties with up to 19 two to four bedroom townhouses could increase revenue and would bring a significant number of new tax paying, grocery buying residents (neighbors) to Lakewood.

In my mind, such a development option contains trepidations as well. Chief among these involves the impact of possibly 18-months of construction on a working neighborhood. Noise, dust, truck traffic, and parking are all valid concerns.

Also, I need not remind friends in the Sloane area neighborhoods of the proposed project of a few years ago which saw houses torn down on Sloane only to be replaced by some boulders and a wood fence – a development project on hold. Understanding what more can the city do to ensure this project is started and completed jumps to the top of my list of concerns.

During the July 6 presentation to about 40 residents, Abode Living LLC, demonstrated a track record of completing multi-housing urban projects. Mayor Summers and his administration have put the established process in place. In the coming days and weeks, this proposed project will be put before the first of a series of architectural board of review sessions which, in recent years, has been able to more effectively manage the quality of development while working to protect our residential quality of life and “character” of Lakewood. The first of the ARB meetings is July 14, 5:30 pm, Lakewood City Hall. (ABR sessions are open to the public but are generally not for public comment. A number of opportunities for public comment will be provided in the coming months.)

My job, as I see it, is to (1) support the process, (2) ensure all residents receive the information needed to attend meetings and voice their opinions and (3) reinforce all concerns so that these are dealt with accordingly.

I thought the evening of July 6 was a great start. I remain cautiously optimistic about this possible project and proud to have the honor of representing Ward 1.

Yours in service,

David W. Anderson

Councilman, Ward 1