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Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Aquinas College in East Grand Rapids to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in East Grand Rapids. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
- Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
- At Disaster Response, It's All About You
- Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
- Top 3 Types of Water Damage
- Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
- The Water Damage Company in East Grand Rapids, MI, You Can Trust
Fire Damage for MrMrs SLOTZ
Mold Remediation for Tracy Farah
Sewer Backup for Kiran Tamang
Soot Removal for Laina Moore
Water Damage for Kim Sorrelle
Fire Damage for Gregory Reinstein
Mold Remediation for Goldie Johnson
Sewer Backup for Linda Trier
Soot Removal for Amy Rakowski
Water Damage for Derek Anderson
Fire Damage for Mike Beaulieu
Mold Remediation for Kelli Erb
Sewer Backup for Eric Kolenda
Soot Removal for Erin Lammers
Water Damage for Diane Boerstler-Henderson
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Meyer May House in East Grand Rapids, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in East Grand Rapids.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Ryan Penny's
Disaster Response
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3707 Northridge Dr Nw, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Commonwealth Senior Living at East Paris in East Grand Rapids for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in East Grand Rapids, MI, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in East Grand Rapids?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at John Collins Park in East Grand Rapids. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in East Grand Rapids, MI, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Grand Rapids Public Museum in East Grand Rapids, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the East Grand Rapids restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in East Grand Rapids, MI, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in East Grand Rapids, MI
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in East Grand Rapids, MI, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The Chop House Grand Rapids in East Grand Rapids. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a East Grand Rapids rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in East Grand Rapids, MI
Here are the top 10 Grand Rapids area high schools with the highest SAT scores
Danielle James | djames@mlive.comhttps://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2024/12/here-are-the-top-10-grand-rapids-area-high-schools-with-the-highest-sat-scores.html
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Seven Grand Rapids-area high schools are among the top 20 schools in Michigan with the highest average SAT scores, according to the latest state testing data.The 2023-24 SAT test scores show that four Kent County schools were in the top 20 Michigan schools for taking the SAT, with an average score of 1100.5 or higher.Those include Grand Rapids Public Schools’ (GRPS) City Middle-High School, Byron Center H...
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Seven Grand Rapids-area high schools are among the top 20 schools in Michigan with the highest average SAT scores, according to the latest state testing data.
The 2023-24 SAT test scores show that four Kent County schools were in the top 20 Michigan schools for taking the SAT, with an average score of 1100.5 or higher.
Those include Grand Rapids Public Schools’ (GRPS) City Middle-High School, Byron Center High School and two of three Forest Hills Public Schools high schools - Central High School and Eastern High School.
RELATED: See the average SAT score for each Michigan school district
In Ottawa County, Spring Lake High School was in the top 20 across the state.
Also on the list were two Grand Rapids-area charter schools: the West Michigan Aviation Academy and the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.
The statewide average for the 98,995 Michigan high school students tested during the 2023-24 school year was 945. The highest possible SAT score is 1,600.
Only 25.1% of students (24,853) met or exceeded readiness standards.
High schools in Kent and Ottawa counties were also not exempt from a decline that’s affected the state on the whole.
The 25.1% of students meeting benchmarks during the 2023-24 school year is down from the 28.2% reported in the 2022-23 school year and the pre-COVID-19 pandemic scores of 33.9% in 2018-19.
MI School Data reported that in Kent County, a total 32.6% of students met or exceeded state standards in 2023-24, lower than the 35.2% reported during the 2022-23 school year and the pre-pandemic 38.1% reported in 2018-19.
RELATED: Student attendance and absenteeism rates improving for most Kent County schools
Within Ottawa Area ISD, 37.6% of students met or exceeded state standards, lower than the 39.1% reported in 2022-23 and the pre-pandemic 44.1% reported in 2018-19.
On the maps above, you can see the average SAT scores and college readiness data for each school district in Kent and Ottawa counties. You can hover over each district for a brief summary of this year’s data or click on the district for more detailed data.
The SAT assesses students on college readiness based on their scores in both the evidence-based reading and writing and math sections of the test. Students must get at least a 530 SAT subscore on math and a 480 subscore on the reading and writing section to meet the SAT’s college-ready benchmarks.
Students who meet those benchmarks have a 75% chance of earning at least a C in college freshman math, English, social studies and/or science classes, according to the SAT.
In Ottawa County, 39.6% of students reached or exceeded state math standards and 62% reached reading and writing standards.
Kent ISD reported 34% of students meeting state math standards and 56.5% reached reading and writing standards.
Keep scrolling to see the 10 high schools with the highest average SAT scores in the Grand Rapids area. The list is ranked from lowest to highest SAT scores, and also includes each school’s ranking among all Michigan schools for SAT scores. It also has each school’s percentage of students who are college ready.
