Roundup: Breonna Taylor Way, Coronavirus Relief, Walkway And More

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City Commission held its bimonthly meetings on Tuesday. Among its many actions, it approved the commemorative designation of Monroe Center Street as Breonna Taylor Way. It also discussed the approval of several grants and grant applications related to CARES Act coronavirus relief, the Connecting Children with Nature initiative, traffic enforcement programs to prevent distracted driving and developments to the Grand River Walkway. The commission approved hazard pay for election inspectors, set a special October 30 City Commission meeting and approved the 2021 meeting schedules for the City Commission and the Public Safety Committee. The commission held two public hearings. Mayor Bliss also presented two proclamations recognizing A Day Without Water and the Lights on After School event. Here is a recap:

Breonna Taylor Way

The City Commission unanimously approved the commemorative designation of Monroe Center Street NW from Monroe Avenue to Division Avenue as Breonna Taylor Way. The nonprofit organization Justice for Black Lives initiated this requested designation with the support of Breonna Taylor’s family.

During a Sept. 29 public hearing, the commission heard largely supportive input from citizens about this commemorative designation. Of the 43 that offered comment, 35 voiced support, five expressed opposition and three expressed views neither for nor against the proposal. Yesterday, commissioners individually voiced their support for this designation.

“I see this as one action, among many, that we know we need to take as we work to dismantle systemic racism,” Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “We know that this is one step forward in the hard work we know lies ahead as we work in partnership with the community and our police department as we look to transform and reform policing to make sure that there are not disparate outcomes.”

To watch the comments of support from the City Commission on this special designation, CLICK HERE.

Coronavirus pandemic funding

As part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Kent County has awarded $6,485,557.84 from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the City of Grand Rapids for addressing the public health and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the city. Kent County received $15 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund – $10 million to be allocated proportionately to each municipality based on the number of COVID-19 cases and $5 million based on population. The commission approved the grant. Funds will be used toward public safety expenses incurred in May and June, which will also allow the use of funds on future expenses from the pandemic or budget amendments recommended by the Executive Office or the City’s Economic Resiliency and Recovery Team.

Grand River Walkway Phase II

The commission authorized a $2.5 million Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) grant application in connection with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to complete the Grand River Walkway from Leonard Street NW to Ann Street NW.

If the grant application is approved, the City Commission will match the grant with an estimated City share of $1.85 million and additional funds from project partners. Funding from project partners comes from the Downtown Development Authority and MDNR Trust Fund Grants in addition to other private fundraising. The City will own and operate the TAP funded Grand River Walkway development and will commit to a maintenance program.

Grant approvals

• The commission approved the Distracted Driving Overtime Enforcement Grant awarded by the Office of Highway Safety and Planning (OSHP). The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) will use the $7,516 grant for traffic enforcement programs aimed at reducing fatal and serious injuries in traffic accidents due to distracted driving. The grant covers overtime wages and fringe benefits spent on distracted driving enforcement patrols for the grant period of October 1 through September 30, 2021.
• The commission also approved a $12,000 grant to the Connecting Children to Nature initiative with Our Community’s Children. The League of Cities awarded the grant with the purpose of supporting Grand Rapids’ vision that “all Grand Rapids youth have equitable access to natural places and spaces for a happy and healthy life.” This will be accomplished through strategies that focus on underserved neighborhoods in the southeast and southwest of Grand Rapids as well as deepen Our Community’s Children’s current work to promote our youth as leaders in nature. For example, young adults will be hired as Gear Library coordinators to assist in the management of the Gear Library and to create activities that encourage families and youth to experience nature within our local parks. The period of agreement for the grant is from March 27 to October 31, 2021.

Neighborhood classifications

The City Commission approved a zoning map amendment to change the neighborhood classification from MCN (Mid-Century Neighborhood) to MON (Modern Era Neighborhood) near the Highlands Land Conservancy. The land is bounded on the west by the Country Club Green Condominiums, on the east by Oakleigh Road and on the south by Leonard Street. The change of neighborhood classification aims to facilitate desired infill development on existing lots and additions to existing homes. Read more HERE.

