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East Express | September 2025

Friends and neighbors, 

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day weekend and found time to relax, recharge and connect with family and friends. September always feels like a fresh start – whether it’s the return of routines, new projects or simply soaking up these late summer days.

This is a perfect time to make the most of our local amenities. Our trails, including the Reeds Lake Trail and Fred Bunn Multipurpose Trails at Manhattan Park, are favorite spots for walking, jogging or biking, and they’re a great way to appreciate the natural beauty around us. 

The dog park continues to be a lively gathering place for both four-legged friends and their owners, while Reed Lake offers a refreshing escape with our kayak rental kiosk available for anyone looking to spend an afternoon on the water. 

As your mayor, I encourage you to take advantage of everything our city has to offer as we kick off this new season together. Whether you’re exploring the trails, sharing laughs at the dog park, or finding a moment of calm out on the lake, I hope you feel the sense of community and pride that makes our city so special. Here’s to a joyful September filled with health, connection and plenty of time outside.

All the best,
Katie 

COFFEE HOURS

Residents have the opportunity to speak with elected officials at Bagel Kitchen, 2228 Wealthy St. SE.

• Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak: 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
• Mayor Katie Favale and commissioners Ryan Burdick and Chris Wessely: 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19

GASLIGHT INVESTORS PROJECT

City Commission reviewed the updated concept plan, zoning ordinance amendment and resolution at its Sept. 2 meeting. After several hours of review and discussion, Commission voted to table the conversation to a future meeting. 

The Planning Commission will review the PUD zoning ordinance amendment language at the September 9, 2025 meeting. 

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

PARKS & RECREATION

MANHATTAN PARK SPORTS COURTS & PAVILION RENTAL
Planning a gathering or looking to play some pickleball or tennis at Manhattan Park? Community members can now reserve the pavilion and sports courts online. Secure your spot and enjoy our beautiful facilities. 

TRIATHLON THIS WEEKEND
The Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon takes place this Saturday. Come out, cheer on the athletes along the course (pictured below) and be part of the excitement.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 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.

NOV. 4 ELECTION

The next election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

• Register to vote by visiting the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The last day to register in person at the Clerk’s Office is 8 p.m. Election Day. 
• Absentee ballots will be mailed out later this month to those currently on our list. Request an absentee ballot by visiting our website or visiting the Clerk’s Office during normal business hours. 

More about election in East at eastgrmi.gov/elections. 

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

August Public Safety Spotlight: Officer Troy Brown

Service isn’t just Officer Troy Brown’s career – it’s his family’s legacy. For more than three decades, he’s carried it forward with pride in East Grand Rapids.

Officer Troy Brown began his law enforcement career in 1992 after serving nearly three years as a City of Walker police officer. Over the past three decades with East Grand Rapids Public Safety, Troy has worn many hats – sergeant, detective, fugitive task force member, field training officer and firearms instructor, among others. He has also shared his expertise as an instructor and assisted the Kent County Metro Police Academy and Grand Rapids Community College.

Since 2022, Troy has proudly served as our School Resource Officer, a role he has embraced with unmatched energy. Known and loved by students, staff and parents, he has become a fixture in the school community.

Public service runs deep in Officer Brown’s family. His father was a Kent County detective; his brother served as a Kent County captain; and his son continues the legacy as a City of Walker police officer. 

“Law enforcement and public service runs through three generations in my family,” Officer Brown said. “To see my son carry on the tradition instills a sense of pride. I thoroughly enjoy my career in East Grand Rapids, which is the reason I’ve maintained such a long career in law enforcement.”

Beyond the badge, Troy and his wife Tina – an elementary school teacher – have built a beautiful life together. Married for 32 years, they have three children: Kylie, who is in England completing her master’s degree in European history; Lexie, who is growing a family of her own; and Brady, who is also in law enforcement. 

They are excited to welcome their third grandchild soon and enjoy family time, pontoon cruises and cheering on their favorite sports teams as a family.

With over 30 years of dedication, Troy Brown is one of the most recognizable faces in East Grand Rapids — and his legacy of service continues to inspire generations. 

Thank you, Officer Brown!

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS
As students and community members settle into their school-year routines, Public Safety shares these tips for pedestrians to ensure safe travels around our community: 

• If no crossing guard is present, make eye contact with the pedestrian or driver to ensure a safe street crossing.
• As daylight hours shorten, wear reflective clothing or gear so you are easily visible to drivers.
• Always cross at an intersection – it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians crossing elsewhere in the neighborhoods and through Gaslight Village due to street parking.
• Always look left, right, then left again before crossing 

Visit eastgrmi.gov/safety for crossing guard post locations, schedules and additional safety information.