10. Lowell Senior High School
9. Northern High School
8. East Grand Rapids High School
7. Byron Center High School
6. Eastern High School
5. West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
4. Spring Lake High School
3. West Michigan Aviation Academy
2. Central High School
1. City High/Middle
Below is a searchable database of the average SAT scores and college readiness data for every high school in Kent and Ottawa counties. You can search your school in the search bar, or scroll through each page to see how other schools were ranked.
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.
2024 Grand Rapids Christmas Lights Route! Includes Downtown, EGR & Comstock Park
Melody VanderWeidehttps://grkids.com/best-grand-rapids-christmas-lights-route/
GR, EGR & Comstock Park Christmas Lights RouteIf you want to see the best Christmas lights in Grand Rapids, EGR & Comstock Park this 85-minute driving route is for you!Start off with a sweet treat from Kilwins in East Grand Rapids – perhaps their peppermint ice cream waffle cone will be just the festive thing to kickstart your light tour.From there, you’ll take the hi...
GR, EGR & Comstock Park Christmas Lights Route
If you want to see the best Christmas lights in Grand Rapids, EGR & Comstock Park this 85-minute driving route is for you!
Start off with a sweet treat from Kilwins in East Grand Rapids – perhaps their peppermint ice cream waffle cone will be just the festive thing to kickstart your light tour.
From there, you’ll take the highway north to Comstock Park. We’ve included a bonus stop at ENLIGHTEN, this year’s light show at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. (Check their website for open hours and to purchase tickets.)
As you leave Comstock Park and head towards downtown Grand Rapids, consider stopping at LMCU Ballpark.
This route includes a few bonus stops along the way that need to be timed just right:
???? the fabulous Sticky Fingers Candy Shop in Eastown closes at 6 PM most days
???? ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens is only open select evenings and is a ticketed event
???? the ice skating rink at Rosa Parks Circle accepts advance reservations
This Christmas lights route includes several musical light shows (don’t miss Dana St NW!) and culminates in the granddaddy of them all, the Christmas Lite Show (fee) at LMCU Ballpark.
Christmas Lights Routes
*Click on the MAP IT link to open Google Maps driving directions to that destination.
Routes, maps, lists, drive-through lights, walk-through lights & more!
East Grand Rapids Dominates From Start to Finish in Earning Title 27
Michigan High School Athletic Associationhttps://www.mhsaa.com/sports/girls-swim-dive/stories/east-grand-rapids-dominates-start-finish-earning-title-27
YPSILANTI – Winning MHSAA Finals championships has become standard operating procedure for the East Grand Rapids girls swimming & diving program.The top-ranked Pioneers did it again Saturday, earning their fourth consecutive crown while giving coach Milton Briggs his 27th title in 50 years by scoring a whopping 407 points to outdistance Bloomfield Hills Marian (173) and St. Joseph (166) at Eastern Michigan University’s Jones Natatorium.East Grand Rapids has now captured a total of 10 Division 3, 15 Cl...
YPSILANTI – Winning MHSAA Finals championships has become standard operating procedure for the East Grand Rapids girls swimming & diving program.
The top-ranked Pioneers did it again Saturday, earning their fourth consecutive crown while giving coach Milton Briggs his 27th title in 50 years by scoring a whopping 407 points to outdistance Bloomfield Hills Marian (173) and St. Joseph (166) at Eastern Michigan University’s Jones Natatorium.
East Grand Rapids has now captured a total of 10 Division 3, 15 Class B and pair of D2 titles under Briggs, who has been at the helm for the Pioneers for a half-century.
“This group came in as a group; they stay together” Briggs said. “They allowed the freshmen to mature, and they accepted each other’s values. We just always made sure they were on track. There’s usually a lot of drama that goes on with a girls team. This one didn’t have any. They were absolutely wonderful to work with.”
The Pioneers swept all three relays, while senior Kate Simon and junior Ellery Chandler each figured in four firsts with two individual titles apiece.
Simon now has a combined four individual and eight relay titles over four years after sweeping the 100- and 200-yard freestyles in 50.6 seconds (meet record) and 1:48.19, respectively.
She was also the lead-off leg on the victorious 200 freestyle relay (1:36.24) followed by junior Nora Camfferman, senior Gracie Putnam and Chandler.
The quartet of Camfferman, sophomore Ivey Chu, senior Sarah Lincolnhol and Simon capped off the meet by holding off St. Joseph to win in the 400 freestyle relay (3:37.01).
“It was my goal going into the weekend. I’m happy with it,” Simon said. “It’s been so fun, I’ve had a lot of fun with my teammates and spent the weekend with my best friends, made lots of memories. I think our coach Coach Briggs really makes this team special. I’m honored to be coached by him. He’s really the best, and I look up to him so much.”
Meanwhile, Chandler took the 100 butterfly (56.07) and 100 breaststroke (1:02.86), while also teaming up with sophomore Meredith Sperling, sophomore Addie Hein and Putnam (1:46.40) in the 200 medley relay.
Chandler also had won the breaststroke last season.
