Two outstanding-and opposite-excellent examples of the type of development the City of Lakeland promotes are the Renaissance Group, at 9700 Village Circle and Askew Hargraves Harcourt and Associates at the corner of Fletcher Trace and Davies Plantation Road.
Both firms offer architectural, engineering and other related services. Renaissance Group built a new building on Village Circle (east of Crackerbarrel). I had the privilege of touring the building and it is certainly an outstanding asset to Lakeland and the type of quality development needed in Lakeland.
Equally important, Askew Hargraves Harcourt and Associates (A2H) remodeled an existing building at Fletcher Trace and Davies Plantation. I believe the building was vacant for at least five years before A2H remodeled it for their officers. I recently had the pleasure of attending an art opening in the building and it is an outstanding example of re-use of an existing building and is also an excellent asset to Lakeland.
Our congratulations (and welcome!) to Askey Hargraves Harcourt and Associates and Renaissance Group for their confidence in the future of Lakeland and for their quality development. They are outstanding examples of the future of Lakeland “Where Quality of Life is a Way of Life”.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
SHOP LAKELAND!
Recent area events and comments emphasize the importance of where Lakeland residents shop.
I have heard several comments about how nearby City residents “pay for the services” provided by that City. That is partially correct, but Lakeland residents (and other visitors) contribute a healthy amount when purchasing goods and services from businesses located in other Shelby County cities! Each City gets the sales taxes from the businesses located in their city, so Lakeland (and Shelby County) residents DO contribute a healthy amount of revenue to city services in other cities by the sales tax and user charges.
I encourage Lakeland residents to “shop Lakeland” whenever possible and keep your sales tax dollars working in Lakeland. While Lakeland businesses are still limited, retail will continue to develop. We continue to encourage “quality” commercial development in Lakeland. We do not feel the residents should sacrifice their quality of life for new commercial or residential development.
Lakeland has several excellent businesses, including (but not limited to) Crackerbarrel, Lennys, Zaxby’s , Kroger, Sonic, Howards Donuts, TWO Subways, Stonebridge Golf Course, the UPS Store, Auto Zone, Gateway Tire, Back Yard Burger, Walgreens, Tiger (and other) Cleaners, Hertz car rental, Enterprise Car Rental, Trustmark Bank, Club Windward, VF Stores, Old Time Pottery, and numerous others. This is only a small fraction of businesses in Lakeland.
You can fulfill a lot of your needs right here in Lakeland! (See www.Lakelandtn.gov for the list of all Lakeland businesses.)
As retail businesses develop, I encourage Lakeland residents to support new and existing retail businesses in Lakeland. If we demonstrate our support, this will only encourage additional businesses. Also, support the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, which is doing an excellent job of promoting Lakeland businesses. See www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com for information and membership forms.
By developing Lakeland businesses, we can continue to strengthen our public services infrastructure to serve our residents and visitors to Lakeland, instead of subsidizing public services in other cities. We will appreciate you doing business in Lakeland!
I have heard several comments about how nearby City residents “pay for the services” provided by that City. That is partially correct, but Lakeland residents (and other visitors) contribute a healthy amount when purchasing goods and services from businesses located in other Shelby County cities! Each City gets the sales taxes from the businesses located in their city, so Lakeland (and Shelby County) residents DO contribute a healthy amount of revenue to city services in other cities by the sales tax and user charges.
I encourage Lakeland residents to “shop Lakeland” whenever possible and keep your sales tax dollars working in Lakeland. While Lakeland businesses are still limited, retail will continue to develop. We continue to encourage “quality” commercial development in Lakeland. We do not feel the residents should sacrifice their quality of life for new commercial or residential development.
Lakeland has several excellent businesses, including (but not limited to) Crackerbarrel, Lennys, Zaxby’s , Kroger, Sonic, Howards Donuts, TWO Subways, Stonebridge Golf Course, the UPS Store, Auto Zone, Gateway Tire, Back Yard Burger, Walgreens, Tiger (and other) Cleaners, Hertz car rental, Enterprise Car Rental, Trustmark Bank, Club Windward, VF Stores, Old Time Pottery, and numerous others. This is only a small fraction of businesses in Lakeland.
