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East Express | May 2025
Friends and neighbors, Hope you all had a fun and safe spring break. It’s delightful to see everyone enjoying the outdoors as spring continues. Be on the lookout for our lovely flower beds to bloom around Gaslight Village this month. Be sure to thank our volunteers who donate their time to design, plant and maintain these beautiful blooms! A special thanks also goes to Public Safety for hosting its semiannual Drug Takeback Day last week. If you didn’t have a chance to participate, our anonymous drop-off box is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday in the Public Safety lobby, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. You can safely and privately dispose of unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications any time of the year. With summer around the corner, our Parks and Rec team is gearing up for the annual Sweetheart Dance May 17, Concerts and Movies in the Park and its seasonal programming. Be sure to follow the department on Facebook for updates as we enter this exciting time of year. The Farmers Market returns for its second year June 5. From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays through Aug. 28, vendors will line the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, offering our community fresh produce, engaging art and other hand-crafted goods. For up-to-date information regarding the proposed Gaslight Investors development and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, sign up to receive email and text notifications here. We welcome input regarding these projects at input@eastgrmi.gov. Wishing you a delightful May!  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: - 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9: Mayor Katie Favale and commissioners Ryan Burdick and Laura Schwartz
- 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 16: Mayor Katie Favale and commissioners Ryan Burdick and Chris Wessely
- 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22: 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 provided input. City staff has processed and responded to feedback. Gaslight Investors will be presenting its revised concept plans to City Commission May 5. 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 subarea open houses. Community members can also send comments to masterplan@eastgrmi.gov. PARKS & RECREATION 
SWEETHEART DANCE The annual Sweetheart Dance takes place 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. SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION Summer program registration is open for residents and nonresidents. Register online or call 616.949.1750.  CONCERTS & MOVIES IN THE PARK The Parks and Recreation Department has announced the lineups for Concerts and Movies in the Park. The free events will be held at John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, on select Monday and Friday evenings. Concerts in the Park will feature musical talent, while Movies in the Park will showcase movies for all ages. On six select Monday evenings in June and July, the Concert in the Park series will feature a variety of musical genres from 7-8:30 p.m. This year’s lineup is: - June 9 – Cold Leather Seats
- June 16 – Erin and Tracy
- June 23 – Max Lockwood
- July 7 – Bailey & Ellie
- July 14 – Eric O’Daly
- July 21 – Vespa
Movies in the Park will take place on four Friday evenings, with each film beginning at sundown. This year’s movie lineup is: - June 13 – “Fall Guy”
- June 20 – “Twisters”
- July 11 – “IF”
- Aug. 1 – “Mufasa”
 FARMERS MARKET RETURNS JUNE 5
The East Grand Rapids Farmers Market returns for the season 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays June 5-Aug. 28 (except for the week of the Fourth of July) at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.
Vendor applications are also open, available online or by contacting egrmarket@eastgrmi.gov.  REEDS LAKE RUN & TRIATHLON REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration for the June 28 Reeds Lake Run and Sept. 6 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon are now open. Click on the name of each event for details and to register. FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 5 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. STAY INFORMED If you need assistance signing up for City communications, visit the City office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC SAFETY SPOTLIGHTEach month, we spotlight a member of our Public Safety Department. This month, we’re highlighting Officer Cassidy Forbes. Officer Forbes joined EGR Public Safety in May 2023, originally as a recruit. She completed the Grand Valley Police Academy, Kalamazoo Fire Academy and obtained her Emergency First Responder certification in 2024.
Officer Forbes has recently completed certification as a field training officer and has been active in traffic enforcement, serving as the department leader in operating while intoxicated arrests.
She has a 1-year-old American German shepherd named Dewey, who is a constant ball of energy that keeps her on the go. Officer Forbes is from Sanford, Michigan and attended Michigan State University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and previously served Meridian Township as a cadet.
