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East Express | August 2025

Friends and neighbors,

I can’t believe it’s August already! Summer goes by in a flash when we have so many fun events, activities and amenities to enjoy here in East. Thanks to all who attended the Manhattan Park grand opening ceremony a few weeks ago. If you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to check out the new splash pad, modernized pavilion, universally accessible playground and new pickleball courts!

Additionally, the annual Taste of East returns 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 on Wealthy Street from Croswell Avenue to Chase Bank. Organized by the Gaslight Village Business Association, the event features food and beverage samples from local eateries, artisans, live music and all-ages entertainment.

With school starting soon, be sure to review our pedestrian and traffic safety information. Road safety is our shared responsibility, from drivers paying extra attention during those morning and afternoon commutes to pedestrians being alert while crossing the streets and being aware of fellow sidewalk users. 

Wishing you a few more beautiful weeks of summer ahead. 

All the best,
 Katie

COFFEE HOURS

Residents have the opportunity to speak with Commissioner Abbie Groff-Blaszak from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Bagel Kitchen, 2228 Wealthy St. SE. 

GASLIGHT INVESTORS PROJECT 

City Commission reviewed the revised concept plan at its July 21 meeting, hearing additional comments from residents. Commission will review again at a future meeting. The ordinance amendment will also go before the Planning Commission at a future meeting for its review and a public hearing. 

After Planning Commission reviews, it will then go to City Commission for final consideration sometime this fall. 

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. 

PARKS & RECREATION

MANHATTAN PARK REOPENED
Special thanks to everyone who attended the grand opening ceremony of the newly redeveloped Manhattan Park. Learn more about the amenities, review the splash pad rules and reserve the pavilion or tennis and pickleball courts on our website. 

We were delighted to have (from left to right) Parks Director Derek Melville, Commissioner Laura Schwartz, Mayor Katie Favale, Commissioner Chris Wessely, Viridis Design Group Landscape Architect Lindsey Gadbois, Katerberg VerHage Project Manager Joel Franken and City Manager Shea Charles lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

FALL PROGRAMMING
Resident and non-resident registration is open for fall programming. From youth sports to adult enrichment activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall.  

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, Aug. 18 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 and are due. 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

July Public Safety spotlight is Sgt. Nathan Hernandez 

Sgt. Hernandez joined EGR in October 2018, bringing with him nearly four years of experience from Rockford’s Department of Public Safety. He has also played a key role in numerous multi-jurisdictional investigations, leading to the arrest of several home invasion suspects and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

Known for his calm, steady presence, Sgt. Hernandez’s demeanor resonates with his fellow officers on shift. As a certified crisis intervention specialist, he consistently displays a quiet confidence and has a remarkable ability to remain composed under pressure. His servant-leadership style is a natural fit within EGR Public Safety.

Sgt. Hernandez tied the knot with his wife, Connor, last October. Together, they enjoy traveling and exploring the outdoors with their German shepherd, Stout.

Outside of work, he enjoys perfecting his bass fishing skills. If you spot him kayaking on Reeds Lake, don’t hesitate to ask for his latest fishing report – he’s always happy to share.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS
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: 

For pedestrians and cyclists

• If no crossing guard is present, make eye contact with the pedestrian or driver to ensure a safe street crossing.
• Always wear a helmet and ensure your bike is working properly.
• As daylight hours shorten, wear reflective clothing or gear so you are easily visible to drivers.
• Walk your bike while crossing a street.
• 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.

For drivers

• Always use a turn signal. Obey the “no turn on right” signs at red lights during school hours.
• 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.
• Ensure all pedestrians and cyclists have safely reached the sidewalk before proceeding through an intersection.
• 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.

PUBLIC WORKS

YARD WASTE PICKUP 
Darren from our Public Works team shares some dos and don’ts for yard waste 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 (but if you're a few days late, that’s okay). Read, write or attend library programs for 30 days and you're eligible for a fun prize! Stop into any KDL branch to claim yours before summer comes to an end.

The library will be closed Sept. 1 for Labor Day. Storytimes resume the week of Sept. 2.

Below are some featured events:

• Loose Parts Play – 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Give your young child’s imagination room to grow through open-ended play with a variety of manipulative materials.
• Bingo Hour – 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. Relax and make new friends while playing exciting rounds of bingo. For adults.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Please view the 2025 Community Welcome Newsletter from EGRPS Superintendent Dr. Heidi S. Kattula.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE 

The E-GReen Sustainability Initiative will be hosting the Reeds Lake Community Clean Up from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, meeting at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd SE. Join your neighbors and help clean our community by signing up today. 

Additionally, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, E-GReen will be accepting gas-powered lawn equipment in exchange for a $100 coupon, valid at Great Lakes Ace Hardware, redeemable toward the purchase of an electric-powered piece of lawn equipment. 

Participants must present proof of EGR residency and are encouraged to register. Please note that registration does not guarantee a coupon. 

For questions, please email esiac616@gmail.com. 

Lastly, E-GReen will host its electronics recycling event 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE. Community members can drop off recyclable items, including:

• Computers, laptops and tablets
• Hard drives, circuit boards, power cords and cables
• Cell phones
• Audiovisual equipment
• Gaming systems
• GPS units
• Flat panel televisions and monitors
• Foam packaging labeled as #6 block-style or food-grade

Cathode ray tube televisions, computer monitors and batteries of any type will not be accepted. 

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