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East Express | March 2025

Friends and neighbors, 

I would like to thank residents and community members for their input and active participation in the various open houses and public hearings over the past several weeks regarding the proposed Gaslight Investors development and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. You can sign up to receive email and text notifications about these projects here. 

I am also pleased to share with you the 2024 State of the City letter, in which I provide an overview of all the great work City staff and our community have accomplished over the past year and a preview of what’s to come this year. Special thanks to City staff for their tireless work and dedication to our community!

As we anticipate the arrival of spring, I would like to highlight a few services and events. First, with increasing daylight hours, I encourage all drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to exercise increased caution as more folks enjoy our streets and sidewalks. 

Next, if you plan to leave town during spring break, Public Safety reminds you to lock your home and remaining vehicles, set timers on outdoor lights and wait until returning before posting about your trip on social media. Also, stay tuned for Public Safety’s spring Drug Takeback Day in April. This is a great opportunity to properly dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. We will communicate further details on our website and social media. 

Our Parks and Recreation team also reminds you to explore our many trails and amenities, including the Fred Bunn Multipurpose Trails and dog park. Additionally, now is a great time to reserve a pavilion for an outdoor gathering during the warmer months.  

Wishing you a lovely start to spring!

All the best,
Katie

COFFEE HOURS

Residents have the opportunity to speak with elected officials in person at upcoming coffee hours at Bagel Kitchen, 2228 Wealthy St. SE:

• 10 a.m. Friday March 14: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioner Ryan Burdick
• 10 a.m. Friday, March 28: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioners Ryan Burdick and Chris Wessely
• 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13: Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak

GASLIGHT INVESTORS PROJECT

Community members can learn more about the proposed Gaslight Investors Planned Unit Development project, along with an approval timeline and FAQs, by visiting this webpage and signing up to receive email and text alerts.

Thanks to all who attended the Feb. 17 public hearing. Input is currently being processed and will be reviewed at the March 17 City Commission meeting.

BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

During its Jan. 6 meeting, the City Commission approved the development of a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority following a public hearing. BRAs are resources created by municipalities to develop and build brownfield projects – initiatives to redevelop land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes but now designated as underutilized. The BRA would act as a state funding tool to provide economic incentives for any potential brownfield projects.
 
Community members can learn more about the BRA and opportunities to provide feedback by signing up to receive email and text updates. Residents can also ask questions and provide feedback by emailing input@eastgrmi.gov. 

MASTER PLAN UPDATE

The City is currently updating its Master Plan, a guiding document used by leadership for decision-making and planning. Review the current 2018 Master Plan and learn more about the updated Community Master Plan, where you can read about the update process and share your thoughts in the Community Opinion Survey. Thanks to all who participated in the March 5 Eastown subarea open house. 

Community members can also send comments to masterplan@eastgrmi.gov.  

PARKS & RECREATION

SPRING PROGRAMMING

Check out our spring program guide to register for classes. From youth sports leagues to adult enrichment activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

SWEETHEART DANCE

Community members of all ages are invited to the annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, May 17 at East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. From 5:30-8:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy a night of crafts, dancing, desserts and themed photo backdrops to help capture the evening. Please remember to bring your own camera. 

Each child and adult chaperone attending must register for the event. The cost is $24 for residents and $29 for non-residents. Sign up by May 12 to receive a $5 discount.

PAVILION RENTAL INFORMATION

Planning a graduation party, reunion or get-together this spring or summer? Consider reserving one of our park pavilions. 

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 616.949.1750.  

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, March 17 in the Commission Chambers 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 online.

CITY COMMISSION SEATS OPEN

Three City Commission seats will be up for election this November, one in each ward. 

Applicants must pick up an information packet at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The packet includes an affidavit of identity and petition forms to collect signatures. Applicants must collect 26-50 valid signatures and return all forms to the Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.

For questions, contact City Clerk Lori Parmenter at 616.949.2110.

PUBLIC SAFETY

BICYCLE LICENSING

Public Safety encourages residents to register their bicycles, which significantly increases the chances of getting it back if it’s lost or stolen. 

To obtain a free bicycle license, visit Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Remember to bring the bike you want to register.

SPRING BREAK SAFETY: REMEMBER TO LOCK UP
A reminder to lock your home and vehicle during spring break. Public Safety encourages residents to participate in the #9PMRoutine – a national initiative that helps community members remember to take simple measures at 9 p.m. each night to keep their possessions safe. This includes bringing in items, locking your house, garage and vehicles and turning on outside lights to deter theft.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 
As warmer weather arrives, many community members will be cycling, running and walking on our streets, trails and sidewalks. Safety is a shared responsibility, so please make sure you’re doing your part as a pedestrian or bicyclist by wearing high-visibility clothing, being aware of vehicles and crossing streets within the designated crosswalk. Drivers are asked to exercise increased caution, minimize in-car distractions and focus on the road, pedestrians and bicyclists. Learn more by visiting our traffic webpage.

PUBLIC WORKS

THANK YOU, SNOWPLOW DRIVERS 
Public Works thanks its snowplow crew for its around-the-clock work and community members for lending a helping hand this winter by shoveling around fire hydrants, parking in driveways and removing residual snow and ice from their sidewalks. If you haven’t already, watch this video featuring Leon from our DPW team talking about how residents can help during snow events.

