City of Kentwood Brochure

Kentwood
T H E
R I G H T
B A L A N C E
Kentwood
A balanced community means
businesses and families. City
streets and back roads. Shopping
malls and basketball courts.
A strong economy and strong
friendships. Elementary schools
and retirement homes. Churches
and neighborhood festivals.
Homes and apartments. Small
businesses and large corporations.
Shoveling snow and playing in
it. Grocery stores and apple
orchards. Delivering newspapers
and delivering babies. Working
hard and retiring comfortably.
Making friends and making
a difference.
Living. Working. Growing.
living
Living in Kentwood.
Kentwood is about people. All kinds of people.
Itʼs a community of CEOs, sales managers and
veterinarians. Eight-year olds, newlyweds and
retirees. Soccer players, yoga teachers and bingo
champs. Fire chiefs, mail carriers and crossing
guards. Neighbors, friends and families. Itʼs a
community of diversity and of welcoming.
And itʼs a community that offers something for
everyone – from safe, friendly neighborhoods
to first-class schools. Itʼs a place with quality
healthcare and convenient shopping. Dedicated
police and fire departments. Plenty of places to
jog, bike and walk. Houses and yards that come
in every shape and size. Clean, tree-lined streets
that make it easy to get around. Above all,
Kentwood is a place where youʼll feel right at home.
working
Working in Kentwood.
Industry-leading manufacturers, distribution
centers and retailers have chosen Kentwood
as their base of operations. Employers like
Steelcase, Lacks Enterprises and Woodland
Mall provide the city with solid job opportunities
and economic stability – while Kentwood provides
companies with tax incentives, spacious sites and a
friendly community their employees can call home.
The communityʼs business-friendly climate has
attracted companies both large and small, putting
them right in the thick of the thriving West Michigan
area. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is
just minutes away, and several major interstates
traverse the region. All the more reason Kentwood
is the perfect environment for making connections,
making profits and making success.
growing
Growing in Kentwood.
Growth is one of the things that keeps a community
vibrant and attractive. Part of Kentwoodʼs appeal
has always been its ability to maintain a strong
residential and business base. The population
increase has been steady. New homes have
been built. New neighborhoods have emerged.
New businesses have opened. New opportunities
have presented themselves.
Yet the goal is to maintain a neighborhood feel
that makes Kentwood such a great place to live
and work. The city will continue to welcome new
residents and businesses, redevelop existing
areas, create open spaces for gathering and
recreation, and provide convenient transportation all while keeping the growth manageable and
comfortable. Thatʼs why Kentwood will always
have the right balance.
Kentwood
F I R E
D E P A R T M E N T
FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Three fully-equipped fire stations are staffed
24 hours a day with full-time personnel, and
supplemented by paid-on-call fire fighters
– Station 1 (Administration): 4775 Walma SE
(built in 1992)
– Station 2: 4181 Embassy SE
(completed in 2001)
– Station 3: 5340 Eastern SE
(completed in 2001)
When people choose a
place to live, the safety of the
community is one of the most
important factors. Residents
of Kentwood benefit from a
number of top-quality fire
prevention, fire education and
technical rescue programs that
provide true peace of mind.
• The Kentwood Fire Department (KFD)
performs the following duties:
– Fire prevention (including fire safety
inspections and plan review)
– Fire suppression and investigation
– Public education (including elementary
and secondary school programs,
community CPR, station tours
and parades)
– Emergency medical services
– Emergency management
– Hazardous materials response
– Technical rescue (including high angle,
low angle, confined space, and
trench rescue)
• The KFD employs 48 full-time and 14
paid-on-call people
• Each of the fire stations is equipped with
specialized vehicles to provide rapid response
to fire, medical and other emergencies. A top
priority of the KFD is to continually improve
response times to emergency calls
• In 2005, the KFD responded to a total of 4,269
medical and emergency response calls, 3,224
of them were Rescue/EMS. The average
response time from the time of call to arrival
was 5:10 overall; 4:47 for emergency calls.
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Kentwood
P O L I C E
D E P A R T M E N T
POLICE DEPARTMENT
• The Kentwood Police Department (KPD) is made
up of highly educated and well-trained sworn
officers and their support staff who perform
difficult and complex tasks with courtesy and
professionalism
A quality police force ensures
a safe, livable community. The
Kentwood Police Department
combines law-enforcement
expertise with an array of
services to stay in touch with
the needs of every resident.
The departmentʼs training
and professionalism instill the
highest confidence.
* The KPD is one of the few in the State of
Michigan to be accredited by the Commission
for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA)
* The KPD has one of the few cyber crime
investigative capabilities in West Michigan,
conducting extensive investigations on Internet
fraud, the solicitation of children, and threatening
electronic communications
* The KPD actively participates in joint operations
and investigations with area law enforcement
agencies, including the Metropolitan Enforcement
Team, which targets mid-level drug dealers; and
the recently formed Fraud and Identity Theft
Team
* The Combined Auto Theft Team (CATT), a
joint effort of the Grand Rapids, Kentwood,
and Wyoming Police Departments, consistently
leads the state in successful recovery of stolen
vehicles and offender arrests, contributing to an
extremely low rate of auto theft in the area
* The Kentwood Police and District Court serve
the community from a new state-of-the-art facility
at 4740-4742 Walma SE
* Ninety-one percent (91%) of residents surveyed
rated KPD as either excellent or good
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Kentwood
D E M O G R A P H I C S
DEMOGRAPHICS
The City of Kentwood has
attracted a diverse crosssection of people from every
walk of life and every type of
background. The scenery is
diverse as well, from large
homes with several acres to
attractive apartment
communities to tight-knit
neighborhoods. The consistent
growth of the cityʼs population
says it best: Kentwood is a
place where everyone feels
welcome.
