Hi Neighbors,
Summer is off to a strong start in the neighborhoods! From the GPNA Spring Survey, neighbors once again told us what kinds of organizing they’d like to see in the areas of community safety and civic engagement. And June did not disappoint!
Community Safety
The Garfield Gardens with Jade Rabbit officially opened. GPNA Board member Stephanie is trying out the gardens this year! We love hearing updates on her little garden, Plot Twist.
The Garfield/Alger Safe Streets Forum was a great success! JB’s Pizza hosted us for this introduction to Mobile GR, GRPD, the Southtown Corridor, and one of our elected officials on the City Commission. Thank you to the neighbors who engaged in the Q & A for some lively discussion!
And GPNA’s Dumpster Day is always good day. This was the smoothest one yet, with minimal wait times, thanks in large part to our volunteers on the GPNA Board and our wonderful partners at Messiah Missionary Baptist. They provide the event location and help run this event that services 150 total trips! Many thanks to the City of Grand Rapids for providing this service to the community.
Note: We saw LOTS of mattresses. Please consider following the City of Grand Rapids or GPNA on social media for information on free opportunities for mattress recycling!
Civic Engagement
When we surveyed the community last month (survey link above!), the biggest ask was for political education. GPNA’s pre-primary 1st Ward Commissioner Forum with the Proactive Project did not disappoint! Thank you to all of the candidates and event organizers. Candidates cheerfully participated in a moderated Q&A for an hour and half.
Also, in case you missed it, GPNA attended Commission Night Out and made a statement regarding the lack of full representation on the City Commission due to the 1st Ward vacancy. Many thanks to our 1st Ward neighbors at the West Grand Neighborhood Organization for clearly laying out some action items. A clip of those remarks can be found in the What We Do section of the website.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July, neighbors. As we celebrate 250 years of independence, please remember the veterans and the babies and the puppies and keep fireworks to the appropriate hours—the day before, the day of, and the day after from 11am-11:45pm. Let’s keep looking out for each other!