July 2020 eNewsletter
Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month.
City of Kentwood Operations Update
Kentwood City Hall remains open for essential in-person services. City Hall visitors are required to wear a mask and practice physical distancing per the Governor’s Executive Order. A mask will be provided if a visitor does not have access to one.

The following buildings are open by appointment for all services:
  • Kentwood Department of Public Works - Please ring the doorbell on-site or call 616.554.0817
  • Kentwood Fire Department - Please call 616.554.0800 (non-emergency)
  • Kentwood Police Department - Please call 616.698.6580 (non-emergency)

The 62-B District Court is open with limited capacity to the general public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, while safeguarding rights guaranteed by the Constitution. For information regarding court operations, click  here .

Residents are encouraged to continue accessing City services online at kentwood.us and by calling or emailing City staff. Bills may be paid through U.S. mail, the drop box, drive-up teller tube located outside City Hall or electronically using ACH.

The City remains in contact with health officials to ensure City operations align with their guidance. Updates about our operational changes in response to COVID-19 are available at: kentwood.us/COVID .
Parade Throughout the City - July 4
Beginning at 9 a.m., a fleet of City vehicles will parade through our community on Saturday, July 4 as a way to celebrate Independence Day safely in lieu of our traditional celebration. A parade route and tentative timeline are available at kentwood.us/july4 . We invite residents to enjoy the parade from the nearest street to their home on the route while maintaining safe physical distancing from others outdoors. As a reminder, the fireworks show has been postponed to the Food Truck Festival on Sept. 12. 
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate summer events, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In accordance with  state law, fireworks are allowed June 29 through July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on each of those days. 

If you plan to enjoy fireworks this summer, please be courteous of your neighbors. The Kentwood Fire Department recommends residents follow safety precautions, such as:
  • Only use fireworks outdoors in clear areas away from buildings, vehicles and flammable substances.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pockets.
  • Ensure firework activities are supervised by a responsible adult; never give fireworks to children.
  • Have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby. 

To report the use of fireworks during prohibited times, call the Kentwood Police Department’s non-emergency line: 616.698.6580. For more information about Kentwood’s fireworks ordinances, click  here .
Brush and Leaf Drop-off – June 6-July 11
Our brush and leaf drop-off sites are currently open for Kentwood residents through Saturday, July 11 at the Public Works Facility, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Hours of operation are from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The brush drop-off site accepts brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs. The leaf drop-off site can accept loose leaves and grass clippings. Please remember we cannot accept bags, construction materials/lumber or trash at either site. Please click here to learn more and contact the Department of Public Works at 616.554.0817 with any questions.
Summer Concerts Begin July 16
The Summer Concert Series will return this month on select Thursday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with some modifications to ensure physical distancing throughout the events. Kicking us off will be Molly on Thursday, July 16. Molly is a musician, songwriter and performing artist with a history of numerous projects and collaborations. Her emotive style of singing and thought-provoking lyrics makes for an eclectic mixture of soulful expression.

Funkle Jesse , a local four-member band, will perform on July 23. Funkle Jesse’s always-expanding song selection pulls from a variety of genres, including pop, rock, oldies and Motown, classic rock and current top 40 hits. On July 30, Crooked Root will perform popular covers and original music spanning genres such as Americana, rock, jazz and blues.

Concertgoers will be invited to grab a blanket or chair and settle in on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, where appropriately distanced areas will be marked for residents to safely enjoy the shows. Concerts will be livestreamed for those who wish to watch from home. More information is available at  kentwood.us/summerconcertseries .
Kentwood's Little Free Pantry
Open by Appointment
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who would like to utilize the pantry, which is located within the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, are asked to call ahead to 616.656.5270.

Donations are always needed to help us keep the pantry stocked. Items such as canned goods, shelf-stable food and personal items like toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste are greatly appreciated. More information can be found at: kentwood.us/littlefreepantry .
Public Input on Kentwood’s Draft Master Plan Accepted Through July 31
The City of Kentwood is seeking public input on its long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation, known as the Master Plan. Please review the draft plan on our website and share your thoughts by July 31 in the following ways:


There will be a work session on Aug. 11, followed by a public hearing to adopt the 2020 Master Plan on Aug. 25. Both opportunities will allow for additional public comment directly to the Planning Commission.
Help Plant the Seeds to Make
South Division Avenue Thrive
Division United is a project that’s currently underway to come up with transportation and development improvements that benefit the people of South Division Avenue. It will deliver a sustainable vision and equitable growth plan for South Division. This means:

  • Housing stays affordable
  • Jobs are accessible by bus, biking and walking
  • Businesses flourish

This is a citizen-driven project, and there is a seat at the table for everyone. Participation from all members of the community is critical to create the best plan for the people, neighborhoods and businesses of South Division. Please visit: www.divisionunited.org for more information and to sign up for updates. Questions can be directed to Kentwood Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer or Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder .
2020 Census – Be Counted Kentwood!
Your response to the 2020 Census matters! The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. Please help us get a complete and accurate count. If you haven’t responded yet, it’s not too late. Click here to complete the online questionnaire – it only takes a few minutes. Options for responding by phone or mail are also available.

Need language support? Click  here to access census guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, as well as braille and large print. For general census information, please visit  2020census.gov  or  kentwood.us/census .
Kent District Library – Kentwood
(Richard L. Root) Branch Update
KDL is taking a phased approach to reopening. The projected reopening date for limited service in all branches is Monday, July 6. Library patrons are reminded that since KDL is a fine-free library, it is OK to hold onto materials until it’s convenient to return them. The new curbside service is an easy and safe way for people to pick up checked-out materials from the convenience of their car. Learn more here .

Meet Up and Eat Up, a summer food program, is back through a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Anyone 18 years old and younger may pick up a free lunch and Summer Wonder reading materials at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch to take home each weekday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For more details, visit kdl.org/events .
Business Restart: Regulations Reduced and Review Processes Expedited
As businesses prepare to restart or ramp up operations, the City of Kentwood has taken some steps to reduce regulations and make things easier in a few key areas: business license fees, temporary sign display time limits and outdoor space accommodations. More information including the application for temporary outdoor business expansion can be found on our website .
Community Resources
Many organizations have stepped up to offer community support during this time. Michigan 2-1-1 is a great place to start if you need to find help with food, housing, paying bills and other needs. Residents may call 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898211 or search online any time to get connected with resources in our community. Operators offer help in 180+ languages. To explore more resources, please visit kentwood.us/resources .
Summer Taxes and Deferment
Summer property tax payment must be received no later than Aug. 20 to avoid a 3% penalty. Summer tax deferments are available to qualifying taxpayers. Applications must be filed with the Treasurer’s office by Sept. 15. Click here for the Summer Tax Deferment Application and click here for a list of frequently asked questions. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s office at 616.554.0761.
For more information, please visit our website: www.kentwood.us
4900 Breton Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49508 | 616.698.9610 | Contact Us

City Hall opens daily at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; and Fridays at noon.
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