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East Express | July 2025

Friends and neighbors, 

Hope you all are having an amazing summer. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at our annual Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Corewell Health. Get ready for a day full of all-ages activities – from the parade and food trucks to free kids activities, water ski show, Full Cord concert and fireworks spectacular over Reeds Lake. Check out the event page for more details or to make a gift that helps make this annual celebration possible. 

After the holiday, there’s still plenty of summer to enjoy. Visit our Farmers Market for fresh produce, delicious treats and local art from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 28 at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Concerts and Movies at John Collins Park continue. Grab some lawn chairs, a blanket and relax at these free events!

Additionally, the annual Taste of East returns 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. Booths will line Wealthy Street between Lovett Avenue and Lake Drive, offering attendees a sampling of local cuisine from Gaslight Village eateries. Local artisans, all-ages entertainment and live music will also be featured. 

Wishing you a fun and safe holiday!

All the best,
Katie 

COFFEE HOURS

Residents have the opportunity to speak with elected officials in person at these upcoming hours:

• 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at Bagel Kitchen, 2228 Wealthy St. SE: Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak
• 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen, 2213 Wealthy St. SE: Mayor Katie Favale and Commissioner Chris Wessely

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 the project webpage and signing up to receive email and text alerts. 

City Commission will review the revised concept plan at its 6 p.m. July 21 meeting in the Commission Chambers at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.  

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.

In the next step of the BRA process, members will be named this fall. 

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.

Community members can also send comments to masterplan@eastgrmi.gov. 

PARKS & RECREATION

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Join us tomorrow for a fun day of all-ages activities during our annual Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Corewell Health. The day’s activities include:

• 8:30 a.m. – Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5k Run/Walk
• Noon-1 p.m. – Parade
• Noon-late – Food trucks
• 1-3:30 p.m. – Free kids activities at John Collins Park 
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Water ski show by Grand City Skiers
•  8 p.m.-dusk – Full Cord concert
•  Dusk – Fireworks show over Reeds Lake

The parade will begin at the intersection of Sherman Street SE and Wealthy Street and continue east on Wealthy, turning left on Lakeside Drive and ending at Reeds Lake Boulevard. There is no parking along Lakeside Drive, from the EGR Crew boathouse down to Rose's, and Wealthy Street during the parade. Lakeside Drive will be closed from the start of the parade through 5:30 p.m. and then again at 7:30 p.m.

After the parade, community members are invited to John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive, for various activities, including kids inflatables, a water ski show by Grand City Show Skiers and a performance by music group Full Cord. Food trucks offering a variety of cuisines and treats will line Lakeside Drive throughout the afternoon.

The festivities will culminate with a fireworks show over Reeds Lake at sundown. Those attending the show are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs.

To sponsor the fireworks show, contact Parks and Recreation Leisure Supervisor Rachel Fiedler at 616.949.1750 or complete the online form. 

The boat ramp will be closed on July 4 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. 

Be mindful of the Firework Danger Zone and road closure pictured in the map above. Unauthorized individuals will not be allowed to access the zone while fireworks are in progress. The Public Works parking lot, the staff parking lot at the high school and Memorial Field will be closed all day. 

FIREWORKS
Public Safety reminds residents that fireworks are permitted in East Grand Rapids 11 a.m.-11:45 p.m. through July 5, per Michigan law. 
  
If you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July by setting off fireworks, please be safe in doing so and courteous of your neighbors. 

CONCERTS & MOVIES IN THE PARK

Check out the full lineups for this year’s Concerts and Movies in the Park.

These free events are held at John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, on select Monday and Friday evenings. Concerts in the Park feature musical talent, while Movies in the Park showcase movies for all ages.

On select Monday evenings, the Concert in the Park series will feature a variety of musical genres from 7-8:30 p.m. The remaining concerts are:

• July 7 – Bailey & Ellie
• July 14 – Eric O’Daly
• July 21 – Vespa

Movies in the Park take place on Friday evenings, with each film beginning at sundown. The remaining movies include:

• July 11 – “IF”
• Aug. 1 – “Mufasa”

FARMERS MARKET 
The East Grand Rapids Farmers Market runs from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 28 at the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

TRIATHLON REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration for the Sept. 6 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is open.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

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

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property taxes have been billed. The deadline to pay without penalty is Aug. 14. Learn more about property taxes in East.

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

This month’s Public Safety spotlight is Officer Jason Bradley.

If you’ve spent any time in East Grand Rapids, chances are you’ve benefited from the dedication and expertise of Public Safety Officer Jason Bradley.

Officer Bradley has been a dedicated member of Public Safety since 2002. Over his impressive 23-year career, Officer Bradley has taken on a variety of roles, including fire inspector, ice rescue trainer and rescue boat instructor. He’s currently working toward his fire investigator certification, demonstrating his commitment to continual growth and service. In addition, he serves on the Kent County Dive Team, a specialized group responsible for underwater search and recovery operations throughout the region.

