Residents of East Grand Rapids expressed strong opposition to a proposed grant for the construction of a 10-foot bike path along Reeds Lake Boulevard during a recent government meeting. Community members, including Linda Christiansen and Carrie Portzline, voiced concerns about the lack of communication regarding the grant proposal, which they claim was not adequately shared with local residents prior to its submission.

Christiansen highlighted that the first notification about the grant came via a letter from Doug Lefebvre on May 15, 2024, and criticized the absence of surveys or direct outreach to residents. She pointed out that while a survey was conducted among middle and high school students, it did not reflect the views of the community, particularly regarding the potential loss of green space for additional concrete infrastructure.

Portzline echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the area's natural environment, which attracted her family to the neighborhood. She noted the community's desire for safe walking and biking options but questioned the necessity of the proposed bike path given the existing infrastructure.

Residents also raised concerns about the accuracy of assessments that justified the need for the bike path, arguing that claims of overcrowding and safety issues for school children were exaggerated. They asserted that the current routes are not heavily trafficked by students, contradicting the rationale for the proposed changes.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community development initiatives and local residents' priorities, particularly regarding environmental preservation and effective communication. As discussions continue, residents are urging city officials to reconsider the proposal and engage more thoroughly with the community's concerns.