Lakewood Monitor
Plain-language explanations of what's happening in Lakewood government. No agenda. No sides. Just clarity.
- Lakewood Committee Adopts Five Ordinances July 16, Including $3M Land Sale and Tax Cancellation
The Lakewood Township Committee passed and adopted five ordinances on July 16, 2026, including authorization to sell a township-owned parcel for a minimum of $3 million and the cancellation of roughly $21,500 in property taxes for a religious congregation.
- Lakewood Debt Statement Lists $172.1M in Net Debt for 2025
Lakewood's 2025 Annual Debt Statement reports $192.4 million in gross debt and $172.1 million in net debt after deductions, equal to 0.863% of its equalized valuation basis.
- Lakewood Planning Board Approves Four Subdivisions June 9, Including a 75-Lot Project
At its June 9 meeting the Lakewood Planning Board approved four subdivision applications, including a 75-lot major subdivision by Keypoint Equity on Massachusetts Avenue that drew an objection from a group of homeowners. The board declined to decide a separate signage-and-basement-retail request.
- Lakewood Industrial Commission Packet Proposes $26M Airport Land Sale to CHEMED
The May 13 Lakewood Industrial Commission meeting packet proposed selling about 60 acres of Lakewood Airport property to CHEMED, a local medical provider, for $26 million, with a 10-year development requirement and a reverter clause if it is not met.
- Lakewood Schools Propose $323.9M General Fund Budget, Audit Flags 'Substantial Doubt'
Lakewood's introduced 2026-27 general fund school budget totals $323.9 million and lists a $138.2 million state aid loan as a revenue source. The district's external auditor wrote that there is 'substantial doubt' about the district continuing as a going concern.
- Lakewood Water and Sewer Rates Increase for 2026
Lakewood's pre-approved 5% water rate increase took effect for 2026, and the MUA adopted a new 2% sewer rate increase to cover Ocean County treatment costs. No residents spoke at either public meeting.
- Planning Board Approves Four Subdivisions, Sends Daycare Concept Plan Back for More Detail
Lakewood's Planning Board unanimously approved four subdivision and site plan applications and asked the applicant behind a proposed daycare on New Hampshire Avenue to return with full architectural plans.