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East Express | September 2024

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you all had a relaxing summer and Labor Day weekend. It was a great summer in East, with our beloved traditions of Concerts and Movies in the Park, Reeds Lake Run, Trail Blazer 5k Run/Walk and Fourth of July Celebration bringing us together. This was also our first summer with the Farmers Market, kayak kiosk and our social district. We’re grateful to the Gaslight Village Business Association and Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts for organizing EGR After Dark, a nighttime festival we’re sure will be a new tradition. I extend a big thank you to City staff, volunteers and organizers for making all these great events and programs possible!

As we settle into our daily routines after summer, I wanted to share a few important updates. First, in an effort to streamline communications, the East Express will now be published monthly. It will still be available on the first Thursday of each month and provide dates of upcoming events, helpful reminders and more – but without so much repetitive content. If you haven’t already, please sign up to get the East Express delivered directly to your inbox and receive text notifications for all important City news. 

Our next community blood drive is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Community Center. Please check the City’s Facebook page for updates. 

First Ward Commissioner Ryan Burdick will be joining my next EGR Coffee Talk 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at Bagel Kitchen, and Third Ward Commissioner Laura Schwartz will be joining 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 also at Bagel Kitchen. Hope to see you there to discuss whatever is on your mind regarding our community. 

Residents also have the opportunity to speak with Third Ward Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak during her coffee hours 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 at Bagel Kitchen.

Looking ahead to the fall, I encourage all eligible voters to plan how you would like to cast your ballot – whether that’s absentee, early or on Election Day. Our elections staff is happy to assist you with any questions. 

If you’re doing fall cleaning, be sure to collect any unused or expired prescription medications and properly dispose of them at the drop box in the Public Safety lobby, 770 Lakeside Drive SE from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or during Public Safety’s fall Drug Takeback Day and open house 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. 

As the days get shorter, I would also like to take a moment to reiterate the importance of traffic safety – whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or driver. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility, and I am delighted to share all the City’s ongoing efforts to promote traffic safety here. 

Looking forward to the upcoming fall season and all it has to offer.

All the best,

Katie

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

NOV. 5 ELECTION INFORMATION

The Clerk’s Office is gearing up for the Nov. 5 presidential election and would like to remind voters of all the ways they can cast their ballot.

• Register to vote by visiting the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Be sure to bring proof of residency. The last day to register in person at the Clerk’s Office is 8 p.m. Election Day. 
• Absentee ballots will be mailed out in late September/early October. They also are available 45 days before any election in person 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Friday at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Voters can complete an absentee ballot application and email it to the Clerk’s Office or fax it to 616.940.4884. Absentee ballots are issued at the Clerk’s Office only,  not at polling locations. Absentee ballots will be tabulated on election night. 
• Early votingwill take place in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE on the following days and times:
  • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26-27
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 28
  • Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 29
  • 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 30
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 1
  • 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2-3
• 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. View the precinct map here. 

The Clerk’s Office also welcomes community members to view the tabulator accuracy testing at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in Commission chambers, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

EGR voters will also have the opportunity to use a voter access terminal at each precinct, including the early voting site. The VAT is an electronic voting machine that allows users to cast their votes directly on the machine by touching the screen. It securely records votes and does not allow for mistakes, such as cross-voting or over-voting on specific sections. VATs are designed to be easy to use for voters of all abilities. Learn more about VATs by visiting the Michigan Secretary of State webpage. 

For more information on elections in East, visit eastgr.org/elections.

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 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 here.

PARKS & RECREATION

RHOADES MCKEE REEDS LAKE TRIATHLON RETURNS SATURDAY

Come cheer on participants as the Annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon returns Saturday, Sept. 7. Drivers are asked to be extra vigilant along the course. 

Special thanks to staff, volunteers and sponsors for making this cherished community tradition possible. 

MANHATTAN PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE

Construction for the Manhattan Park Improvement Project began Tuesday, Sept. 3. 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 here.

PUBLIC SAFETY

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

With school in full swing and days getting shorter, please take extra caution and watch for pedestrians. Public Safety encourages community members to watch the video below to help keep everyone safe on our streets and sidewalks, especially during those busy morning, afternoon and evening commutes. 

