New ‘App’ Allows Lakewood Residents to Report Issues Around Town

Got a busted up sidewalk? Notice a building falling apart? Or do you want to report that your neighbors’ unkempt lawn looks like the Amazon?

There’s an “app” for that.

With the city’s new “myLakewood” app, residents with smartphones can take a photo of an issue around town and notify the city.

The entire process takes less than a minute.

The system uses GIS mapping to locate the issue.

Once the message is delivered to Lakewood City Hall, it’s shared with the appropriate department — think building, housing, police or public works.

The app, which didn’t cost taxpayers a dime, is also free to download with an Android or an iPhone.

Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development, called the app a “citizen engagement tool.”

“Often times, we get complaints via email that don’t give us a lot of detail,” he said. “If an email says ‘that looks terrible’ that doesn’t give us much information. But a photo shows us immediately what the situation is — that the gutters and downspouts are hanging and the roof is bad shape.  It enhances the amount of information we receive, quickly.”

Siley said there have already been a “couple” issues reported, included a “graffiti issue” on Detroit Avenue.

“This allows us to use our limited resources more effectively,” he added.