|
View Other Items in this Archive |
View All Archives | Printable Version
East Express | February 2025 Friends and neighbors, With this winter’s recent snow events and frigid temperatures, I would like to thank the Public Works team for their around-the-clock care of our community’s streets, sidewalks and infrastructure during heavy snow. Consider giving our team a helping hand by shoveling a 3-foot radius around any fire hydrants near your home and try to park in your driveway, if possible, to make plowing easier. Additionally, Public Works asks residents to shovel any residual snow from sidewalks after the plows have gone through to keep our sidewalks as safe as possible for pedestrians. While spring may seem far away, our Parks and Recreation team is busy preparing for the upcoming season with its extensive programming. Take a look at the spring guide. Additionally, I would like to share some great resources for those looking to learn more about the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and proposed Gaslight Investors development. You can sign up for text and email communications and save the date for the upcoming Gaslight Investors public hearing to consider the concept plans: 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE. We’ve moved this meeting to the PAC to accommodate attendance. Wishing you a warm and safe February! 
All the best, Katie 
COFFEE HOURS Residents have the opportunity to speak with elected officials in person at these upcoming coffee hours at Bagel Kitchen, 2228 Wealthy St. SE: - 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioner Ryan Burdick
- 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13: Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak
- 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioners Kate Skaggs and Laura Schwartz
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. A public hearing regarding the project’s concept plans will take place during the City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE. BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
During its Jan. 6 meeting, 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 by signing up to receive email and text updates. Residents can also ask questions and provide feedback by emailing input@eastgrmi.gov. CITY 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 City Master Plan, where you can read about the update process. Community members can also send comments to masterplan@eastgrmi.gov. PARKS & RECREATION SPORTS NIGHT OUT The annual Sports Night Out is this Saturday. Elementary school-aged children and their adult chaperones are invited to join us 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the East Grand Rapids High School gym, 2211 Lake Drive SE, for a fun evening of games, challenges and activities. Plus, there’s a photo booth so you can have a keepsake from the evening. Register children and adult chaperones online. The cost is $24 for residents and $29 for non-residents. SPRING PROGRAMMING Check out our spring program guide to register for classes. From youth sports leagues to adult enrichment activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION 
CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE. The public hearing for the Gaslight Investors development to consider the concept plans will take place during this meeting. Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel and view minutes and agendas online. 
WINTER PROPERTY TAXES Winter property taxes are due upon receipt. They will be considered late after Feb. 14, and late fees will apply. Details at eastgrmi.gov/taxes. PUBLIC SAFETY ICE SAFETY
Winter in East Grand Rapids offers community members plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy the season. If you plan to venture out on Reeds Lake, Public Safety has a few tips for you: Share your plans with friends and family and communicate what time they should expect your return. - Don’t venture out alone – always travel with someone else.
- Be mindful of the weather and changing conditions that may affect ice thickness.
- Pack the following:
- Fully charged phone equipped with GPS
- Ice spud to test depth
- Set of ice spikes in the event of a breakage
While no ice is safe, measuring the thickness of the frozen water can help determine which parts are safer than others. Read our full list of safety tips. PUBLIC WORKS WINTER WEATHER OPERATIONS Curious about our street and sidewalk salting and plowing operations? How we prioritize road routes? How can you help make snowplowing easier for our Public Works team? Get the answers to these questions on our website. When snow events are in the forecast, Public Works asks residents to park in their driveway instead of the street. If you must park in the street, please avoid parking directly across from another vehicle so snowplow drivers can provide safe and efficient service.  SIDEWALK PLOWING
City sidewalks are plowed after a snow accumulation of approximately 2 inches and on weekends when the snowfall has concluded, but not to a bare pavement standard. Sidewalk priority routes for schools are addressed as needed to ensure sidewalks are clear prior to the start of school. The City does not provide ice control to city sidewalks. Residents are encouraged remove residual snow and ice left after plowing so sidewalks are safe for pedestrians. Public Works continually evaluates and experiments with different snow removal equipment. Pictured above is an example of an ice crusher/snowpack attachment that has proven effective at removing residual snowpack and ice, but the process can be slow. Public Works appreciates your patience and partnership in ensuring our sidewalk are safe for all.  Public Works also reminds residents of a new state law that requires motorists to stay 200 feet behind active Public Works snowplows and maintain a 20-foot distance when stopped at an intersection.
