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East Express | April 2025 Friends and neighbors, After a long winter, it’s wonderful to see everyone out and about in in our community – shopping and dining in Gaslight Village, attending a sporting event to walking on our trails and and in our parks. Special thanks to our Parks and Recreation team and grounds maintenance crews for making our community look so good, preparing our facilities and planning engaging programs for the season ahead. For up-to-date information regarding the proposed Gaslight Investors development and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, sign up to receive email and text notifications here. Thank you to all who have submitted feedback and to City staff for diligently processing, reviewing and responding to input. You can continue to share your thoughts by emailing input@eastgrmi.gov. With many households gearing up for spring break, Public Safety reminds you to lock your home and vehicles, set timers on outdoor lights and wait until returning before posting about your trip on social media. Also, Public Safety’s spring Drug Takeback Day takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Public Safety lobby, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. This is a great opportunity to properly dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. We’re excited to welcome back our Farmers Market June 5. Applications for vendors are now open to join this successful and growing market. With Earth Day approaching, our friends at the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative are hosting its Home Energy Show & Tell event noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, and the Invasive Species Pull 10 a.m.-noon Saturday April 19 at the Public Works complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd SE. Wishing you an amazing April! 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: - 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 17: Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak
- 10 a.m. Friday, April 25: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioner Ryan Burdick
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. View the revised concept plan here. 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  SWEETHEART DANCE
Community members of all ages are invited to the annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, May 17 at East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. From 5:30-8:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy a night of crafts, dancing, desserts and themed photo backdrops to help capture the evening. Please remember to bring your own camera. Each child and adult chaperone attending must register for the event. The cost is $24 for residents and $29 for non-residents. Sign up by May 12 to receive a $5 discount. SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION Summer program registration begins April 17 for residents and April 24 for nonresidents. Register online or call 616.949.1750.
FARMERS MARKET SEEKING VENDORS The East Grand Rapids Farmers Market returns for the season 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays June 5-Aug. 28 (except for the week of the Fourth of July) at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Vendor applications are now open, available online or by contacting egrmarket@eastgrmi.gov.  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, April 21 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. 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. 
CITY COMMISSION SEATS OPEN Three City Commission seats will be up for election this November, one in each ward. Applicants must pick up an information packet at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The packet includes an affidavit of identity and petition forms to collect signatures. Applications may be completed online or in person. Applicants must collect 26-50 valid signatures and return all forms to the Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. For questions, contact City Clerk Lori Parmenter at 616.949.2210. PUBLIC SAFETY
 SPRING DRUG TAKEBACK DAYPublic Safety invites residents and community members to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at its semiannual Drug Takeback Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. SPRING BREAK SAFETY: REMEMBER TO LOCK UP
A reminder to lock your home and vehicle every night, but especially during spring break if you are traveling. 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 possessions safe. This includes bringing in items, locking your house, garage and vehicles and turning on outside lights to deter theft. PUBLIC WORKS
YARD WASTE PICKUP BEGINS APRIL 7
Yard waste pickup begins Monday, April 7. 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.  COMPOSTING PROGRAM
There are still spots available to join the City’s food scraps composting program. East Grand Rapids residents and businesses can participate at no cost. Learn more here.
ADOPT-A-DRAIN As snow melts and spring showers arrive, Public Works encourages residents to keep catch basins clear of debris. We partner with other local communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality for our watersheds while mitigating localized flooding through an adopt-a-drain portal. What does it mean to adopt a drain? By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you’re joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. Our City has approximately 1,300 catch basins, and while our 15 Public Works staff members help clean catch basins, rain events or even just a few leaves can plug them. That’s why a community effort is needed – and helps tremendously. How to care for your adopted drain: Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off drains before it starts raining and shovel snow off drains during the winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash and clear about 10 feet on each side of the drain. Leaves, sticks and other natural materials can be placed in your yard waste container. Stay safe when clearing storm drains: Please stay 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. Learn more about the program and ways to register here. COMMUNITY PARTNERS KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH Below are some fun featured KDL programs: - Tiny Death Terrariums – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7: Use bits of greenery and fake bones to bring a bit of memento mori into your home or office as you create your own tiny death terrarium. Space is limited, so online registration is required for this event through kdl.org/events. For adults.
- Meet Your Community Helpers – 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 10: 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 small children.
- More Joyful Living Without Carbon – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15: Discover the benefits of decarbonizing your life with practical tips on air sealing, insulation, heat pumps for heating and cooling, e-bikes, electric lawn tools and more to reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability. For adults.
- Campsite Crafts – 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 1: Still too cold to camp outside? No problem! Join us for fun crafts and games that will help you experience the great outdoors – indoors! For families with small children.
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. As spring approaches, 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. 
EAST GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Know someone living outside the district who is interested in attending East Grand Rapids Public Schools? Let them know about School of Choice and Tuition Enrollment. More information about non-resident enrollment options can be found at egrps.org/enroll.  GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is seeking comments for its 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP document describes transportation projects in the region for the next four years, including road resurfacing, road reconstruction, bridge replacement, intersection improvements and more. Submit feedback by emailing andrea.faber@gvmc.org, calling 616.776.7603, clicking the “submit a comment” button at gvmc.org/tip or by mailing 678 Front Ave. NW Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. There will also be a public open house 11:30-1:30 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at the GVMC officer, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids and a virtual meeting from 2:30-3:30 p.m., accessible via the website. The draft TIP project list and a corresponding map are available at gvmc.org/tip. 
EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Tickets are on sale for the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation’s annual fundraising party, HURRAH! From 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 26, HURRAH! will fill Wege Plaza behind the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at egrsf.org/events/hurrah.html. Also, nominations are due this month for the Foundation's Excellence in Teaching awards and the James and Georgia Nicholas Endowed Award for a Teacher of Math, Science or Technology. Online nomination forms can be found here. 
EGREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative invites community members to its Home Energy Show & Tell event noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with experts about creating a more sustainable home. Topics will include heat pumps, solar power, electric lawn equipment and more. Attendees can also enter to win a free basket (must be present to claim). Additionally, the Invasive Species Pull takes place 10 a.m.-noon Saturday April 19 at the Public Works complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd SE. Gloves and other equipment will be provided to participants. This year’s event will be led by Ryan Wilemski from the Kent Conservation District. 
LOWER GRAND RIVER ORGANIZATION OF WATERSHEDS Did you know LGROW has a list of where to report illicit discharges in our watershed? You can find community specific contacts at https://www.lgrow.org/report. View LGROW’S spring newsletter here. 
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.
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