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East Express | June 2025

Friends and neighbors, 

I can’t believe it’s already summer! In East, there’s so much to enjoy. From our beautiful parks and trails to special outdoor events and recreational programming, there’s something for everyone. Special thanks to our Parks and Recreation, Grounds and Public Works crews for coordinating and maintaining all of our amenities and events. 

Today was the launch of our popular Farmers Market, now in its second year. Enjoy plenty of fresh produce, delicious treats and local art from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays through Aug. 28 at Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Our beloved Concerts and Movies in the Park series also return this month at John Collins Park. Grab some lawn chairs, blanket and relax at these free events.

If you’re looking to stay active, consider signing up for the Reeds Lake Run (June 28), Trail Blazer (July 4) or the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon (Sept. 6). 

And of course, our treasured Fourth of July Celebration returns with a full day’s worth of all-ages activities – from the parade and food trucks to free kids activities, water ski show, concert and fireworks show. Check out the webpage for more details or to make a gift to help make this event possible. 

Lastly, 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 your thoughts at input@eastgrmi.gov.

Wishing you an exciting start to summer!

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, June 13: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioners Ryan Burdick and Chris Wessely
• 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 26: 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.

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

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 

The East Grand Rapids Farmers Market runs from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 28 (except for the week of the Fourth of July) at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Join us Friday, July 4 for a fun day of all-ages activities during our annual Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Corewell Health. The day’s activities include:

• 8:30 a.m. – Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5k Run/Walk.
• Noon-1 p.m. – Parade
• Noon-late – Food trucks
• 1-3:30 p.m. – Free kids activities at John Collins Park 
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Water ski show by Grand City Skiers
•  8 p.m.-dusk – Full Cord concert
•  Dusk – Fireworks show over Reeds Lake 

The parade will begin at the intersection of Sherman Street SE and Wealthy Street and continue east on Wealthy, turning left on Lakeside Drive and ending at Reeds Lake Boulevard. 

After the parade, community members are invited to John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive, for various activities, including kids inflatables, a water ski show by Grand City Show Skiers and a performance by music group Full Cord. Food trucks offering a variety of cuisines and treats will line Lakeside Drive throughout the afternoon.

The festivities will culminate with a fireworks show over Reeds Lake at sundown. Those attending the show are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs. 

To sponsor the fireworks show, contact Parks and Recreation Leisure Supervisor Rachel Fiedler at 616.949.1750 or complete the online form. 

The boat ramp will be closed on July 4 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. 

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, June 16 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.

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property taxes will be billed July 1. The deadline to pay without penalty is Aug. 14. Learn more about property taxes in East here.

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

This month’s Public Safety spotlight: Officer Nick Pinder

When Officer Nick Pinder stepped into the EGR Public Safety Department in June 2020, he brought with him not just a badge, but a list of experience from his five years patrolling the streets of Phoenix. There, he was a crisis intervention specialist – always ready to offer support to those facing mental health challenges. 

Now, Officer Pinder plays a key role in the C-shift patrol, helping train the Department’s newest recruits. He has also received training as a field training officer and Axon TASER instructor. His calm and can-do attitude helps turn tense moments into opportunities for positive change. 

Off duty, Officer Pinder enjoys spending time with his wife – partners of seven years – and their Newfoundland poodle, Piper, whose personality is infectiously joyful. 

Officer Pinder’s passion for Public Safety is fueled by the community. “What attracted me to public safety is the ability to do something different each day and work outside, meeting and interacting with new people,” he said. “I enjoy finding and crafting solutions to situations that are challenging and complex.”

Every call is a chance for Officer Pinder to deliver what he calls “triple platinum plus” service – a standard that leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.  

REMEMBER TO LOCK UP
A reminder to lock your home and vehicle, especially if you plan to travel this summer. 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 homes and possessions safe. This includes bringing in items, turning on outside lights and locking your house, garage and vehicles and to deter theft.

BICYCLE REGISTRATION

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.

PUBLIC WORKS

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 
Darren from our Public Works team shares some dos and don’ts for yard waste this summer in the video above.

As a reminder, 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.

TREE CITY USA DESIGNATION

We're delighted to receive Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 11th consecutive year in recognition of our forestry operations and care of public trees.

MOBILITY-BIKE ACTION PLAN UPDATE

As part of our Mobility-Bike Action Plan, we’re experimenting with different methods to create safer streets for cyclists. In May, our Public Works team installed adhesive bike lane delineators on Martin Luther King Jr. Street from the west city limit to Plymouth Road as part of a pilot program this summer.

The delineators are intended to provide a buffer between vehicles and cyclists and act as a traffic calming measure. 

You can share your experience and feedback with these delineators by emailing publicworks@eastgrmi.gov. 

Learn more about the Mobility-Bike Action Plan at https://www.eastgrmi.gov/533/MobilityBike-Action-Plan.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

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.

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 annual 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.

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 event and more.

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
The draft FY2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program is available. It outlines transportation projects planned for the next four years, incorporating public and stakeholder feedback, information on the TIP development process and financial plan, the Project Distribution Analysis and the Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

Public input is encouraged at the upcoming GVMC Board meeting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Kent County Commission chambers, 300 Monroe Ave. NW, Room 310. 

Individuals unable to attend can submit comments via email at andrea.faber@gvmc.org, phone 616.776.7603, online through the “submit a comment” button on the TIP page or by mail to GVMC, Attn: Andrea Faber, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. 

Hard copies of the TIP are available at GVMC’s office or by request.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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