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East Express | July 18, 2024


FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION2024 Street and Sidewalk Millage proposal header

2024 STREET AND SIDEWALK MILLAGE PROPOSAL FAQs

To help inform residents of the upcoming 2024 Street and Sidewalk Millage Proposal on the Aug. 6 ballot, we have created a series of FAQs.

This week’s question: If passed, how much would I pay annually?

Our answer: To calculate your annual millage cost, take the taxable value of your home and then multiply by 0.002. 

Learn more about the millage proposal by visiting eastgrmi.gov/streetmillage.Election remindersVOTING REMINDERS

The Aug. 6 election is quickly approaching. Whether you’re planning to vote absentee, early or on Election Day, the Clerk’s Office wants to share some important reminders.  

Absentee ballots have been mailed out to voters on our list and are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Early voting will take place in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, on the following days:

  • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 27 and 28
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 29 and 30
  • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 31
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2
  • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4

On Election Day, polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Find your polling location by referencing your voter card or visiting mi.gov/vote

More information at eastgr.org/elections.

Commission chambers

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

Below are a few highlights from the July 15 City Commission meeting.

The Commission:

  • Appointed Kate Skaggs to fill the First Ward City Commission vacancy
  • Rescinded outdated and superseded policies
  • Extended the current city attorney services agreement
  • Approved a permanent easement for Consumers Energy Company at Manhattan Park

View the full agenda here.

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel and view minutes and agendas here.

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property taxes have been mailed out. The deadline to pay without penalty is Aug. 14. Learn more about property taxes in East here.  

PARKS & RECREATION 

Crowd gathered at John Collins Park for Movies in the ParkFINAL CONCERT & MOVIE IN THE PARK

Join us in welcoming Deerfield Run for our last Concert in the Park at 7 p.m. Monday, July 22.

Our final Movie in the Park will be “Wonka (2023)” taking place at sundown Friday, Aug. 2 at John Collins Park. 

FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Fall program registration is now open for both residents and nonresidents. View the guide and sign up online.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET 

Be sure to visit the East Grand Rapids Farmers Market for a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods, treats and more. From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the market will run every Thursday through Aug. 29 at the East Grand Rapids Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

TRIATHLON REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration for the Sept. 7 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is open.

PUBLIC WORKS

Closeup of water

ADOPT-A-DRAIN

With summer storms, Public Works asks residents to help care for storm drains. If possible, clear leaves and debris about 10 feet on both sides of the drain before it starts raining to keep water flowing. While clearing, place yourself in the right of way (the area between the sidewalk and the street). Always wear gloves and be careful of sharp objects. Use a rake, broom or shovel if possible. Never try to lift or remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you.

For information on adopting a drain and joining your neighbors in protecting our watershed, please visit https://www.lgrow.org/adopt-a-drain.  

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & DTE WORK
View the latest construction updates from Public Works on our website

A reminder DTE Energy is working on large-scale replacements of private gas mains throughout EGR this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DTE at 616.551.2621.

When driving through a work zone, please be mindful of crews, pedestrians and traffic.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

2024 Taste of East Grand Rapids

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Save the date for the Taste of East Grand Rapids, returning to Gaslight Village from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.

Booths will line Wealthy Street between Lovett Avenue and Lake Drive, offering attendees a sampling of local cuisine from Gaslight Village eateries and featuring local artisans, all-ages entertainment and live music.

The event benefits Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Tickets for food and entertainment options will be sold through 8 p.m.

2024 KDL Summer Wonder (2)

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH 

KDL’s Summer Wonder continues through Aug. 9, with programs and prizes for all ages. See the full list of events here.

Some upcoming programs include:

  • Raptors Live – 2-3 p.m. Friday, July 19: Learn about birds of prey and meet some of the birds from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary in this amazing, live presentation. Designed for children ages 5-10.
  • Critter Barn – 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, July 23: Critter Barn's Traveling Farm will feature hands-on fun, entertainment and education for all ages.
  • Bullet Journals with Mo – 2-3 p.m. Thursday, July 25: Teens are invited to get organized with this crash course in bullet journaling. We will learn the art of habit tracking, goal setting, future planning and how to make a bullet journal work for you. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.


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