HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
The City has planned a fantastic celebration in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, starting Wednesday, July 1st with the Sea Cruisers band at G.A.R Island Park from 5pm-7pm. Events continue through the week and will include live music, a beer tent, children’s games, a parade, and a grand finale fireworks display on Saturday. Check the city’s website for the full schedule or stop into City Hall for a program. We are grateful to all of our sponsors for this event, as we would not be able to provide such a great time if not for their generosity and support.
We anticipate that Taco Bell will be open, or very close to opening very soon. We know many residents are looking forward to welcoming this new business to our community. Remember to offer them grace and patience while they adjust to opening a new store with new employees. It’s exciting to have them in Eaton Rapids!
E. Knight Street has reopened, and Phase 2 of the project is expected to begin soon. This phase will include E. Knight Street from East to Donegal, as well as Center Street to Hamlin. The work is being completed through a separate grant opportunity from the initial phase, which is why it could not be scheduled at the same time as the first portion of the project.
The water project continues and work on additional streets will begin soon. Residents who would like to know whether their street is included in the project may visit the City’s website for more information or contact me directly, and I will be happy to provide a map and schedule. There will be a new sewer line installed down State Street to Smithville Rd in anticipation of a new housing development. We will post more information as that project gets closer to scheduling.
The City was recently awarded two grants from Eaton County Parks totaling $10,000. These funds will support landscaping improvements at Milo Stewart Park, also known as Pocket Park next to City Hall, and the purchase of a 17-foot kayak trailer for the Outdoor Recreation Center. Since these grants were first offered, the City has been awarded funding each year, totaling more than $270,000. We appreciate Eaton County Park’s offering these funding opportunities so we can make important upgrades to our own parks.
Have a safe and Happy Independence Day!
Mayor Pam Colestock
