Hi Neighbor,
The majority of the work that GPNA does is right here in our neighborhood, the area between 28th Street, Cottage Grove, Eastern Avenue, and US 131. However, GPNA staff also engages in work that affects the broader community. Picture yourself as the smallest doll in a set of stacking dolls. Decisions made at the regional/county level affect your city, which affects your neighborhood, which affects your street, which affects you.
We’re all in this together.
In that light, I wanted to catch you up on some of the advocacy that GPNA is doing in the greater community. As always, the GPNA staff and board welcome your feedback.
City Refuse and Recycle
Sad news…did you know that the clear window on envelopes is “plastic film” and not recyclable? Don’t worry, this doesn’t contaminate your cart, but the recycled content will be of lower quality. If you have a few minutes, rip those windows out before you recycle.
South Side Pride
GPNA has densely populated neighborhoods to the north and east of our boundary, but there are no funded neighborhood associations there. This matters because neighborhoods with paid staff have easier access to City Commissioners and other City departments—therefore, funded neighborhoods have more opportunity to advocate for their neighborhoods. GPNA is initiating conversations with appropriate departments to highlight this inequity.
New Development in Grand Rapids and GPNA
GPNA representatives have spoken during the last two City Commission meetings regarding the proposed Three Towers development downtown. While GPNA is not against development or the creation of new housing units at all price points, we think the City can ask for a better deal. Specifically, we’ve asked for a more transparent process, a bigger contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund, and binding agreements for the employment of women and minority run contractors.
This stance makes GPNA’s position clear to all developers who are watching this conversation play out. We are certain to see more development in the GPNA footprint over the next decade, and this is one step toward positioning GPNA for these future conversations. I’m looking forward to discussing this further with the GPNA Board and the newly established Neighborhood Development Committee next week.
We are also asking City departments to move quickly on the creation of an anti-displacement policy. This type of policy seeks to protect residents from being forced to move out of their neighborhood due to rising housing costs, new development, and gentrification.
Incoming Administration
When it comes to the incoming federal administration, there are a lot of unknowns. We know a lot of you are wondering how you can help or make a difference. It starts here in our neighborhood and getting involved in ways to help our neighbors. If you have a passion for a cause, it’s likely there’s a place for you to help. We know there is a need for supporting migrant families, increasing access to affordable housing, expanding access to XYZ – wherever you feel called to help, our team at GPNA would be happy to connect you with ways you can get involved.
With the holidays upon us, GPNA wishes each and every one of you a season of P E A C E.
Katy Hoffman
GPNA Executive Director
