Commission amends traffic-calming policy to speed resident-initiated speed cushions The East Grand Rapids City Commission approved amendments to its traffic-calming policy to allow administrative approval of low-cost speed cushions and a resident-initiated pathway (including an 80% petition option), following multi-year complaints from Elmwood residents about speeding and a recent child-injury incident.

East Grand Rapids is taking action to combat speeding with a new policy that streamlines the installation of resident-backed speed cushions, responding to years of community concerns.

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East Grand Rapids Commission to Return to Draft Public-Safety Resolution in March A commissioner moved to add a resolution on policies to protect community safety and resident dignity; after discussion and requests for staff vetting the body voted to postpone formal consideration until the first meeting in March.

East Grand Rapids is taking a careful approach to enhancing public safety, with a resolution set for discussion in March after thoughtful review.

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Residents Urge East Grand Rapids to Bar Local Immigration Enforcement, Question Surveillance and Brownfield Funding Public commenters asked the city to prohibit local cooperation with ICE, ban deputization agreements, clarify use of surveillance cameras, and questioned using brownfield redevelopment funds for the Gaslight Investors project.

East Grand Rapids residents are demanding stronger protections against local immigration enforcement and raising alarms over surveillance cameras and funding for private developments.

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East Grand Rapids recommended for $500,000 LWCF grant to advance Waterfront Park Phase 2 City staff told the Parks & Recreation Commission the DNR recommended a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Phase 2 of Waterfront Park, which staff says will fund wetland restoration, sustainable trails, an outdoor classroom and interpretive signage; EGLE permitting and community engagement will shape design and timing.

East Grand Rapids is set to transform Waterfront Park with a $500,000 grant for exciting new features like sustainable trails and an outdoor classroom!

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Planning commission approves hospital parking-ramp expansion with conditions after resident objections The East Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a site plan to expand the hospital’s north parking ramp on Wealthy Street, attaching conditions including post-construction traffic and lighting reviews, continued off‑site lease maintenance and measures to manage parking. Neighbors urged bigger mitigations, citing safety and data concerns.

The East Grand Rapids Planning Commission greenlit a controversial expansion of the hospital's parking ramp, but not without attaching critical conditions to address community concerns.

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City briefed on $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund recommendation for Waterfront Park Phase 2 City staff said the Waterfront Park Phase 2 project has been recommended for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund 'Grama' Program for up to $500,000 (reimbursement match basis); staff outlined scope items, said construction could start in 2027, and warned playground elements would not be reimbursed under the grant scope.

East Grand Rapids is set to receive a potential $500,000 grant for the exciting Waterfront Park Phase 2, but will playgrounds make the cut?

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Gaslight Village project on hold as petitioners sue; residents urge commission to honor protest petition A lawsuit challenges the citycommission's handling of a protest/referendum petition related to the Gaslight Village PUD amendment; city attorney said the project is on hold pending the court's decision, while petitioners' counsel urged the commission to accept the protest petition as valid and opponents' counsel said the commission's administrative finding was appropriate.

The future of the Gaslight Village development hangs in the balance as a lawsuit challenges the city's handling of crucial petitions, igniting community calls for greater inclusion and transparency.

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Parks commission approves regatta, criterium and a trial multi-day art fair East Grand Rapids's Parks and Recreation Commission approved permits for the Bridal School Regatta and the Gaslight Village Criterium and voted to allow a proposed three-day East Grand Rapids Fine Art fair in June 2026, while asking organizers for parking, safety and business-outreach plans.

East Grand Rapids is gearing up for an exciting 2026 with the return of the Bridal School Regatta, Gaslight Village Criterium, and a brand-new three-day Fine Art Fair!

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Neighbors press planners to delay Blodgett/Corwell parking-ramp expansion as traffic, safety and light concerns mount A proposal to add one story to Blodgett/Corwell Hospital’s north parking ramp drew extensive public opposition over traffic, pedestrian safety, headlight glare, construction impacts and neighborhood character. The planning commission requested more data (photometric, pedestrian and traffic post-optimization), design refinements and legal options (deed restriction) before taking action.

A contentious proposal to expand Corwell Health's North Parking Ramp has sparked fierce debate among East Grand Rapids residents, raising serious concerns over traffic, safety, and neighborhood impact.

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Planning commission approves Calvin University stadium site plan with sound, light and stormwater conditions East Grand Rapids planners approved a site plan for Calvin University's proposed football stadium at 3120 Lake Drive (phases 2–3) after requiring a sound-amplification plan, a decibel review acceptable to staff, photometric (light) plans, stormwater solutions acceptable to both East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids, and scheduling limits (lights/sound off by 10 p.m.).

Calvin University’s ambitious football stadium project just got the green light, but with strict limits on noise and light to appease local residents!

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East Grand Rapids begins policy review on e-bikes, scooters amid safety concerns; staff targets early 2026 for regulations City staff outlined a multi-pronged approach to micro-mobility that includes infrastructure, education, enforcement and ordinance updates. Commissioners and residents asked for an interagency and community work session; staff said ordinance drafts and pedestrian-crossing language will be brought forward this winter for consideration.

East Grand Rapids is taking a proactive stance on the rising use of electric bikes and scooters, focusing on safety and infrastructure to protect young riders.

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