“I really enjoy working in this community and doing my part in keeping EGR safe,” she explained. “I love being a positive influence on those around me and those I interact with.” PUBLIC WORKS
TOUCH-A-TRUCK RETURNS MAY 22
Public Works, in partnership with the Kent District Library – East Grand Rapids branch, invites children of all ages and their loved ones to its annual Touch-a-Truck event Thursday, May 22 as part of National Public Works Week. From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees will enjoy activities at the East Grand Rapids Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. The event will begin with a construction-themed storytime inside the library, 746 Lakeside Drive SE, followed by a tour of the various trucks East Grand Rapids Public Works staff use to maintain the City in the north parking lot of the Community Center. The event provides children and their caregivers the opportunity to get up close and sit inside select Public Works equipment, such as a bucket or lift truck, street sweeper and sewer truck. Public Works staff will be onsite to provide attendees details about each truck and providing free native Michigan tree seedlings in support of EGR’s recognition as a Tree City USA Community. 
ADOPT-A-DRAIN
Help our Public Works crews keep our catch basins clear of debris this spring, especially during rain events, by signing up to adopt a drain through our friends at the Grand Valley Metro Council. Be safe when clearing storm drains by staying 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. Working together, we can have a positive impact on water quality and mitigating impacts from localized flooding. 
YARD WASTE PICKUP
On your regular collection day, 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, don’t put your yard waste out for pickup more than one day before to your 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.  CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Check out the latest construction updates from Public Works here, including 2025 road projects and preservation treatments.
UPDATED RESIDENTIAL ZONING GUIDE
The City’s residential zoning guide has been updated with more examples and answers to frequently asked questions for residents and contractors. COMMUNITY PARTNERS KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH Below are some fun featured KDL programs: - Loose Parts Play – 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6: Give your child’s imagination room to grow through open-ended play with a variety of manipulative materials.
- Board Game Strategy – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 19: Join us for an unforgettable evening of strategy, fun and friendly competition hosted by former National Board Game Champion Steve Zaagman. Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or a curious beginner, this program will give you the strategic tools to master a variety of board games. For adults.
- The Hidden Creek: The History of Coldbrook Creek – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20: Explore the history of Coldbrook Creek, an urban stream in Grand Rapids, flowing northwest from Reeds Lake to the Grand River. Discover its unique past and the vital role it played in our community. For adults.
- Reeds Lake Rogues – 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 28: Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons. Character sheets will be provided. If possible, please bring a notebook and pencil. For teens in grades 6-12.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, alongside other local partners, works year-round to support and enhance community projects that cannot be funded through City tax dollars alone. Since 2006, thanks to the generous support of supporters, the Foundation has funded more than 30 community enhancement projects, hosted the beloved Trail Blazer run and contributed to countless other initiatives that make East Grand Rapids special. As spring approaches, the Foundation is thrilled to announce its first event of the season: The popular After Dark Party, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, June 7. Become a sponsor, donor or volunteer by contacting Lori Parmenter at lparmenter@eastgrmi.gov. 
The Foundation will also be hosting the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4. Register by June 12 to guarantee a t-shirt. 
GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Join friends and neighbors this spring and summer during the Wednesdays on Wealthy Sidewalk Social. From 4-8 p.m. in Gaslight Village, enjoy live music and entertainment and restaurant and retail specials at participating businesses. 
EGREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative and East Grand Rapids Community Foundation invites EGR residents to its gas-powered lawn equipment buyback event noon-2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. Trade in your gas-powered leaf blower, edger or trimmer in exchange for a $100 coupon to purchase an electric one at Great Lakes Ace Hardware. 
KENT COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION As part of the Get Ahead of Lead initiative, Kent County Community Action is launching a public outreach campaign to promote its new program – Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction. KCLEAR offers eligible Kent County residents in owner-occupied homes built before 1978 a free professional lead paint inspection and risk assessment and provides information needed to address potential health risks. Kent County Community Action invites community members to its open house May 22 at its north campus, where residents can speak with staff, ask questions and learn more about the KCLEAR. To learn more, visit gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear. 
KENT COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
Check out the Kent County Public Works newsletter here, where you’ll learn more about recycling guidance, Board of Public Works updates, upcoming events and more.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Save the date: Wednesday, July 16 is the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation's free Midsummer Ice Dream event at East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. From 1-4 p.m., attendees can enjoy free Kona Ice for kids, face painting and sidewalk chalk.
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