Our Lakewood Progress: "The Pit" And The Pendulum Of Community Involvement

Earlier this year, the city of Lakewood entered into an agreement with Casto to redevelop the former site of Lakewood Hospital. As of August the city, according to its website, anticipated that by the end of 2020, city council would advance legislation authorizing the negotiation of a Development Agreement with Casto and start the Planned Development zoning process. 

From the discovery of hazardous chemicals, issues with the foundation, to supply chain breakdowns, increased supply costs and delayed timelines for construction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the highest profile development project our city has seen in a hundred years has seemed to have stalled. Considering the issues found at the site, it's important that we do our due diligence to make sure we erase any trace of adverse environmental or safety hazards to keep future patrons, business owners and residents safe. This, understandably, takes time. We also have to factor in safety protocols for those who will work to rebuild the site, as many new precautionary measures have been taken by construction companies to mitigate risk and labor shortages because of the pandemic. 

But, communication with residents is also key. Questions about the site can come from long absences of direct communication from city leaders. Factors like the continuing pandemic limit public meetings and opportunities for connection, but community input and clarity on the intended changes, designs, and amenities for this site is critical to ensure everyone feels included and informed on next steps in the process, even if the next steps right now can’t yet include direct onsite construction.

The fact is, there will ultimately be changes to the original design and usage of the site based on the unique factors and limitations found after removing the old hospital. According to the city’s website, Casto has worked throughout this year to update the original design, which will undoubtedly reflect our new post-COVID world and realities. But, it's important that city leaders provide a status update about any issues at hand, and allow our residents to add their input and thoughts about whatever changes are being proposed. 

Considering the history of the loss of the hospital, the worst thing we can do is leave the community on the sidelines of the process. Our world has changed dramatically since the original plans for the site were drawn and discussed five years ago, and it is important that we start the conversations now, much like we did with the new Cove community center, to come to consensus on what types of redevelopment fit our community, its needs, and goals today.

Laura Rodriguez-Carbone is currently Co-Chair of Lakewood's Anti-Racism Task Force and serves on the Board of Directors for the Fedor Manor Senior Living Community. Laura is currently the Midwest Regional Outreach and Communications Lead for Combat COVID, working to increase access to treatment options and equity in clinical research in communities of color.

She and her husband, Christopher have been residents of Lakewood for six years and own their home on McKinley Avenue.