March 2022 Newsletter

Opportunities and news for residents and friends of Boston Square, Cottage Grove, Madison Square and the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Welcome to the AGR newsletter featuring to-the-point news you can use! We will deliver it straight to your inbox each month. Visit our website for more stories.

Artwork above by local artist Lesley Esse who contributed to the Boston Square Together mural.

GR MAYOR HIGHLIGHTS SE SIDE

MCPc's soon-to-be new headquarters in Madison Square was one of the equity-focused projects shared by Mayor Bliss in her State of the City address on March 1, 2022. Photo by Alfield Reeves Photography

Earlier this month during the State of the City address, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss highlighted the need and priority for equity-focused initiatives in the city.

"Grand Rapids is a city with great energy. In addition to working together, we are rising to the challenge of building a stronger, healthier, more livable and inclusive community," she shared.

A good portion of her speech focused on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids and the work being done to create equitable opportunity for residents. Some highlights include:

MCPc - Relocating GR headquarters to Madison Square and hiring neighbors.
Kzoo Station: A Community Kitchen + Eatery - A new commercial-grade kitchen coming to Boston Square to grow entrepreneurial opportunities.
Cure Violence - A program facilitated by Urban League of West Michigan.
The Diatribe - New headquarters coming to South Division Ave.

The Amplify GR crew appreciated and enjoyed an in-person visit recently with Mayor Bliss at the office on Kalamazoo Ave. SE.

Watch Mayor Bliss' State of the City 2022 speech.

WATCH THE SPEECH

NEIGHBOR SPOTLIGHT: Sheena Walls

Meet Sheena Walls. A neighbor, single mother and community advocate, Sheena sits on AGR's Neighborhood Advisory Committee and was recently sworn in as a member of The City of Grand Rapids Human Relations Committee.

Her incredible journey to community leadership, advocacy and homeownership is filled with twists and turns, "... [but] everything I do is for my kids," she exclaimed. She dedicated herself to the process of buying a home for her family when the unexpected happened. They faced short-term homelessness after a devasting electrical fire in the house they were renting.

This did not stop Sheena. She could not give up on her dream of becoming a homeowner. Despite the housing shortage on her most recent attempt, she had an offer accepted on a home that she said was, "more than they had ever expected."

Soon she was informed that the inspector had overlooked two hidden dangers found in other homes in 49507 - mold and asbestos. Both of her children struggle with asthma and she knew this situation could trigger it.

But if you've met Sheena, you know she brings a high level of resilience, tenacity, humility and positivity to everything she does. Her combined strengths and willingness to lean on her community ultimately changed everything for her family.

Sheena started searching for ways to remediate the mold and asbestos and found support through the Neighborhood Strong program (a partnership between Home Repair Services and AGR). She is now a proud homeowner and her family is healthy and thriving! Don't be surprised if you see her giving back to her community, Sheena has a pure heart for others but one that starts with her children.

Thank you for your leadership and unconditional love, Sheena!

You help push the community forward!

NEIGHBORHOOD SCENES

Check out scenes from around Boston Square, Madison Square and Cottage Grove areas! Do you have a photo to share of your neighborhood? Email jenny@amplifygr.org.

Got something or someone to celebrate? Cards, balloons, etc. are now available at Mister B's Party Store at 1216 Kalamazoo Ave.

Middle school students at Dickinson Elementary learning together in an afterschool STEM Greenhouse program.

A shipping container sits on Oakdale St. in the GRO7 community garden and flower patch and hosts Superbloom Farms.

Before and after (almost) of the soon-to-be IFF offices at 1420 Madison Ave. Welcome to the neighborhood!

YOU SHOULD KNOW

KZOO STATION SEEKING NEIGHBORHOOD ENTREPRENEURS

Are you looking for a commercial kitchen to build or expand your food business? Know someone who is? Spring GR will begin meeting with interested food entrepreneurs this spring. Submit an interest form today. LEARN MORE

AMP THE GOOD

Projects are underway already by many neighbors excited to build community! Do you have a community-focused idea or passion project that would positively impact your neighbors? Check out the application for an AMP The Good grant that would give your idea a $500 - $1,000 boost. Applications are reviewed by neighbors to ensure community impact. LEARN MORE

SHARE YOUR EVENTS

Do you live, work or play in the neighborhood and have an event or information to share? Does it connect neighbors or provide residents in the Amplify GR service area with opportunity? Submit it here.

Each entry will be reviewed and considered for a place in the upcoming newsletter. No ads will be allowed. But if you want to amplify a neighborhood business send us a note.

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