Public hearings

• The commission held a public hearing to consider the establishment of an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation (OPRA) District for 1713 Madison Avenue SE. The property previously suffered a fire and has been in a state of serious disrepair for at least ten years. The current owner is developing plans to renovate the obsolete building for commercial use on the first floor and two residential apartments on the second floor. The project supports the priorities of the Southtown Business Area Specific Plan in the Madison Square business district as it would improve the retail corridor environment through the reuse of underutilized spaces and deter economic decline. Read more HERE.
• The commission held a public hearing on the proposed "Clean Indoor Air Ordinance," which would establish tobacco-free parks and recreation areas. The proposed ordinance would regulate smoking and related activities in places open to the public and public worksites. The proposed ordinance:
  • Includes parks and playgrounds as public places where smoking is prohibited
  • Prohibits all tobacco, electronic smoking devices, and marijuana products in public places
  • Prohibits disposal of tobacco waste in public places
  • Prohibits intimidation against another person seeking to attain compliance
  • Requires clear signage to be posted in parks

Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt said the proposed ordinance has broad community support and comes on the heels of a pilot program conducted by the Kent County Health Department, Urban League of Grand Rapids and supported by the Friends of GR Parks. He said his department shares City Manager Mark Washington’s vision for creating a healthy city and; therefore, would launch an education and awareness campaign surrounding the ordinance. The campaign would take place between the ordinance’s potential approval and January 1 when the amended ordinance is expected to take effect.

If approved by the commission Oct. 27, Grand Rapids would be the 29th jurisdiction in Michigan to enact tobacco-free parks and/or beach policies. Read more HERE.

COVID-19 Response and Recovery update

City Manager Mark Washington and staff briefed the commission on a variety of topics related to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts by the City. Emergency Manager Allison Farole reported, “We are definitely seeing an increase in cases of COVID within our community. At 2,003, this is the highest number of total active cases that we’ve seen so far. Let’s be very vigilant emphasizing the importance of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing our hands.” The complete presentation slides can be found HERE.

Supreme Court order

On October 2, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an opinion ruling against the statute Governor Whitmer relied upon for coronavirus-related executive orders. Assistant City Attorney Phil Strom told the commission that, although protections and directives solely based on the governor’s executive orders are not valid, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) orders in accordance with the public health code are still valid. This also adds responsibility on county health departments in accordance with the public health code and Emergency Management Act.

Grand Rapids continues to support and follow the guidance issued by MDHHS and the Kent County Health Department.

For more information on the current MDHHS Epidemic Order, CLICK HERE.

CARES/COVID funding

Deputy Police Chief David Kiddle reported that, considering the recent rise in violent crime in Grand Rapids, some Kent County CARES funding may be directed to crime prevention work. On October 22, the Board of Commissioners will consider the allocation of $500,000 recommended by the Kent County COVID Relief Subcommittee for gunshot detection technology for the City. ShotSpotter technology is a series of sensors in designated areas that detects gunfire sounds and notifies the police within 45 seconds. The coverage area and costs will be determined based on gunfire data collected by the Grand Rapids Police Department. Concurrent with this technology, the GRPD will also develop a community engagement plan and will follow process for approval via the City’s surveillance policy. Kent County has also allocated $500,000 of CARES funding for evidence-based violence prevention programs in addition to the $500,000 allocated for gunshot detection technology.

Connie Bohatch, managing director of community services, reported that in addition to crime prevention, the City’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) has refined its efforts to preserve the health and safety of homeless persons as they experience disparate outcomes because of the pandemic. Efforts include the addition of an interim homelessness coordinator and HOT’s partnerships with Network180, Community Rebuilders and Arbor Circle to address re-housing and outreach.

General election updates

Joel Hondorp, city clerk, provided an election update stating that, as of October 13, 44% of mail-in ballots were returned (23,386 ballots of the 53,586 mailed ballots). Of the 147,522 registered voters in Grand Rapids, 36% were mailed a ballot.