You can fulfill a lot of your needs right here in Lakeland! (See www.Lakelandtn.gov for the list of all Lakeland businesses.)
As retail businesses develop, I encourage Lakeland residents to support new and existing retail businesses in Lakeland. If we demonstrate our support, this will only encourage additional businesses. Also, support the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, which is doing an excellent job of promoting Lakeland businesses. See www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com for information and membership forms.
By developing Lakeland businesses, we can continue to strengthen our public services infrastructure to serve our residents and visitors to Lakeland, instead of subsidizing public services in other cities. We will appreciate you doing business in Lakeland!
Low-impact Adult Exercise program continued!
The Lakeland Parks and Recreation program of “low impact” Adult Exercise Program will continue until further notice at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays at the Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse.
Class Instructor is Randy Kostiuk, a Lakeland resident interested in promoting community fitness. We appreciate Randy's instruction and the Stonebridge Golf Course for allowing the group to meet at the Clubhouse.
Call Brenda or Joy at 867-2717 or e-mail Brenda Lockhart at BLockhart@lakelandtn.org if you have any questions or desire additional information.
See you Tuesday!.
Class Instructor is Randy Kostiuk, a Lakeland resident interested in promoting community fitness. We appreciate Randy's instruction and the Stonebridge Golf Course for allowing the group to meet at the Clubhouse.
Call Brenda or Joy at 867-2717 or e-mail Brenda Lockhart at BLockhart@lakelandtn.org if you have any questions or desire additional information.
See you Tuesday!.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Return the Special Census form today!
Special Census forms have been mailed out to all Lakeland resdents. Please complete and return the form while you are thinking of it!
The Special Census is important to Lakeland for a number of reasons, including an additonal $109.60 per person from State Shared Taxes! Approximately 20% of these funds must be used for streets (either construction or improvement), so tangible results will result! The actual amount required to be spend on streets is based on the shared taxes coming from the gas tax. The reminder is spent on city services.
Please return the form as soon as it is received!
The Special Census is important to Lakeland for a number of reasons, including an additonal $109.60 per person from State Shared Taxes! Approximately 20% of these funds must be used for streets (either construction or improvement), so tangible results will result! The actual amount required to be spend on streets is based on the shared taxes coming from the gas tax. The reminder is spent on city services.
Please return the form as soon as it is received!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Low Impact Adult Exercise program 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 23 and 30
The Lakeland Parks and Recreation program is offering a “low impact” Adult Exercise Program starting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at the Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse.
For the first three weeks, the classes are FREE to determine the level of interest. Class Instructor is Randy Kostiuk, a Lakeland resident interested in promoting community fitness.
Call Brenda or Joy at 867-2717 or e-mail Brenda Lockhart at BLockhart@lakelandtn.org if you have any questions or desire additional information.
See you Tuesday!.
For the first three weeks, the classes are FREE to determine the level of interest. Class Instructor is Randy Kostiuk, a Lakeland resident interested in promoting community fitness.
Call Brenda or Joy at 867-2717 or e-mail Brenda Lockhart at BLockhart@lakelandtn.org if you have any questions or desire additional information.
See you Tuesday!.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
James Riley obtains CDL!
Congratulations to Maintenance Technician James Riley for qualifying for his Commercial Drivers License (CDL). James completed the requirements in a short time and it illustrates his dedication and initiative.
We appreciate City personnel who demonstrate the extra drive and initiative to provide the best services to your residents. Again, congratulations to James. We appreciate his outstanding work and ability and are pleased to have him on the Lakeland team!
We appreciate City personnel who demonstrate the extra drive and initiative to provide the best services to your residents. Again, congratulations to James. We appreciate his outstanding work and ability and are pleased to have him on the Lakeland team!
CHRIS MASIN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Chris Masin has resigned as Public Works Director after he accepted a position with Shelby County. We wish Chris well and appreciate his substantial contributions to Lakeland. He will be missed both professionally and personally.
Chris was hired to establish the first Geographic Information System (GIS) for Lakeland at a time when many people did not even realize what GIS is! Many decisions are based on this system established by Chris.
