City of East Grand Rapids

The City Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday (Sept. 16) at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

The meeting's agenda includes:

-The final reading and vote on the rezoning request at 942 Bellclaire Ave. from an R-1 single family residential to an R-2 single family residential.

-The calculation of overtime/compensatory time changes for nonunion employees.

-Approving changes to the Grand Valley Metro Council articles of incorporation.

-Authorizing the installation of RRFB devices for the uncontrolled crosswalk at Breton and Berwyck roads.

Read the full agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/843?html=true

Interested in serving as an election worker this November? View the application here or visit the Clerk’s Office 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 750 Lakeside Drive SE: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32/Employment-Application---Elections?bidId=

For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 616.949.2110.

We're delighted that construction for the Manhattan Park Improvement Project is underway. The project will include renovated tennis and sand volleyball courts, dedicated pickleball courts, a pavilion, community splash pad, redesigned playground with universally accessible poured-in-place surfacing, improved pedestrian access, new restrooms and landscaping. The scheduled completion date is June 30, 2025.

Learn more about the project and get all the updates here: https://eastgrmi.gov/547/Manhattan-Park-Development

Today's (Sept. 10) Planning Commission meeting has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next scheduled meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the Commission chambers at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

The annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is set for tomorrow (Sept. 7). Best of luck to all participants and special thanks to City staff, sponsors and volunteers for making this tradition possible! 🏊🏻‍♀️🚴🏾🏃🏾‍♀️

Community members and drivers are asked to be mindful of athletes on the course (pictured below). Please allow for extra commute time Saturday morning, avoid parking on the course and ask triathlon volunteers and Public Safety officers for assistance.

Get more details about the event here: https://eastgr.org/179/Rhoades-McKee-Reeds-Lake-Triathlon-Duath

Below are highlights from the Sept. 3 City Commission meeting.

The Commission:

-Approved a conditional rezoning request at 469 Greenwood Ave.
SE/505 Lakeside Dr. SE1 from R-3 single family residential to C-1 commercial.

-Considered the first reading of a rezoning request at 942 Bellclaire Ave. from R-1 single family residential to R-2 single family residential.

-Reviewed the Public Safety quarterly report.

-Approved a one-year pool use agreement with Aquinas College.

-Approved the demolition and new construction of a salt/aggregate storage building and a vehicle/equipment storage building.

-Approved the purchase of winter maintenance road salt for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Read the full agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/842?html=true

Tonight’s City Commission meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

View the agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/842?html=true

Stream the meeting on the City’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/

City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day. As always, Public Safety will continue to provide 24/7 support to our community. Offices will reopen 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

To accommodate the holiday, City Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

View the agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/842?html=true

John Collins Boat Launch will be closed until 12PM on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The city will be hosting the 40th annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon.

Join us for our last Farmers Market of the season tomorrow (Aug. 29) from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

With school in full swing, pedestrian safety becomes increasingly important.

To help keep everyone safe on our streets and sidewalks, our friends at the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council have provided free educational materials and safety items, including bike lights and reflective bands, in its display in the lower level of the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, near the entrance to the children's section of the library.

Read more on how the City is promoting traffic safety, from education and enforcement to design and planning, here: https://eastgrmi.gov/241/Traffic-Information

Attention swimmers: Wealthy Pool is currently closed for its routine, scheduled maintenance through September 9.

The Parks Commission meets at 6 p.m. tonight (Aug. 26) in the Commission chambers at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

The meeting agenda includes:

-Consideration of the 2024 GVBA Tree Lighting Ceremony special events permit.
-Manhattan Park Improvement Project update.
-Parks and Recreation 5-Year Plan update.

Read the full agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/841?html=true

Volunteer registration is still open for the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon.

Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3c9Tnuk

🌳 As part of our tree planting program, residents can share the cost 50/50 with the City to plant a new tree in the outlawn of their yard – typically the area between the sidewalk and the street.

Place your tree order by Oct. 1, with payment due Oct. 6.

Learn more at https://eastgrmi.gov/225/Forestry

Below are highlights from the Aug. 19 City Commission meeting.

The Commission:

-Approved the introduction of a conditional rezoning request at 469 Greenwood Ave. SE/505 Lakeside Drive SE. Commission will vote on this agenda item at its next meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3.

-Approved a resolution to amend the poverty exemption guidelines and policy.

-Allocated $350,000 in Park Improvement Millage funds for the renovation of the Woodcliff Early Childhood Center playground areas and authorize city staff to release funds to EGR Public Schools when invoiced by the district.

-Awarded carpet and vinyl tile flooring improvements in the amount of $109,117.90 plus 10% contingency.

-Authorized a not-to-exceed agreement in the amount of $14,600 for the renewal of the Community Recreation 5-Year Plan.

Read the full agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/839?html=true

The Planning Commission has recently begun the process of updating the 2018 Master Plan. Since the plan was adopted six years ago, four subareas of the community have been identified as meriting additional study to address current challenges – Gaslight Village, Eastown, Greenwood and St. Stephens.