PUBLIC WORKS

TRAFFIC CIRCLE FEEDBACK

In partnership with the Grand Valley Metro Council, we’re testing temporary traffic circles at the intersections of Lakeside Drive and Reeds Lake Boulevard and Lakeside Drive, Greenwood Avenue and Shopping Center Drive.  

This will be in place through October, with the goal of testing potential solutions for long-term safety and traffic flow. 

We want your feedback. Please take the survey to share your thoughts regarding these temporary traffic circles here.

50/50 TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
Residents can share the cost of a new tree to be planted in the outlawn of their yard – the area between the sidewalk and the street – as part of the City’s tree planting program. Place your tree order by Oct. 1 with payment due Oct. 10. Planting takes place October-December. Learn more at eastgrmi.gov/forestry. 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Check out the latest construction updates from Public Works, 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.

TREES AND SHRUBS: TRIMMING REMINDER 

A reminder City code prohibits trees and shrubs from obstructing public ways and clear vision areas. 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. 

AVOID FLUSHING WIPES
A reminder that wipes marketed as “flushable” are hazardous to our wastewater system. This includes adult wipes, cleaning wipes and baby wipes. 

Only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets because it is the only paper designed to break down as it travels through the wastewater treatment process. Other types of paper and wipes are not designed to break down, causing blockages in home sewer lines that can lead to costly plumber repairs.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
Patrons are invited to visit kdl.org/events or visit their local branch for the most up to date event information.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to become Legendary Readers. Stop into the library or visit our website to pick up a reading log. Participants who read for 100 days during the school year will receive a fun prize and be entered to win a $100 gift card from Schuler Books.

Storytimes have resumed. Children can enjoy stories, music and rhymes while building early literacy and social skills. No registration required. 

• Babytime – 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mondays
• Toddler Time – 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesdays
• Storytime – 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursdays

Below are some featured events:

• Coffee: Roasts, Types and Flavors – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8. There's an art to roasting coffee, and Tess Dodd from The Last Mile Cafe in Grand Rapids is here to give an overview of the different types and how roasting affects the flavor. Coffee will be available to taste and determine for yourself. For adults.
• Magical Friends – 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Do you love magical, mythical creatures? Get ready to roar like a dragon, jump like a unicorn and make plenty of whimsical creations. For small children.
• Generations in the Making: Bricks at the Library – 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. KDL invites parents and caregivers and their children to team up and build with bricks in a fun, collaborative environment. This program encourages everyone of all ages to build with purpose and create something amazing together.
• Insects: To Swat or Not? – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. Learn about the best methods and practices for coexisting with the insects that live all around us from Ernest Delfosse, professor emeritus at Michigan State University. For Adults.
• Food Safety in the Home – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Learn from an environmental health expert from the Kent County Department of Health about food safety in the home, including safe storage and cooking temperatures for food and best practices for preventing food contamination. For adults.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE 

The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative will be hosting the Reeds Lake Community Clean Up from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, meeting at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd SE. Join your neighbors and help clean our community by signing up today. 

Additionally, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, E-GReen will be accepting gas-powered lawn equipment in exchange for a $100 coupon, valid at Great Lakes Ace Hardware, redeemable toward the purchase of an electric-powered lawn equipment tool. 

Participants must present proof of EGR residency and are encouraged to register. Please note that registration does not guarantee a coupon. 

For questions, please email esiac616@gmail.com.  

E-GReen will host its electronics recycling event 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE. Community members can drop off recyclable items, including:

• Computers, laptops and tablets
• Hard drives, circuit boards, power cords and cables
• Cell phones
• Audiovisual equipment
• Gaming systems
• GPS units
• Flat panel televisions and monitors
• Foam packaging labeled as #6 block-style or food-grade

Cathode ray tube televisions, computer monitors and batteries of any type will not be accepted.

Lastly, E-GReen, in partnership with Parks and Recreation, invite community members to help remove invasive species in our community from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE. Under the direction of the Kent Conservation District, volunteers will learn how to identify and remove invasive plants.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

This year’s EGRSF Excellence in Teaching Award recipients are Andrea Dudley, Breton Downs Elementary reading specialist, at the elementary level and Heather Carlson, East Grand Rapids High School science teacher, at the secondary level. Lakeside Elementary first grade teacher Kailey Faris was honored with the James and Georgia Nicholas Endowed Award for a Teacher of Math, Science or Technology.

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