In 2001, Chris stepped in and “did whatever it took” to keep all operations of the City maintaining during a period of change. When I arrived, I was amazed when I realized how much and the variety of duties Chris had accomplished to keep everything running! He stepped in wherever he was needed and became the “go to” person to resolve problems and get things done.
In “Hurricane Elvis”, Chris was on the job supervising the cleanup and disposal of an enormous amount of limbs and debris.
Many times I would see Chris at all hours and days working to keep City services operational for our residents, or see the results of his work.
I think most of all, he was helpful and courteous to all, both other personnel and the public and he will be missed. We wish him the best in his new position. Fortunately, he will be close since he is still in Shelby County!
Chris was hired to establish the first Geographic Information System (GIS) for Lakeland at a time when many people did not even realize what GIS is! Many decisions are based on this system established by Chris.
In 2001, Chris stepped in and “did whatever it took” to keep all operations of the City maintaining during a period of change. When I arrived, I was amazed when I realized how much and the variety of duties Chris had accomplished to keep everything running! He stepped in wherever he was needed and became the “go to” person to resolve problems and get things done.
In “Hurricane Elvis”, Chris was on the job supervising the cleanup and disposal of an enormous amount of limbs and debris.
Many times I would see Chris at all hours and days working to keep City services operational for our residents, or see the results of his work.
I think most of all, he was helpful and courteous to all, both other personnel and the public and he will be missed. We wish him the best in his new position. Fortunately, he will be close since he is still in Shelby County!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Lakeland to be in Lakeland Addresses!!!!
MLGW President Joseph Lee III has notified the City of Lakeland that "Lakeland" will be used in Lakeland addresses in the future. “Lakeland” instead of “Arlington” will be on Lakeland addresses when they release addresses to the U.S. Postal Service or private mailers instead of automatically using “Arlington” on all 38002 ZIP Codes. (MLGW supplies the addresses to the U.S. Postal Service for ZIP Code 38002.)
Until about two years ago, "Arlington" was the "default" city for ZIP Code 38002. The City requested that the both “Arlington” and “Lakeland” be appropriate cities for ZIP Code 38002 and the U.S. Postal Service granted the request. (If you put in 38002, you will occasionally have Lakeland come up instead of Arlington!)
MLGW has now changed their computer system to recognize Lakeland addresses as “Lakeland” rather than “Arlington”. Now your junk mail and bills will be addressed to “Lakeland” instead of Arlington!
This will also eliminate some of the problems created by the mis-identification of Lakeland residents and businesses as “Arlington”. I feel this is a major effort in our efforts to eventually gain our own identity with the U.S. Postal Service.
Now, if we can just get BellSouth to recognize that Lakeland exists….
We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Lee and the MLGW staff in accomplishing this change in their computer system. I encourage Lakeland residents to thank MLGW for their efforts to recognize the needs of Lakeland residents.
Until about two years ago, "Arlington" was the "default" city for ZIP Code 38002. The City requested that the both “Arlington” and “Lakeland” be appropriate cities for ZIP Code 38002 and the U.S. Postal Service granted the request. (If you put in 38002, you will occasionally have Lakeland come up instead of Arlington!)
MLGW has now changed their computer system to recognize Lakeland addresses as “Lakeland” rather than “Arlington”. Now your junk mail and bills will be addressed to “Lakeland” instead of Arlington!
This will also eliminate some of the problems created by the mis-identification of Lakeland residents and businesses as “Arlington”. I feel this is a major effort in our efforts to eventually gain our own identity with the U.S. Postal Service.
Now, if we can just get BellSouth to recognize that Lakeland exists….
We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Lee and the MLGW staff in accomplishing this change in their computer system. I encourage Lakeland residents to thank MLGW for their efforts to recognize the needs of Lakeland residents.
Comcast upgrade
Comcast cable will be working on their network management systems during the dates of January 10-27, 2007 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Although there may be some disruptions to service, Comcast is taking several steps to minimize any service interruptions, including customer service technicians standing by in case they need to make service calls and doing simulations to locate problem areas before they affect customers.
