Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Aging water main replacement program
Kentwood is starting to replace 50-70 year-old cast iron water mains prone to breaks, budgeting $1 million a year and hiring Prein&Newhof to design the first projects.
Garden Park Estates site condominium development
The Garden Park Estates developer will help pay for 56th Street improvements south of Kellogg's Woods Park. The construction contract for the 56th Street extension was also awarded at $1,012,588.
Vacancy on the Commission — First Ward seat (Coughlin resignation)
Commissioner Coughlin's resignation left openings on the Parks and Rec Commission and the EDC; the mayor's recommended appointments were approved.
Cascade Engineering and Trane tax abatements
The city's $23 million tax abatement now goes to Trane US, Inc., which plans 250 full-time jobs making air-cooled chillers at 4175 60th St. SE — more than triple the 80 jobs originally tied to Snackcraft. Hiring starts in the second half of 2026, mostly for local workers.
Housing TIF for the Meadows on Wing — housing for adults with special needs
The brownfield housing TIF was tabled again until October 12 because commissioners received finalized numbers too late to review them. It's been in front of the commission for multiple meetings.
First Companies industrial project on 36th Street
The city created a district on part of the old Steelcase property, the first step toward tax abatements for two companies interested in locating there. No abatement is guaranteed — applications would come back to the commission later.
PearTree Development at 1900 Gerda (former Dolphin Swim Club site)
The long-vacant swim club site will become ten single-family homes around $475,000 each, with a private road, an HOA-maintained path to Rondeau Park, and on-site stormwater retention designed for a 25-year storm. A neighbor warned of chronic drainage problems along Rondo Street that he hopes the development won't worsen.
FY 2025-2026 budget adjustment for street funds
About $1.4 million in resurfacing, chip sealing, patching and striping work is coming to residential streets this year, plus a full reconstruction of the Schaefer/36th Street roundabout area from June through September. Commissioner Artz noted Kent County is separately doing work on Patterson Avenue.
48th Street reconstruction (Division to Eastern)
48th Street gets a mill-and-pave rebuild with new curbs added on the half-mile that lacks them, costing the city about $1.142 million after grant funding.
44th Street reconstruction (Eastern to Kalamazoo)
The failing white-topped stretch of 44th Street will get a full rebuild next spring, with a $1.785 million grant covering most of the $3.07 million cost. Until then, the city plans hot emulsion patching and gap mastic to hold the road together through winter.
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.
44th Street white topping failure
The experimental concrete white-topping on 44th Street is breaking apart and damaged cars this spring. The mayor warns February through April could be rough before a federally funded rebuild next year, with one-way traffic and detours during construction.
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.
3125 44th Street mixed-use development next to Cobblestone
A five-acre commercial parcel from the 2004 Cobblestone PUD would get two townhouse condo buildings, two single-family condos, and two retail buildings. Cobblestone neighbors worry about cut-through traffic on their private streets, parking, and emergency vehicle access, so the city is hitting pause for a traffic study and more talks.
Division Avenue form-based code amendment for fuel stations
Existing businesses like auto repair shops on Division Avenue that became non-conforming when the form-based code was adopted can now expand through a special land use review, keeping them viable in the corridor.
FY 2026-2027 budget and millage adoption
Mayor Kepley said the budget process begins the first week of March, with rising health benefit premiums and other costs creating pressure, but he's confident Kentwood will have a strong budget year.
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.
Community Parks and Recreation Plan 2026-2031
The five-year parks plan is the ticket to state DNR grant money, and it sets priorities residents asked for — pickleball courts, Community Center development, and Covenant Park improvements. Adopting it keeps those projects fundable for the next six years.
Shaffer Avenue/36th Street traffic circle and summer detours
A roundabout is coming to Shaffer and 36th this summer, and the roads will be closed to through traffic from June through August. Local access stays open, but commuters and businesses should plan for detours — and two election precincts at Covenant Park and African Community Fellowship Church will be affected during the August election.
Rising domestic-related aggravated assaults
Police Chief Litwin told the Commission that violent crime is up year over year and above the five-year average — but the driver is aggravated assaults, most of them domestic situations that happen behind closed doors. Commissioner Morgan wants to work with the chief on targeted resources and prevention.
Mayoral Election Result
Kentwood voters have kept Mayor Stephen Kepley in office, defeating challenger Monica Sparks, according to unofficial results. That means Kepley keeps steering the city for the next term—so his priorities on budgets, services, and growth stay in charge.
Mayoral Election
Kentwood’s mayor just won a fourth term, so City Hall is likely to keep the same leadership and priorities. For residents, that means continuity rather than a sudden shift in direction.
Mayoral Campaign Announcement
A Kent County commissioner has entered the Kentwood mayoral race, so the city’s top job is now officially contested. The next mayor will influence budgets, development decisions, and city services, making this race one to watch even if you don’t follow local politics closely.