EGR Public Works will be adding the yellow signs pictured above to the rear of its snowplows to remind motorists of the law. Public Works thanks you for your partnership in making sure our streets and sidewalks stay safe for everyone. PREVENT PIPES FROM FREEZING
During the winter, pipes and water meters can freeze. The City is responsible for water service from the curb stop in the right-of-way to the water main in the street. Property owners are responsible for water service from the curb stop to and throughout their property. The City offers the following tips to help protect water service pipes: - Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas of your home, paying particular attention to pipes near exterior walls.
- Keep the location of your water meter above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure any garden hoses on the exterior of your home are disconnected and the outdoor faucet is winterized.
- Know the location of your water shutoff valve in case of a leak.
What to do if your pipes freeze: - If your pipes freeze and you have water running in your home, turn off the water at your water shutoff – usually located near the water meter – and contact a licensed plumber.
- If interior pipes freeze, do not apply any direct heat to your pipes and instead use a space heater or a blow dryer to heat the area around the piping.
- If your water service stops and the entire interior plumbing and water meter are insulated or located in an area heated above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, please contact Public Works at 616.940.4870. Public Works staff will assess the situation and, if the water service is frozen from the curb stop to the main, they will thaw the service line and restore water service.
CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
If you have a fire hydrant near your home, please consider helping Public Safety by keeping snow piles away from the hydrants or shoveling out around the hydrant after heavy snow events. Public Safety officers do make the rounds and shovel when necessary, but their immediate duties may keep them from clearing the snow from all hydrants in a timely manner. Thank you for your help! COMMUNITY PARTNERS 
KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
Join the library's "Let it Snow" Winter Reading Club and snuggle up with a good book this winter. Adults and teens 11 and older who read or listen to six books earn a Let It Snow mug. Want more? Log four more titles and be automatically entered into the Power Reader drawing for a chance to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe. Pick up your mug any time between now and Feb. 28. Below are some fun featured KDL programs: - Meet Your Community Helpers – 10:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13: Meet community helpers—like a snowplow driver, a firefighter or a mail carrier — and learn more about what they do. Enjoy a story and fun activities with our special guest! For families with young children.
- Textile Arts: Mending – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17: Mending helps us take eco-steps toward sustainability by minimizing clothing waste and unnecessary spending on new garments. This workshop will focus on mending clothing you already have by using basic stitches or more advanced techniques like visible mending or embroidery. All notions and tools will be provided; however, feel free to bring your own sewing kit. Space is limited so online registration is required for this event. For adults.
- Rain Gardens and Their Importance in the Ecosystem – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18: Native plants are a valuable participant in our local ecosystems. Whether in yards, landscapes or less cultivated areas, they filter water, feed and shelter important pollinators and animals, and provide year-round Michigan beauty. Learn how Plaster Creek Stewards works with native plants to reconcile the Plaster Creek watershed. For adults.
LOWER GRAND RIVER ORGANIZATION OF WATERSHEDS Read LGROW’s 2024 annual report. The organization highlights all its events, initiatives and achievements over the past year in its mission to protect and improve the natural resources of the Lower Grand River Watershed for all to enjoy. 
EAST GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Save the date for the East Grand Rapids High School design presentation 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the East Grand Rapids High School Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE. Read Dr. Kattula’s Nov. 15 letter and find more information on the district’s website. 
KINDERGARTEN PRE-ENROLLMENT
Kindergarten pre-enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is available for EGR residents. Find details at egrps.org/kindergarten. For residents looking to enroll for 1st through 12th grade, please email enrollment@egrps.org. 
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS East Grand Rapids Public Schools invites community members to its Community Connections
presentation Wednesday, February 19. EGRPS mental health professionals will present two sessions: - Selfies & Social Skills: Guiding Elementary Students in the Digital Age (for community members with elementary-level students)
- Navigating the Digital Maze: Parenting Teens in the Tech Era (for community members with high school-age students)
Additional information on the February 19 presentation may be found here. Stay up to date with all things East Grand Rapids by following us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
|