A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Hello, friends and neighbors. 

It’s springtime in East Grand Rapids, which means warmer temperatures, more sunlight and the return of many beloved outdoor activities. As many of you take off for spring break to enjoy quality time with loved ones, I would like to wish you all a happy season ahead! 

EGR Coffee Talk returns 5-6 p.m. Monday, April 10 at Carolina’s Lowcountry Kitchen. The coffee is on me, so please mark your calendar and join me for some great coffee and conversation. 

To celebrate Earth Day, the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative is hosting its second annual Earth Day celebration April 22 at Manhattan Park. This event has something for everyone to enjoy. A community park cleanup will be held 9-11 a.m., followed by fun activities and informational booths 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit E-GReen’s Facebook page.

I am also available to meet with residents during weekday office hours, additional Coffee Talk hours and weekends. If you have questions or would like to discuss something, please contact me by email or call 616.949.2110, ext. 887 to schedule a meeting. 

Happy spring! 

Katie

PUBLIC SAFETY

SPRING BREAK SAFETY: REMEMBER TO LOCK UP

Before you head out of town for spring break, the City wants to remind you to make sure your vehicles and homes are properly secured. This includes bringing in items, locking the house, outbuildings, garage and vehicles and turning on outside lights to deter theft.

Learn more about the #9PMRoutine, in which community members are encouraged to set a daily routine to secure their belongings, here.

BICYCLE LICENSING

Public Safety encourages residents to register their bicycle, which significantly increases the chances of getting it back if it’s lost or stolen. 

To obtain a free bike license, stop by Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Drive SE, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Remember to bring the bike you want to register with you.

SPRING DRUG TAKEBACK DAY

Public 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 22 at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE.

PUBLIC WORKS

YARD WASTE PICKUP BEGINS APRIL 3

Yard waste pickup begins Monday, April 3. Grass clippings and small, loose yard debris must be placed in paper yard waste bags or reusable containers. Plastic bags are not accepted. Please follow these additional 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, it is preferred yard waste is not placed for collection earlier than one day before the scheduled collection day.

For more information about collection routes, schedules or regulations, visit https://bit.ly/406uGSA or call Public Works at 616.940.4870. 

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 about the program and ways to register here: https://bit.ly/3zbPcGg. 

PLYMOUTH ROAD CLOSURE

DTE will be closing Plymouth Road north of the Hall Street intersection for both northbound and southbound traffic April 3-6 to replace a gas main. The work is scheduled during spring break to minimize the overall impact on the community.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

View the latest construction updates from Public Works here.

PARKS & RECREATION

SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Summer program registration begins April 13 for residents and April 20 for nonresidents.  

Stay tuned for the summer program guide, which will be available soon online here:  https://bit.ly/3TNkLQ0.  

SWEETHEART DANCE

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 20 for the annual Sweetheart Dance at East Grand Rapids Middle School. Children and adults of all ages are invited, and this year’s theme is “Under the Sea.” 

From 5:30-8 p.m., enjoy a night of crafts, dancing, desserts and two 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. Register by May 15 to receive $5 off. 

Register for the Sweetheart Dance here: https://bit.ly/3z33okP.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING: APRIL 17

The next City Commission meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, April 17 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.

Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3koI057. 

MAY 2 SPECIAL ELECTION

The next scheduled election will be Tuesday, May 2. The last day to register by mail or in person anywhere but the East Grand Rapids City Clerk's office for this election is April 17.

Eligible EGR residents with proof of residency can register to vote in person 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE or by 8 p.m. election night. 

Learn more about the upcoming election here: eastgr.org/elections.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

LGROW SPRING NEWSLETTER

Learn more about the 20th annual Grand River Spring Forum, native plant sales and spring tips in LGROW’s spring newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ng5OK0. 

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

E-GReen Sustainability Initiative invites community members to attend its Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at Manhattan Park, 430 Manhattan Road SE.

The morning will begin with a community cleanup 9-11 a.m., followed by informational booths and activities at the pavilion.

Get the event details here: https://bit.ly/3M3BkoO.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

No fooling! Saturday, April 1 is the last day to become a sponsor of Hurrah! Adventure Awaits and be recognized at the event. 

Hurrah! Adventure Awaits takes place 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at Wege Plaza, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. This special event will provide attendees a spectacular night of food, fun, live music from Troll for Trout and more to benefit East Grand Rapids Public Schools. 

Tickets are selling fast. Get your tickets or become a sponsor here.

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