YARD WASTE PICKUP BEGINS APRIL 7
Yard waste pickup begins Monday, April 7. Grass clippings and small, loose yard debris must be placed in paper yard waste bags or reusable containers. Plastic bags are not accepted. The following are current yard waste pickup guidelines:

• Bags and containers placed for pickup must not exceed 40 pounds or a 32-gallon capacity.
• Ornamental grasses must be tied and bundled and must not exceed 40 pounds.  
• Brush must be cut into 6-foot lengths and tree logs may not exceed 12 inches in diameter. 
• All items for collection should be placed on the outlawn – the area between the curb and the sidewalk – rather than the street. 
• In the spring and summer, it is preferred yard waste is not placed for pickup earlier than one day before the scheduled collection day.

For questions about collection routes, schedules or regulations, please call Public Works at 616.940.4870. Learn more about our yard waste pickup operations here.

COMPOSTING PROGRAM
There are still spots available to join the City’s food scraps composting program. East Grand Rapids residents and businesses can participate at no cost. 

ADOPT-A-DRAIN 

As snow melts and spring showers arrive, Public Works encourages residents to keep catch basins clear of debris.

We partner with other local communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality for our watersheds while mitigating localized flooding through an adopt-a-drain portal.

What does it mean to adopt a drain? By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you’re joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. Our city has approximately 1,300 catch basins, and while our 15 Public Works staff members help clean catch basins, rain events or even just a few leaves can plug them. That’s why a community effort is needed – and helps tremendously.    

How to care for your adopted drain: Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off drains before it starts raining and shovel snow off drains during the winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash and clear about 10 feet on each side of the drain. Leaves, sticks and other natural materials can be placed in your yard waste container. 

Stay safe when clearing storm drains: Please stay out of the street as much as possible. Place yourself in the right of way – the area between the sidewalk and the street – to clear the drain and wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you. 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.

Learn more about the program and ways to register here.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Check out the latest construction updates from Public Works here, including 2025 road projects and preservation treatments. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

EAST GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 

The East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization, helps enhance the community by funding projects and events that fall outside the City's budget or traditional taxpayer funding. Some of its recent contributions include:

• The popular After Dark Party in Gaslight Village
• New wayfinding and safety signage along our community trails
• An accessible kayak launch behind the Community Center

The Foundation relies on community support to make these projects possible, and it’s gearing up for two of its signature events: After Dark Party and Trailblazer Run. Mark your calendar for the annual Trailblazer 5K Run: 8:30 a.m. July 4.

If you'd like to become a sponsor, donor or volunteer, contact Lori Parmenter at lparmenter@eastgrmi.gov. 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH 
KDL is accepting entries for its annual Write Michigan Teen Poetry Contest, open to Kent County students in grades 6-12. Students are encouraged to submit up to two poems by midnight April 1 to be eligible to win a Meijer gift card. Additionally, all participants are welcome to attend and compete at the spoken word slam Thursday, May 1.

Below are some fun featured KDL programs:

• Outer Space Adventures – 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 11: Shooting stars, distant planets and maybe even aliens?! Celebrate the vastness of space with out-of-this-world crafts and activities. For families with small children.
• Healthy Lawns, Healthy Community – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18: Are you interested in natural lawns and native gardens in our neighborhoods? Join Good Sweet Earth and learn how to go chemical-free in EGR. For adults.

COREWELL HEALTH IRISH JIG ROUTE

Public Safety reminds community members to be aware of Corewell Health Irish Jig race participants 8-10 a.m. Saturday, March 15. Streets will reopen as participants pass through. 

The impacted intersections include:

• Wealthy Street and Lakeside Drive
• Lake Drive and Breton Road
• Breton Road and Hall Street
• Hall Street and Lake Drive
• Hall Street and Bonnell Avenue

Please reference the map above for the detailed route. 

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT 
See Dr. Heidi Kattula's communication regarding the High School Transformation Project. A new High School Transformation Project webpage is now live, where community members may view the design videos and renderings, project timeline and presentation slide deck. 

Thanks to staff, students, architects, school leaders and designers who helped bring this vision to life.

EGRPS ENROLLMENT
For residents looking to enroll children in grades K-12, please email enrollment@egrps.org. The formal enrollment process for the 2025-26 school year starts April 2. 

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Tickets are on sale for the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation’s annual fundraising party, HURRAH! 

From 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 26, HURRAH! will fill Wege Plaza behind the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at egrsf.org/events/hurrah.html.

Also, nominations and applications for the eight student scholarship programs are due March 15. The scholarships are only available to East Grand Rapids High School seniors. A list of the scholarships and online nomination forms can be found at egrsf.org/what-we-do/student-scholarships/.

EGREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative invites community members to its Home Energy Show & Tell event noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with experts about creating a more sustainable home. Topics will include heat pumps, solar power, electric lawn equipment and more. 

Attendees can also enter to win a free basket (must be present to claim).

Additionally, don’t miss the March Sustainable Neighbors presentation “Healthy Lawns, Healthy Community” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 at the KDL East Grand Rapids branch, 746 Lakeside Drive SE. Attendees will learn about natural lawns, gardens and going chemical-free.

LOWER GRAND RIVER ORGANIZATION OF WATERSHEDS
LGROW reminds community members to properly dispose of hazardous household waste by bringing it to a county disposal event or drop-off location. 

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
Check out GVMC’s seasonal newsletter here. The newsletter highlights GVMC’s Transportation Improvement Program, which will include transportation projects in Kent and eastern Ottawa counties for fiscal years 2026-29. 

Comments related to any of the proposed TIP projects or the TIP development process can be submitted via the GVMC website’s “submit a comment” button or provided directly to GVMC staff by emailing Mike Zonyk or Andrea Faber or calling 616.776.7603.

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