CITY MANAGER AND FINANCE

ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATIONS

The City Commission is assisted by several appointed advisory boards. If you're interested in serving on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Library Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Board of Review or the EGR Community Foundation, fill out an online application to express your interest. We're currently accepting applications until May 15 for appointments beginning on July 1. Learn more about each board and apply on our website. 

MAY 16 MEETING DATE CHANGE

To accommodate a school concert event, the May 16 City Commission meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. instead of the usual 6:00 p.m. You can find the agenda and livestream information on our website.

PARKS & RECREATION

REGISTER FOR SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Don't forget to register for summer programming, including learn-to-swim classes and private swim lessons. View the summer program guide for details.

PUBLIC SAFETY                                                                        

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Dispose of unused prescription medications by bringing them to the Public Safety lobby from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. If you can't make it on Saturday, the drop box in the Public Safety lobby is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for the safe disposal of prescription medications.

PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Street and sidewalk projects are underway for the 2022 construction season. To learn more about street, sidewalk and utility projects and to receive frequent updates, visit the construction updates webpage.

MOBILITY-BIKE ACTION PLAN UPDATE

The Mobility-Bike Action Plan implementation draft provides details, processes and opportunities for public engagement.

At the April 18 City Commission meeting, two temporary demonstration engagement pilot routes were approved for Alexander Road from the west City limit to Plymouth Road and for York Drive/Lake Grove Avenue from Berwyck Road to Lake Drive. These demonstration projects will use signage and pavement markings to showing how bicycle commuters can use local streets, giving residents the opportunity to experience some of the proposed improvements. Feedback can be sent to input@eastgr.org.

RESIDENTIAL ZONING INFORMATION

Thinking about building an addition to your home, but don’t know the regulations? Visit the planning and zoning webpage for more information.

FENCE REGULATIONS AND PERMITS

Fence installations and maintenance must adhere to the fence ordinance (Chapter 83 of the City code) and requires a permit.

REMINDER TO CUT GRASS AND WEEDS

Any grass or weeds above 5 inches in height is considered a nuisance and is a violation of city ordinance. Please regularly maintain your yard and make accommodations if you plan to leave for a long period of time. The City provides yard waste pickup on a weekly basis.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS EARNS TREE CITY USA DESIGNATION

The City has been recognized as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to public trees. Tree City USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program that provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees, celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve care of vital city trees. A community achieves Tree City USA designation by having a tree board or department, community tree ordinance and annual Arbor Day celebration and spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry activities. 

Mayor Favale recently issued a proclamation announcing April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day in the City of East Grand Rapids.  

The City has also provided free trees to community partner E-Green that will be handed out at the Manhattan Park Pavilion (430 Manhattan Road) on Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Please see event details below.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

WORK ZONE SAFETY WEEK: THIRD-GRADE POSTER CONTEST 

Attention third-grade teachers: The Kent County Road Commission and public works agencies are inviting third-grade students in Kent County to participate in the annual work zone safety poster contest to help promote safe driving habits. The submission deadline is May 3. Last year, the Commission honored semifinalists and winners from each participating classroom.

To assist teachers, the Commission has created an educator resource folder that contains classroom resources, outreach materials and contest forms. Contest information is also available at kentcountyroads.net.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS”

The EGRHS Drama Department presents “Once Upon A Mattress” April 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 8 p.m. at the high school Performing Arts Center (PAC). 

Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale “The Princess and the Pea” provides some side-splitting shenanigans.  

Starting April 12, tickets are available through the online ticket system. In-person sales are available in the high school main lobby April 27-29 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  PAC box office in-person sales are available April 28 and 29 from 6-7 p.m. and April 30 from 7-8 p.m. 

E-GREEN HOSTS EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES AT MANHATTAN PARK

Celebrate Earth Day by spending time with your community. E-GReen Sustainability Initiative is hosting an Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration at the Manhattan Park Pavilion (430 Manhattan Road) on Saturday, April 23. Community cleanup is from 9-11 a.m., and community partner booths with activities and educational opportunities will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The City will provide participants free native trees for planting and stormwater educational materials from LGROW to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day.