The result of the improvements is to allow more efficient coordination and management of everything from telephone traffic to scheduling installations, service and repair and responding to customer inquiries. It also will all other Comcast call centers to assist in case of a catastrophic event (such as Hurricane Elvis in the summer of 2003).
Although there may be some disruptions to service, Comcast is taking several steps to minimize any service interruptions, including customer service technicians standing by in case they need to make service calls and doing simulations to locate problem areas before they affect customers.
The result of the improvements is to allow more efficient coordination and management of everything from telephone traffic to scheduling installations, service and repair and responding to customer inquiries. It also will all other Comcast call centers to assist in case of a catastrophic event (such as Hurricane Elvis in the summer of 2003).
HIghway 64 in Lakeland
Speeding on Highway 64 and left-turn protection signals on Highway 64 is another transportation problem for Lakeland residents.
I personally am very familiar with the speeding problems on Highway 64 since I confront them daily (as I do the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange and Highway 70/Canada Road intersection).
Highway 64 itself is either in the Shelby County or the City of Memphis so our options are limited to jawboning. We are fortunate that both the Shelby County Sheriff Deputies and City of Memphis Officers regularly work Highway 64 to keep speeding controlled.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has agreed to lower the 55 mph speed limit to 45 mph in the area of Fletcher Trace and Highway 64 (I haven’t received a letter detailing the exact limits), but we don’t have a schedule of when this will effective.
We receive many complaints (and I personally have seen some major accidents) at the unprotected left turn from Highway 64 to Davies Plantation, but the City of Memphis is responsible for this light. We have contacted the City of Memphis on this and have been advised this is being reviewed for a left turn signal but it is uncertain if a left turn signal is justified in accordance with City of Memphis standards.
I personally am very familiar with the speeding problems on Highway 64 since I confront them daily (as I do the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange and Highway 70/Canada Road intersection).
Highway 64 itself is either in the Shelby County or the City of Memphis so our options are limited to jawboning. We are fortunate that both the Shelby County Sheriff Deputies and City of Memphis Officers regularly work Highway 64 to keep speeding controlled.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has agreed to lower the 55 mph speed limit to 45 mph in the area of Fletcher Trace and Highway 64 (I haven’t received a letter detailing the exact limits), but we don’t have a schedule of when this will effective.
We receive many complaints (and I personally have seen some major accidents) at the unprotected left turn from Highway 64 to Davies Plantation, but the City of Memphis is responsible for this light. We have contacted the City of Memphis on this and have been advised this is being reviewed for a left turn signal but it is uncertain if a left turn signal is justified in accordance with City of Memphis standards.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Special Census of Lakeland residents coming
Lakeland residents will receive a Special Census form within the next two weeks. We are requesting that Census forms be returned as soon as possible to avoid losing an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 in state shared taxes EACH YEAR.
Lakeland residents can help by returning the form as soon as possible. A self-addressed stamped envelopment will be included with each Census form.
Tennessee cities receive an estimated $109.60 per person to provide services to residents. A portion of this must be used for street improvements or maintenance and the remainder is part of the General Fund budget that provides services to residents. The current official population of Lakeland is 8,011. We estimate that since the last census, at least another 1,500 residents have moved to Lakeland. Even this conservative estimate, the Special Census is expected be bring in over $150,000.
To emphasize the importance of the individual residents responding to the Special Census, consider that every 10 residents responding to the Special Census means over $1,100 per month for City services!
After the Census forms are sent out next week, Census forms will be placed for download at www.lakelandtn.gov if you misplace your census form.
Residents with questions may contact Debra Murrell at the City of Lakeland, 867-2717, e-mail DMurrell@lakelandtn.org.
You are important! Please return the Census form as soon as possible
Lakeland residents can help by returning the form as soon as possible. A self-addressed stamped envelopment will be included with each Census form.
Tennessee cities receive an estimated $109.60 per person to provide services to residents. A portion of this must be used for street improvements or maintenance and the remainder is part of the General Fund budget that provides services to residents. The current official population of Lakeland is 8,011. We estimate that since the last census, at least another 1,500 residents have moved to Lakeland. Even this conservative estimate, the Special Census is expected be bring in over $150,000.
