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East Express | April 27, 2023

PARKS & RECREATION

Reeds Lake RunSAVE THE DATES

The annual Reeds Lake Run takes place Saturday, June 24. Racing begins at 8 a.m. For more details and registration, visit eastgr.org/reedslakerun. 

 

The Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is set for Saturday, Sept. 9 – also starting at 8 a.m. Learn more about registration and the course here: eastgr.org/triathlon. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

With warmer weather and longer days, you may be taking advantage of the many biking opportunities EGR has to offer. Public Safety provides the following tips to help keep you safe while enjoying your ride:

  • Always ride with traffic, not against it. 
  • Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing and stopping.
  • Always wear a bicycle helmet and reflective clothing.
  • Stay as far to the right as practical when riding in traffic lanes.
  • Do not ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
  • Avoid entering the roadway without first stopping to look for vehicles.
  • Ride predictably and defensively, and never ride while distracted or under the influence.
  • Always yield to pedestrians.
  • Ensure you have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector if riding after dark or in low light conditions. 

Please note bicycles are not permitted on or in:

  • Gaslight Village sidewalks
  • John Collins Park
  • Stone pathways, including at Waterfront Park
  • Any playground equipment and park or school property furnishings, including but not limited to railings, stairs, curbs, benches, concrete walls, planters and trash cans
  • Tennis courts and the Canepa Tennis Center
  • Athletic fields, including Mehney, Memorial and Remington fields
  • Community track

For questions, please call Public Safety at 616.949.7010 and a Public Safety Officer will be happy to discuss bicycle safety. You can also watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ras7nnNfC58. 

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

EGR Community CenterASSESSOR’S OFFICE UPDATE

The deadline to file a Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit is June 1. You may qualify for this exemption if:

  • You recently bought a home. As a reminder, you can only claim the exemption on one home – either in Michigan or another state.
  • You own and occupy the home by June 1. Most title companies require you to complete this form at closing. 

Additionally, the initial request for Conditional Rescission of a Principal Residence Exemption form must be submitted by mail or in person to the Assessor’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, by June 1. 

This exemption enables a person who has purchased a home and re-established their PRE to continue to have the reduced school operating millage on the home they are in the process of selling. An owner may receive a PRE on the previous principal residence for up to three years if that property is for sale, is not rented or leased and is not used for any business or commercial purpose.

For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office at 616.940.4818 or email City Assessor Stacey Hayes at shayes@eastgr.org.

MAY 2 ELECTION REMINDERS

The next election is Tuesday, May 2. Eligible East Grand Rapids residents with proof of residency can register to vote in person 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, or by 8 p.m. Election Day. 

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day. Find your polling location here. 

Learn more about the May 2 election at eastgr.org/elections.  

City Commission chambersNEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING: MAY 1
The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 1 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Read the agenda at https://bit.ly/447x3re. 

Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3koI057.

PUBLIC WORKS

2023 National Public Works Week

NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK EVENTS

May 21-27 is recognized by the American Public Works Association as National Public Works Week. This year, our Public Works team, in partnership with the EGR branch of the Kent District Library, will host a storytime at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 24 in the library followed by a Touch-a-Truck event 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot north of the library at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

TreesTREES AND SHRUBS: TRIMMING REMINDER 

A reminder City code prohibits trees and shrubs from obstructing public ways and clear vision areas. With spring here and more community members are out walking, running and playing, residents are asked to make sure their trees and shrubs aren’t blocking sidewalks. 

The required height for clearance over a sidewalk is 10 feet. Clear vision areas at street corners may not have a plant height of more than 30 inches in 20-foot by 20-foot triangular areas adjacent to street corners. Properly maintaining trees and shrubs adjacent to sidewalks and streets helps keep pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers safe.

TALL GRASS

City code allows for a maximum height limit of grass at 5 inches.  

BOATS, TRAILERS AND RVs

Outdoor storage of boats, trailers and RVs is allowed for up to 72 hours on streets and driveways. Otherwise, they must be stored indoors or in a rear yard only. They also must be reasonably shielded from view. Not all properties can accommodate such storage, so you may need off-site storage for your recreational unit.

TREE MAINTENANCE REMINDER

If you participated in the City’s 50/50 tree planting program this past year, remember to water it this time of year. Please reference the tree planting and maintenance guidelines provided with the tree for additional care guidelines.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
View the latest construction updates from Public Works here.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

Kent County Road CommissionKENT COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

EGR’s and other public works departments and road agencies throughout Kent County are partnering for the seventh annual Work Zone Safety Poster Contest for third-graders. Through May 8, students are invited to design a caution sign that helps spread an important safety tip for those traveling through a work zone. Winning entries will be announced at events during Public Works Week, May 21-27, and will be used by the local agencies on various outreach platforms to promote work zone safety.
 
To learn more about contest rules and for work zone safety educational resources, visit kentcountyroads.net.

Moms Night Out. May 12. Enjoy a night of specials at participating businesses.

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Save the date for Moms Night Out on Friday, May 12 in Gaslight Village. Shoppers will enjoy a night of specials and discounts at participating businesses.

For updates, visit gogaslight.com/moms-night-out or check the Facebook page.


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