The Master Plan acts as a guiding document for City leaders, outlining a clear vision for our community’s future and path to achieve it.

Share your opinions by completing the community survey:

Community Opinion Survey Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Tonight’s City Commission meeting takes place at 6 p.m. at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Stream the meeting on the City’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/

With the start of a new school year, East Grand Rapids Public Safety has tips for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to ensure those busy morning and afternoon commutes are safe and smooth: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=869

Tips include:

-If no crossing guard is present, make eye contact with the pedestrian or driver to ensure a safe street crossing.

-Walk bikes while crossing a street and always wear a helmet.

-Ensure bikes are working properly.

-Obey the “no turn on right” signs at red lights during school hours and always use a turn signal.

-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.

-Stay alert and off your phone. If you are listening to music, make sure it is either at a level you can hear traffic or you only have one earbud in.

-Do not continue driving until all pedestrians have safely reached the sidewalk.

-As daylight hours shorten, pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing or gear so they are easily visible to drivers.

-Follow crossing guard prompts – it may take a few extra minutes, but it provides a safe commute for students.

-Plan your commute by checking eastgr.org/construction for all roadwork updates.

-Visit eastgr.org/safety for crossing guard post locations, schedules and additional pedestrian safety videos.

As the summer comes to a close, enjoy tonight's showing of "Barbie," our last movie of the season, at sunset at John Collins Park.

TONIGHT: Gather before the start of the school year and support local businesses at the annual Taste of East Grand Rapids.

Enjoy delicious food and drink samples from Gaslight Village eateries, all-ages entertainment, live music and local artisans.

Get all the details, including the menu, here:

The Taste of East Grand Rapids Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 Get your taste buds ready for this year’s Taste of East Grand Rapids. Organized by the Gaslight Village Business Association supported by the Friends of the East Grand Rapid…

We're delighted to announce the City has received top honors for its comprehensive annual financial report.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada has awarded the City its certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting – the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The award is given to those who meet a high standard and demonstrate a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its finances. The award was distributed by an impartial panel to the primary contributors to the annual report.

More at

EGR Annual Report Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting The City has received top honors for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada.

The Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. today (Aug. 13) in the Commission chambers at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Tonight's agenda includes:

-Public hearing regarding the rezoning of 942 Bellclaire Ave. from R-1 to R-2

-Public hearing for the site plan review of 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd.

-Master Plan update

Read the full agenda here: https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/838?html=true

“Barbie” has been rescheduled to this Friday (Aug. 16) at sundown. Grab your lawn blankets, chairs and something pink to wear to enjoy the final movie of the season at John Collins Park.

With school around the corner, Public Safety is looking to fill several vacancies in its crossing guard program. Crossing guards provide a safe environment for students traveling to and from school. Each guard is provided with yearly training through AAA of Michigan.

Those interested should reach out to Officer Troy Brown at [email protected].

Below are highlights from the Aug. 5 City Commission meeting.

The Commission:

-Approved a liquor license application for Pauly’s Wine Café & Cellar

-Authorized the purchase and installation of RRFB devices for uncontrolled school crosswalks at Breton Road and Elinor Lane, Lakeside Drive and Reeds Lake Boulevard, Reeds Lake and El Centro boulevards and Reeds Lake Boulevard and Manhattan Road with additional stock for future crosswalk enhancements

-Awarded the 50/50 Tree Planting Program contract for fiscal years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027

-Approved participation in the EMS Consortium

-Extended the agreement with Plummer’s Disposal Service for the supply and maintenance of portable toilets

-Authorized the purchase of a scoreboard and components for Manhattan Field #5

View the full agenda at https://www.eastgrmi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/835?html=true

-Designated Shea Charles as a delegate and Mayor Favale as an alternate for the annual Michigan Municipal League Business meeting

Thanks to residents who came out to support the 2024 Street and Sidewalk Millage, which passed with 71.9% approval. Public Works is excited to continue improving our community's infrastructure with the renewal of this sustainable funding.

Special thanks to our election staff and volunteers who facilitated another secure election yesterday.

Initial projects include:

-Continuing routine and preventative maintenance to increase the lifespan of streets currently in good condition

-Conducting preservation treatments and repaving approximately 4.5-6 miles of streets per year

-Replacing and rehabilitating sidewalks

-Improving accessibility of pedestrian facilities, in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act

-Replacing traffic signals as needed

Tomorrow (Aug. 6) is Election Day. The Clerk’s Office has the following reminders if you have yet to cast your ballot:

-If you’re currently not registered to vote, you can do so in person at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, by 8 p.m. tomorrow or by visiting mi.gov/vote

-If you have not yet mailed your absentee ballot, please deliver it to the drop box located in the Community Center lobby, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, by 8 p.m. tomorrow or you may run it through the tabulator at your precinct

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

More at https://eastgrmi.gov/131/Elections