Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pedestrian lighting on Eastern Avenue and 52nd Street
A teacher and her students gathered 174 petition signatures asking for better lighting where Stephon Harris and another pedestrian were killed. The mayor committed to having Consumers Energy conduct a lighting study.
Resident alleges false information in police records
A resident alleges Kentwood police became improperly involved in her custody and CPS matters, including late subpoena timing and behind-the-scenes communications, and asks the Commission to order an independent review. The Commission did not act on the request at the meeting.
Rising fraud and scam complaints targeting residents
Fraud complaints jumped to 83 last quarter, often targeting seniors through phone and internet scams. The police chief says education is the best defense and officers present at retirement communities, but commissioners want scam alerts shared more broadly.
Police Staffing Shortage
Six new officers were sworn in, a first for the department's size, funded partly by the voter-approved millage. The department is still short of its 86-officer goal with retirements expected this year.