To emphasize the importance of the individual residents responding to the Special Census, consider that every 10 residents responding to the Special Census means over $1,100 per month for City services!
After the Census forms are sent out next week, Census forms will be placed for download at www.lakelandtn.gov if you misplace your census form.
Residents with questions may contact Debra Murrell at the City of Lakeland, 867-2717, e-mail DMurrell@lakelandtn.org.
You are important! Please return the Census form as soon as possible
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Fletcher Trace construction resumes Monday, January 8
Fletcher Trace construction will resume (weather permitting) on Monday, January 8, 2007. Construction crews will be “milling” the street in preparation for the new asphalt surfacing. Depending on weather and subsurface conditions, the process is expected to take two weeks.
Residents are asked to observe the “no parking” notices so that the project can proceed as fast as possible.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid Fletcher Trace if possible. If traveling on Fletcher Trace, watch for construction and rough work surfaces and use extreme caution.
Residents are asked to observe the “no parking” notices so that the project can proceed as fast as possible.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid Fletcher Trace if possible. If traveling on Fletcher Trace, watch for construction and rough work surfaces and use extreme caution.
Monday, January 01, 2007
New Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 70, including a possible partnership with Shelby County and TDOT on a “context sensitive design” of the road.
New Canada Road has been planned since the early 1990’s in Lakeland. New Canada Road will include a new route west of the exisiting Canada Road. The exact route is currently being determined.
Shelby County Mayor Wharton proposed a Shelby County/City of Lakeland Partnership to develop New Canada Road in a “Context Sensitive” design.
New Canada Road will be partially funded by federal funding. Estimated completed date is:
-Final alignment of New Canada Road: 2007
-Road Design (construction plans): Started either in 2007 or 2008
-Acquisition of easement etc. (2008)
-Construction of road: Construction schedule depends on the road design and the acquisition of easement.
STATUS: Design funding has been approved.
Shelby County Mayor Wharton proposed a Shelby County/City of Lakeland Partnership to develop New Canada Road in a “Context Sensitive” design.
New Canada Road will be partially funded by federal funding. Estimated completed date is:
-Final alignment of New Canada Road: 2007
-Road Design (construction plans): Started either in 2007 or 2008
-Acquisition of easement etc. (2008)
-Construction of road: Construction schedule depends on the road design and the acquisition of easement.
STATUS: Design funding has been approved.
Transportation Project: Construction of Beverle Revira Drive from Canada Road to Huff & Puff/Seed Tick
This project includes the extension of Beverle Revira Drive (the street in front of the Fire Station) to connect with Huff & Puff/Seed Tick Road. This will provide a better connection especially for residents along Seed Tick Road and will substantially improve safety.
Traffic Signals will be installed at the Beverle Revira Drive/Canada Road intersection as soon as possible.
STATUS: Construction Plans for Beverle Revira are complete. Currently obtaining roadway easement. This project is totally funded by the City of Lakeland.
Estimated construction date is in 2007.
The traffic signal schedule is currently unknown and will depend on when the road construction is completed and availabilty of funding.
Traffic Signals will be installed at the Beverle Revira Drive/Canada Road intersection as soon as possible.
STATUS: Construction Plans for Beverle Revira are complete. Currently obtaining roadway easement. This project is totally funded by the City of Lakeland.
Estimated construction date is in 2007.
The traffic signal schedule is currently unknown and will depend on when the road construction is completed and availabilty of funding.
Transportation Project: Highway 70 safety, speed limits and Canada Road intersection
Highway 70 has been a continual safety concern, due to speed and especially sight limitations Of special concern is the Highway 70/Canada Road intersection.
STATUS:
Board of Commissioners is considering a Resolution to TDOT to reduce the speed limit.
Board of Commissioners have requested a “safety study” for all of Highway 70 in the Lakeland City limits to determine solutions to the sight limitations and problem intersections along Highway 70.
This request is currently under review by TDOT.
STATUS:
Board of Commissioners is considering a Resolution to TDOT to reduce the speed limit.
Board of Commissioners have requested a “safety study” for all of Highway 70 in the Lakeland City limits to determine solutions to the sight limitations and problem intersections along Highway 70.
This request is currently under review by TDOT.
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