FALL OPEN HOUSE & DRUG TAKEBACK DAY

Public Safety will host its annual fall open house 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. Bring the kids for treats, refreshments, police/fire giveaways and more.

Public Safety will also accept prescription drug takebacks during the same time in the department lobby. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription medications.

PUBLIC WORKS

MASTER PLAN SURVEY

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 – 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. 

Learn more by visiting the Master Plan webpage and share your opinions in the survey.

 This website will be updated throughout the planning process with survey results, meeting calendar and other materials. 

SOLAR ARRAY MILESTONE

Public Works is delighted to announce the installation of solar arrays on all City-owned buildings, including the Community Center, library, Public Safety building and Public Works complex. 

This is a significant step towards the City’s carbon neutrality and sustainability goals, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. The solar array systems for the Community Center, library and Public Safety building are estimated to generate 224,000 kilowatts annually, which equates to generating approximately 24% of the current electricity of these facilities. The system for the Public Works complex is estimated to generate 107,050 kilowatts annually, which equates to generating 100% or more of the facility’s current electricity usage.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

View the latest construction updates from Public Works on our website. 

When driving through a work zone, please be mindful of crews, pedestrians and traffic.

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

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.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL 

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. The materials are available in the GVMC display in the lower level of the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, near the entrance to the children's section of the library.

EGR HARVEST & BEER FESTIVAL

Save the date for the inaugural EGR Harvest & Beer Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 in Gaslight Village. Attendees can enjoy pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, cider and donuts, live music and wine, spirits and local beer tastings. Event admission is free; the tasting will require tickets.

Learn more here.

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH 

Some exciting upcoming programs include:

• Dark Corners of Michigan History: Historic Prisons and Jails – Monday, Sept. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: See some of Michigan's creepiest locations in this photographic exhibition of historic prisons and county jails. Take a trip back in time and venture inside the old Detroit House of Corrections, the state penitentiary at Jackson and several county jails. Learn about prison life in the late 19^th century and the infamous residents whose crimes led them to populate these locations. For adults only.
• Our Path to Zero: A Description of the Kent County Integrated Waste Management System –Tuesday Sept. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Join representatives from the Kent County Department of Public Works for a fascinating look at how they work to reduce the amount of garbage that winds up in our landfills. This event is part of the Sustainable Neighbors Series, presented in partnership by the E-Green Sustainability Initiative and sponsored by the Friends of EGR Library. For adults only.
• Teddy Bear Check-Up – Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-noon: Bring your favorite teddy bear or other stuffed animal to a check-up visit where you're the doctor! With eye charts, stethoscopes and even bandages for boo boos, your stuffie will be healthy and happy by the time they leave. For children. 
• An Evening with Christina Soontornvat – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2: Children’s author Christina Soontornvat, winner of three Newbery Honor awards and author of more than twenty books including “All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team,” will speak about her work. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation. Sponsored by the Friends of the EGR Library with generous support from the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation.

View the full calendar of events and programs here. 

The library will also be opening at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 to accommodate the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon.  

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The EGR Schools Foundation's Community Service and Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16. This year's Distinguished Alumni Honoree is U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, EGRHS class of 1987. 

The Community Service honorees are Leslie Hooker and Suzanne Wilcox, who are being recognized for their work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. In 2018, they founded Beer City Dog Biscuits, a West Michigan company whose mission is empowering people with disabilities – one dog biscuit at a time. 

Register to be a sponsor or get your tickets for this exciting event here.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE 

Consider joining your neighbors and the E-Green Sustainability Initiative in WMEAC's Mayors' Grand River Cleanup! Stop by for an hour, or stay for the whole time to remove trash from Reeds Lake from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE.
 
Register and sign the waiver here: https://wmeac.org/solution/mayors-cleanup/

Be sure to choose EGR as your site when registering.  

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE: BUYBACK EVENT

EGR residents: Trade in your gas-powered leaf blower, edger or trimmer in exchange for a $100 coupon to purchase an electric one at Great Lakes Hardware during the buyback event noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the EGR Public Works Complex parking lot, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. 

For questions, email esiac616@gmail.com.

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