Outside of work, Jason’s life is just as full. He and his wife, Wendy, have been married since 2002 and are proud parents to two daughters, Hailey, age 21, and Hannah, 18. The family also includes Cooper, their energetic Australian Shepherd. The Bradleys love spending time at their cottage up north, especially when it means cruising the lake on their pontoon boat.

Jason’s passion for health and fitness is well known around the department. As the Department’s go-to nutritionist and fitness expert, he sets a healthy example—grilled chicken breast, broccoli and rice in the fridge are a sure sign he’s on duty.

From a young age, Jason dreamed of being “Superman,” aspiring to serve as both a police officer and a firefighter. East Grand Rapids gave him the chance to do both, and he’s never looked back. 

“I love the Public Safety Department because of the camaraderie and family atmosphere we have,” Officer Bradley says. “The City has a small community feel, and it creates a personal connection to the residents we serve.”

REMEMBER TO LOCK UP
A reminder to lock your home and vehicle, especially if you plan to travel this summer. 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 homes and possessions safe. This includes bringing in items, turning on outside lights and locking your house, garage and vehicles and to deter theft.

WELCOME, BIKE PATROL

Join us in welcoming this year’s bike patrol: Mason DeJonge (left) and Karen McBurney (right). Karen has been with Public Safety for the past three years and serves the community as a schoolteacher during the academic year. Mason is a recent high school graduate who is exploring career opportunities in law enforcement and public safety and plans to attend Western Michigan University this fall.

Bike patrol will be at Wednesdays on Wealthy, Safety Town and Concerts and Movies in the Park, among other community events. If you see them around town, feel free to say hello and introduce yourself.  

PUBLIC WORKS

ADOPT-A-DRAIN
Help our Public Works crews keep our catch basins clear of debris, especially during rain events, by signing up to adopt a drain through our friends at the Grand Valley Metro Council.

Be safe when clearing storm drains by staying 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.

Working together, we can have a positive impact on water quality and mitigating impacts from localized flooding.

TRAILER & BOAT STORAGE
The storage of any trailers, boats and other recreational units is permitted for a maximum of 72 hours in residential districts, unless otherwise stored in accordance with city code. Permitted storage is within a rear yard, shielded from view of streets or adjacent properties, or inside a garage. Not all properties and not all units are capable of compliance.

WATER QUALITY REPORT
 Our 2024 Water Quality Report has again confirmed that local drinking water continues to meet or exceed all federal and state safety standards. This annual report details the sources of our water, testing results for various contaminants and ongoing efforts to ensure safe, high-quality water for all residents. Read the full report for comprehensive data and answers to common water quality questions

YARD WASTE PICKUP 
Darren from our Public Works team shares some dos and don’ts for yard waste this summer in the video above.

As a reminder, on your regular collection day, 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.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Check out the latest construction updates from Public Works, including 2025 road projects and preservation treatments.

REVIEW ZONING ORDINANCES BEFORE RENOVATING

The City reminds residents to follow City ordinances and regulations when planning to install a fence, driveway or other home renovation project, as special permits may apply. 

View the City’s development guide. View and download zoning-related forms and applications on our Documents & Forms webpage.

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. With summer here, more community members are out walking, running and playing. 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.   

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
The library's Summer Wonder program runs through Aug. 8. Read, write or attend library programs for 30 days and you're eligible for a fun prize! Children through age 17 will choose a free book, adults will receive a two-deck set of KDL playing cards and all completers will be entered in the drawing for Meijer gift cards and gift baskets.

Visit any KDL branch to pick up a tracking log or download the Beanstack and track online. Below is an overview of some of the summer programs:

• Family Programs, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Join us in John Collins Park (weather permitting) for fun all-ages events including art adventures, live music, magicians, puppeteers and more. For children and their caregivers.
• Teen Programs, 2-3 p.m. Thursdays: Visit the library for programs specifically for middle and high school students, featuring macrame, video game tournaments, zine crafting and more.
• Storytime in the Park, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays: We'll be singing and dancing in John Collins Park (weather permitting), nurturing your child's love of reading and writing. For children up to age 5 and their caregivers.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Join friends and neighbors for the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5k at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4 at the East Grand Rapids Community Center parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Whether you’re a serious runner or walker or you just want to enjoy a scenic 3.1-mile race around Reeds Lake, this event is for you. Medals are awarded to top finishers in multiple age categories.

Early packet pickup is available from 5-7 p.m. today and day-of registration will be cashless. All proceeds benefit the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Start your holiday with fun and community spirit! Register now and learn more at ReedsLakeTrailBlazer.com.
 

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Join friends and neighbors for the Wednesdays on Wealthy Sidewalk Social. From 4-8 p.m. in Gaslight Village, enjoy live music and entertainment and restaurant and retail specials at participating businesses. 

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Save the date: Wednesday, July 16 is the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation's free Midsummer Ice Dream event at East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. From 1-4 p.m., attendees can enjoy free Kona Ice for kids, face painting and sidewalk chalk.

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