The City continues its efforts to register more voters. It hosted absentee and registration events at Dwelling Place residences and Souls to the Polls at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and will host its upcoming absentee and registration event at City Hall on Sunday, Oct. 25. If voters cannot attend these events, the Clerk’s Office has extended its hours to 5 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at City Hall and Election Central (located at 201 Market SW) for registration and ballot drop-off.

Halloween safety

Allison Farole, emergency manager, said that the City continues to get inquiries about Halloween safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends residents follow guidelines established by MDHHS to ensure safety during Halloween trick-or-treating and celebrations. These include:

• Share with your children that this year may different than last year but let them know some of the new ways you plan to celebrate.
• Talk with children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations.
• Participate in one-way trick-or-treating and guide children to stay to the right to ensure social distancing. Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
• Trick or treat with people you live with.
• Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose.
• A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing.
• Only go to houses with safety measures in place.

Visit www.halloween2020.org for more information and ways to celebrate safely.

In addition, Evette Pittman, special events supervisor, shared several community events open to the public. These include:

Midtown Neighborhood Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest

• October 1 to October 27 to submit photos
• www.midtowngr.org/pumpkin to submit photos and more information
• Hosted by Midtown Neighborhood Association

MLK Trunk 'N Treat

• 1 to 3 p.m. October 31 in the Southeast Parking Lot at MLK Park
• Hosted by Citizen's Leadership Council
• Considering adding Garfield Park

Cook Arts Center Parade Trunk 'N Treat (tentative)

• 1 to 3 p.m. October 31 location TBD – drive through
• Hosted by Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities

Cherry Park Contactless Candy Slide (tentative)

• 5 to 8 p.m. October 31 (Halloween hours TBD) at Cherry Park
• Hosted by East Hills Neighborhood Council

The Collec7ive Anti-Violence Youth Music Concert

• 7 to 9 p.m. October 31 at Rosa Parks Circle
• Hosted by Muse GR

Social zones extended through Spring 2021

At the last meeting, the commission approved an extension for social zones to May 2021 with efforts to help adapt businesses to winter weather. These efforts include on-site reviews of existing social zones, approval of resolutions to define paths for heating, shelter and more and coordinating with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and other partners on seasonal adjustments.

In addition to transitioning outdoor social zones to the winter season, Lou Canfield, development center manager, said the City is also developing plans for private property social districts. This would designate common areas and non-alcohol businesses within a shopping mall or center as “refreshment areas.” To become a refreshment area, the mall or shopping center must contain at least two qualified bars or restaurants and permit approval from the city commission. In addition to a site map and management plan, a memorandum of understanding between the property owner and City would also be required.

Proclamations

• Mayor Bliss declared Wednesday, Oct. 21 Imagine a Day Without Water Day in Grand Rapids. The day recognizes that water is essential to the quality of life and economic competitiveness and it acknowledges the importance of educating the public about the value of water. Bliss encouraged all citizens to recognize that importance of reliable clean water in our lives and the investment in infrastructure that is necessary to protect this valuable resource.
• She also declared Thursday, Oct. 22 as Lights On Afterschool Day in Grand Rapids. The day encourages citizens to support the importance of after-school programs. Bliss said that after-school programs are a critical resource to families, especially during a pandemic, by providing healthy outdoor ideas and inspiring career and skill development programming that support learning. She reiterated that research shows that children who regularly attend after-school programs improve their self-confidence, school performance and school attendance. What’s more, after-school programs are a significant crime prevention strategy for youth, offering positive and engaging activities.

Other action

• The commission set a 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 30 special meeting to hold a strategic planning and performance retreats. Read more HERE.
• The commission also approved its 2021 meeting schedule and set the 2021 Public Safety Committee meeting schedule. To view the full schedules, CLICK HERE.
• In preparation for the November 3 General Election, the commission set election inspectors compensation at:
  • $200/day for the precinct chairperson
  • $180/day for e-pollbook inspector
  • $165/day for all other election inspectors

The City Commission also approved $100 of hazard pay for election inspectors. The hazard pay is funded through a grant awarded from the Center of Tech and Civic Life.

For a complete look at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting agendas, CLICK HERE.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.