Welcome to the electronic newsletter from
Grand Haven Charter Township!

Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more!

You can always find more information on our website or Facebook.
Ferris St and 160th Avenue Closures
Work continues on Schmidt Heritage Park and the construction crew will be adding a Ferris Street center turn lane at the new Schmidt Heritage Park entrance, constructing drive approaches to the new entrance drive and relocating the Hofma Park entrance drive.
Beginning on July 11th, Ferris Street will be closed to through traffic from Hidden Creek Drive to Forest Park Drive for two weeks. Further, the Hofma Park Ferris Street entrance will be closed to allow work on the new entrance and Ferris Street improvements. (See drone photo below of the Schmidt Heritage Park project from the Township’s engineering firm – Prien & Newhof.)

In addition, water main work, paving and construction of a non-motorized path is occurring on 160th Avenue from Lincoln to Ferris Street.  Work is currently underway prepping the road shoulder on Ferris Street, removals at Hofma Park and prepping 160th Avenue for water main installation.

160th Avenue from Ferris Street to Lincoln Street will also be closed starting on July 11th and will remain closed until October 1st. 
ARPA Monies
The Township has received the second and final tranche of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies -- $925,505. (The first tranche of $921,816 was received in September of 2021.) The total amount of ARPA monies that the Township received is $1,847,321.

The Township Board previously approved using $332,480 as “lost revenue” associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and divided the monies proportionally to the Funds that have an operating millage (e.g., Fire/Rescue Fund, General Fund, etc.).

Of the remaining $1,514,841 (plus any earned interest), staff will be recommending that the ARPA monies be used as follows:
  • 75% (i.e., about $1.14 million) be expended in the Water Fund to offset the cost of the proposed FY 2024 third transmission main and meter station project – which has a total estimated project cost of about $5.85 million.
  • 25% (i.e., about $378k) be expended as matching monies for the Ottawa County broadband project designed to construct the “middle mile” (i.e., middle mile is the physical fiber optic infrastructure needed to enable broadband internet connectivity).

Both of these capital projects comply with the original criteria regarding the use of the ARPA monies.  

This proposal will be brought before the Township elected officials for consideration at the July 25th Board meeting. 
Political Yard Signs FAQ:
Q: Can I have a political yard sign?
Yes … yards signs are protected form of free speech. That said, you must have the owner’s permission to place a sign on anyone’s property.

Q: Is a permit require to install a political yard sign?
No … yard signs fall under the “exempt” category and do not require any permit.

Q: Can I place political yard sign on public property such as parks or a water tower?
No … yard signs placed on public property will be removed by Township enforcement staff.

Q: Can I place political signs along US-31, M-45, or other major roadways?
No … yard signs must be outside of the road right-of-way and cannot be attached to utility poles. For example:
  • Along US-31, signs must be 60 feet from the white fog line and you must have the permission of the property owner.
  • Along M-45, signs must be 30 feet from the white fog line and you must have the permission of the property owner.
  • Lincoln Street, Ferris Street or Lakeshore Drive, signs must be 20 feet from the white fog line and/or between the pathway and the house and you must have the permission of the property owner.
  • For all other roads, sign must be 15 feet from the edge of the pavement, and you must have the permission of the property owner.
Planning Commission Vacanacy
Charter Townships have statutory authority to regulate and control development and use of property within their boundaries. One of the main methods used to accomplish this responsibility is the appointment of a Planning Commission – which for Grand Haven Charter Township has nine (9) members. 

The basic function of the Planning Commission is to make and adopt a plan for the Township’s land use development, which includes maps, charts, descriptive and explanatory materials. In addition, the Planning Commission reviews and recommends developments through the site plan, planned unit development, or land division procedures detailed in the Township’s ordinances. 

After August, the Township will have a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Residents that are interested in this opening are invited to apply for the position after reviewing the information at:
Sounds of Summer

Township Questions?
If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .
(616) 842-5988  | info@ght.org | www.ght.org