Autumn 2011
Spotlight on...Kentwood
Dear Neighbors,
I’ll give you an idea of how old I am, I hear the refrains of the song “Autumn Leaves” humming in my mind as the shadows of early September lengthen and the nights grow cooler. The anticipation of a new Fall season and the ensuing color display will once again fill us with new expectations (not to mention that Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner). Many of the projects that we planned for during last winter have been, or will soon be completed. The new Splash Pad and restroom at Pinewood Park, the expanded parking lot and new restrooms located along the Paul Henry Trail at 52nd and Stauffer St., along with road projects, are now mostly behind us. Friends, you may begin to see a theme developing. I have moved from melancholy, through the present and onto the future.
So, what comes after these activities? How about gratitude? I am thankful to all of you that didn’t call my office to complain about the inconvenience that our street repairs caused. Many of you were asked to park away from your homes on several occasions and rearrange your activities based on the hope the “City” would soon finish its work. Heartfelt thanks to all and a hope that the new surfaces help spruce up your neighborhoods. I received no calls complaining that the splash pad was a month behind schedule, I did get some very pleasant e-mails of appreciation when we turned it on.
What about Forest Hills Avenue you may ask? Hang in there folks, this is a big job that has many obstacles, with topography being the largest.. We are making every effort to correct the deficiencies of the old road while trying our best to enhance the neighborhood at the same time. We are installing a non-motorized trail along Forest Hills Avenue that assumes the State moves ahead within the next two years in rebuilding the overpass that crosses I-96. When the overpass is reconstructed with a pedestrian lane, the full benefit of our trail will be realized. The completion date for the current construction (depending on weather) is mid-October.
This year’s Fourth of July celebration was never better! We had near perfect weather, a great parade, and an outstanding fireworks display. The parks and trails are greener than they have ever been and yet we are humbled with dead and dying Ash Trees we must cut. One other comment, the sweet corn has never been sweeter…go check it out at Horrock’s. I have one final shout out of thanks and that goes to all of you who had damage resulting from the July 11th storm. I saw many of you working hand in hand with City employees and your neighbors to clean up the mess. You were inspirational and your actions validated our City motto: “A Community Effort.” I hope to see you at the leaf disposal site in a few weeks.
Take Care,
Rick Root
Mayor
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It hardly seems possible, especially since the summer has been hotter than usual, but it’s true, winter is, right around the corner! With winter comes off street parking in the City of Kentwood. From November 15th, 1:00am through March 15th 8:00 am, you may not park on the city streets in Kentwood. To do so could mean a $20.00 parking ticket. It is during these hours, when most of us are still slumbering that snow removal trucks plow our city streets. Please remember to tell your overnight guests of the parking rules. I am sorry to inform you, but the parking rule applies whether it snows or not! Stay safe and continue to enjoy the rest of the summer!
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A permit must be obtained from the City in order to erect or replace any fence or wall that is at least 30 inches in height. The permit application is filed with the Planning Department on the second floor of City Hall. The application must include a sketch plan detailing the type, height and location of the proposed fence along with a $20 permit fee. Applications will be processed within two business days.
No fencing can be constructed in any public right-of-way, floodway easement or drainage easement. The fence permit requirement is intended make sure that the fence you install is of a proper height, type and location on your property. If you have any questions about specific fence or wall restrictions, please call 554-0707 or visit the Planning Department tab on the City’s website www.ci.kentwood.mi.us
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Six decades ago the Kentwood Fire Department began to participate in National Fire Prevention Week this October. Each year a theme is designated and in 1949 the theme was “Flameproof Your Future.” This year the theme is “Protect Your Family From Fire.” As a community, let’s work together to protect our families and their future from fire by following a few fire safety tips:
Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries when you change your clocks. Have an ESCAPE Plan. An escape plan is a plan to get everyone out of your home quickly. Make sure you pick a meeting place where everyone should meet once they have escaped. Once you are out, do not go back inside to rescue pets or belongings.
Clean the lint out of the lint filter in your clothes dryer after every use and monitor the exhaust hose. If you are going to use candles, make sure they are in a sturdy candle holder or on a stable, heat resistant surface and never unattended. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected to assure it is working properly. Always open the flue or damper before starting a fire in the fireplace. Place a sturdy fireplace screen or door in the front of the fireplace. Always store ashes in a non-combustible container with a tight lid and place the container away from the house. Thank you for your participation in prevention of harmful fire.
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The 2011 Leaf Disposal Site at 5068 Breton Avenue is scheduled to run from Saturday October 15 through Saturday December 3rd. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday – 10:00am to 8:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm (noon) to 6:00pm. Please call 698.9610 for more information.
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Please welcome Jennifer Keith as the new part time special events coordinator for the parks and recreation department. Jen will be reviving many of the special events that were eliminated and also adding a number of new ones! Jen comes to us with a variety of experience in planning special events and has already made great strides in talking to businesses and community members. Keep your eyes and ears open so you don’t miss any of the great events that she has planned for Kentwood!
Upcoming Special Events:
Halloween Hoopla!
Join us at the Kentwood Activity Center before heading out to Trick or Treat around town for our Trick or Treat Trail! Area businesses will provide Halloween decorated stations for the children to grab candy as they follow our spooky but family friendly Trick or Treat Trail. Think you have the best costume? Costume contest winner will be announced at 6:30pm followed by a pet costume contest at 6:45pm. The fun is from 6:00pm—7:00pm Monday, October 31, 2011.
Quirky Turkey Toss!
Toss and you could win! Teams of 2 will have 30 seconds to make the most baskets in hopes to win a FREE Turkey just in time for Thanksgiving. Groups are divided accordingly: 3—5th grade, 6—8th grade and high school. 3—8th graders must have parents as their team member. Come out and enjoy carnival games from area organizations during the event. This event will take place at the Kentwood Activity Center on Saturday, November 12 from 12:00—2:00pm. Pre-registration is required. $5 per team to toss. Code: 136431
Christmas Spectacular and Tree Lighting!
Its back! Kentwood Parks and Recreation has partnered with Walgreens for this night of Holiday fun! Bring the whole family to the Kentwood Activity Center on Wednesday, December 7 at 6:00pm to enjoy youth candy cane hunts, adult flash light hunt, pictures with Santa, refreshments, caroling, cookie decorating and tree lighting! This event is free and has something for everyone!
Daddy Daughter Masquerade Ball!
Grab your favorite guy, dress in your best and dance the night away! Masquerade and Mardi Gras themed attire is not required but encouraged! You can bring your own mask or make one at the event. Dinner will be provided. There is no age limit on this event. The fun is from 6:00pm—8:00pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Location to be determined. Pre-registration is required. $20 per couple, $5 for extra child. Code: 147030.
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Archive
10/10/2010 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Autumn 2010 2/24/2011 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Winter 2011 5/16/2011 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Spring 2011 7/11/2011 -
City of Kentwood Newsletter - Summer 2011