Questions Remain About Lakewood's Housing Data

It seems that some residents who used — with data collected by the city on more than 11,000 homes — have a few questions.

About 1,700 homes in Lakewood need some help getting up to housing code, according to the .

However, the data doesn’t explain why homeowners got their specific rating.

That’s unsettling to some Lakewood Patch readers, who .

Homes with one infraction were given an “almost meets (code)” rating.

Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development, said those issues can include peeling paint, homes without a posted address or a cracked driveway.

“It’s usually minor stuff,” he said. “We ask people to take a good, honest look at their house … ‘Almost meets’ means you’re not 100 percent compliant but you’re very, very close.”

Two or more violations meant a home was given a “needs work” distinction; and if a home had “multiple” issues it was labeled in the “significant disrepair” category.

Siley said only homes in those two classifications were sent notices from the city.

“If people want to know more, they should call us,” said Siley. “LakewoodAlive is a great resource to give some technical assistance, and we can always schedule an appointment to give some guidance.”

Siley said some residents question whether the city will offer assistance if their home is listed as “needs work.”

“The answer is 'yes,'” he said. “As long as you’re making progress, we’re going to work with you. If you’re not making any progress, then that’s where we have an issue.”

the results of the study following months of neighborhood canvassing. 

City officials have said that since the housing survey was finished in March, about 50 property owners have already fixed their issues.

“The key is always communication,” Siley said. “We’re happy to share information. If you don’t know, don’t guess. We’re here to help.” 

For more information, email the city’s planning and development department or call 216-529-6630.