“It was definitely so fun, especially being with the team,” Chandler said. “Everyone just has such a good time with everyone, and that’s what it makes it so much fun. There were a little bit of nerves, especially being close to different records and stuff. That’s probably challenging, going into those (to) try and see if we can get them.”
Hein also made her mark by winning the 200 individual medley in 2:06.71.
Another individual double winner was Holland Christian sophomore Camryn Siegers, who captured the 50 freestyle (23.19) while also repeating in the 100 backstroke (55.69).
She helped Holland Christian to a fifth-place team finish.
“Last year I got a gold and a silver, so I came back this year hoping to get two golds and I did that, so I’m very happy with it,” she said. “I still have some work to do, I have big meet in a couple of weeks, so I have another chance to get those.
“I think we did really well. We lost a lot of good seniors last year, but we really stepped up this year.”
Another swimmer who made her mark once again was Dearborn Divine Child junior Ella Dziobak, who defended her title in the 500 freestyle (5:12.74) after going a fast 5:03.24 in the prelims. She was also part of two relays that scored for the Falcons.
“I was happy to be able to score some points for DC even though it wasn’t as fast as I went yesterday,” Dziobak said. “I had some goals; I didn’t necessarily reach them, but I’m happy I scored some points and our relays did really well, so ... it’s exciting. I think people at school are going to be pretty excited.”
The meet’s other individual winner was Chelsea sophomore Anna McAllister, who improved upon last year’s fourth-place finish with a victory in the 1-meter diving as she scored 407.40 points. McAllister, who began competitive diving with she was age 7, was the favorite going in.
But the day belonged to the Pioneers, who entered as the prohibitive favorite after winning three straight team titles – in Division 3 last year and 2021, along with D2 in 2022. Coming out of Friday’s prelims, they were seeded first in all three relays and four individual races.
Briggs credits the team’s success to his two assistant coaches – Gwen Barnes, a former EGR swimmer in her fourth year, along with Josh Dolecki, who is in his second season.
With them, EGR has put together a successful year-round program.
“They swim all year; that’s the biggest thing,” Briggs said. “Josh (Dolecki) does our age-group program that keeps going the rest of the year. This win can be dedicated to our age-group swim team because most of the kids who scored came out of there. And those two girls (Simon and Chandler) will do anything to make the team better.”
PHOTOS (Top) East Grand Rapids’ Ellery Chandler swims the breaststroke during Friday’s preliminaries at Oakland University. (Middle) Dearborn Divine Child’s Ella Dziobak swims the 500 prelim. (Below) Chelsea’s Anna McAllister dives during Friday evening’s first rounds. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)
East Grand Rapids' Gaslight Village could see massive transformation
Michael Martinhttps://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kent/east-grand-rapids-gaslight-village-could-see-massive-transformation
Posted and last updated EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Gaslight Village district in East Grand Rapids could be on the cusp of significant change, as city leaders unveil plans for a massive mixed-use development project. The initiative aims to enhance walkability, connectivity and give families more reason to wander around.On Tuesday, the East Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a preliminary pr...
Posted
and last updated
EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Gaslight Village district in East Grand Rapids could be on the cusp of significant change, as city leaders unveil plans for a massive mixed-use development project. The initiative aims to enhance walkability, connectivity and give families more reason to wander around.
On Tuesday, the East Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a preliminary project plan.
The City Commission will next take up the project. They will introduce the current plans at an initial meeting. After hosting an opportunity for public comment, they could potentially give the project the go-ahead.
There is also the possibility that city commissioners will want the plan to be revised in some fashion.
“With every ... big project like this, we got those who are just thrilled beyond words,” City Manager Shea Charles told FOX 17 Friday. “And we've got a few people who are not so sure about it, so we balance all that input.”
At the heart of the project is the redevelopment of a vacant site on Wealthy Street.
The goal is to take advantage of the underused space, hoping to transform it into a dynamic mix of retail, residential and office spaces.
The preliminary plans include approximately 180 new housing units, with 14 three-story town homes and roughly 55,000 square feet of commercial space.
The existing parking garage, just off the main strip, will be replaced or renovated to increase capacity.
Meant to address parking concerns in the area, they are hoping to add around 320 spaces.
Bringing some extra excitement to the heart of East Grand Rapids, a pop-up event space will be created in a nearby flat lot, inviting a host of family entertainment: farmers markets, concerts and festivals.
The project looks to make the area more walkable. Pathways will be expanded, making the process of getting from Wealthy Street to the trail around Reeds Lake much easier.
“East Grand Rapids is known for its walkability; it's really one of our strengths,” Charles explained. “The developer in the plan made a point to really focus on and work to build connections, physical connections at appropriate spots, so that we have a safe development for all modes of transportation.”
Before the project proceeds, city leaders will first have to address questions around things such as traffic flow, noise pollution, building heights, and environmental consideration.
If you are interested in keeping up with project updates, you can check the website for the East Grand Rapids Planning Commission HERE.
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