The following information is based upon
2000 census data:
• Population was 45,255 and has been
growing by approximately 1,000 residents
every year
• Ranked 26th in the state for population
• Average residential value is $120,600
• Median age of the population is 32.4
• Housing units in the city total 19,507
with a 95% occupancy rate
• 32% of residents have a bachelors degree
or higher
• Median household income is $45,812
RACE OF RESIDENTS
AGE OF RESIDENTS
50
Black
9.1%
40
4.9
11.8
-5
4
an
d
75
25
55
25
U
nd
er
White
80%
-7
4
0
ov
er
10
46.3
20
Other
3.9%
American Indian
.5%
36.9
30
Asian
5.6%
Based on 2000 Census data
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Kentwood
T H E
E C O N O M Y
THE ECONOMY
• Kentwood is ranked in the top 2% in Total
Equalized Value of all cities, villages and
townships in the state
A favorable economy has
helped the City of Kentwood
build a strong base of
businesses in the area. That,
in turn, has led to more
economic growth, better job
opportunities, increased
development and a steady
gain in population. The cityʼs
economy stands up very well
when compared to other
communities of its size.
• Kentwood is ranked 14th in Total State Equalized
Value in the commercial and industrial classes
• There is no city income tax
• Businesses find it convenient to locate in
Kentwood because of easy access to
transportation, including the Gerald R. Ford
International Airport, major highways and rail
freight routes
• The cityʼs diverse economy has enabled an
unemployment rate that is consistently lower
than the county and State of Michigan
• The city has one of the lowest millage rates
in the state for communities of over 20,000,
without an income tax
EMPLOYMENT BY KENTWOOD
RESIDENTS BY INDUSTRY
Manufacturing
35%
Wholesale Trade
10.5%
Other
2%
Retail Trade
20%
Accommodation and
Food Services
9%
Health Care and
Social Assistance
5%
Educational Services
.05%
Based on 2000 Census data
Administrative, Support,
Waste Management, and
Remediation Services
11%
Real Estate, Rental,
and Leasing
2%
Professional, Scientific,
and Technical
5%
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Kentwood
P R I M A R Y
I N D U S T R I E S
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
• Kentwood is a regional employment center,
home to a diverse selection of companies,
including Steelcase, Lacks Enterprises, Inc.,
X-Rite Incorporated, Konica Minolta, and The
Knoll Group
• Top industries include industrial machinery and
equipment, office furniture, fabricated metal
products, health care services, furniture
suppliers, automotive suppliers and medical
device manufacturers
Top-tier businesses have
flocked to the City of
Kentwood because of its
proximity to a variety of
transportation options, its
quality of life opportunities
for employees and its
economic stability. Several
areas within the city are
open for further development,
offering industrial,
manufacturing and retail
companies — both large
and small — a solid base
of operations.
• There is industrial land available for
development
• Qualified businesses may receive tax
abatements under the provisions of
Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended
NUMBER OF JOBS PER
INDUSTRY IN KENTWOOD
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing
Professional
Scientific & Technical
Administrative & Support
Education
Healthcare and Social Assistance
Accommodation and Food Services
Other Services (except Public Admin.)
Based on 2002 Economic Census data
Note: Arts and Entertainment not available for 2002
www.ci.kentwood.mi.us
10,110
3,062
5,826
568
1,459
3,146
26
1,492
2,603
667
Kentwood
P A R K S
&
R E C R E A T I O N
PARKS & RECREATION
• The scenic 2.5-mile Paul Henry/Thornapple
Trail is ideal for walking, jogging, biking or
rollerblading, and features easy access,
smooth pavement and trailside parks
• The 2-mile East-West Trail has recently
been completed, providing access through
neighborhoods and connecting to the
Paul Henry Trail, schools and parks
A true community is one
where there are plenty of
opportunities to have fun,
stay fit and active, and get
to know your neighbors.
The Kentwood Parks and
Recreation Department
not only sponsors a variety
of sports, fitness and
leisure activities, it has
also developed an
impressive number of
parks and green spaces
that offer something
for everyone.
• There are more than fourteen well-maintained
parks within the community featuring playgrounds, picnic facilities, athletic fields, a
spray park, and two disc golf courses
• Sports leagues, including softball, basketball
and soccer are available to residents
• The Parks & Recreation Department offers
a wide variety of athletic and non-athletic
activities for adults and children, including
volleyball, hockey, racquetball, bowling,
archery, art classes, kayaking, swimming,
Bible study, karate, fitness and yoga
• Many programs are also offered for seniors,
including therapeutic recreation, bridge,
computer classes, dance, golf and quilting
• Community events include National Night
Out, Kentwood Safety Day and the annual
July 4th Parade and Carnival
• Residents can volunteer for coaching and
officiating roles at sporting events
• Other sports programs sponsored by private
entities are available to area residents
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Kentwood
R E S I D E N T I A L
L I F E
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
• The City of Kentwood is served by four outstanding
public school systems—Kentwood, Forest Hills,
Kelloggsville and Caledonia. Options for private or
parochial schools are also available within the city
Kentwood offers a full range of housing options, with
single family homes ranging in price from $50,000 to
$1,000,000, with median home value at $120,600.
Rental communities exist in the city too, with median
rent at $586 per month (2000 Census)
The best testament to a solid
community is the people who
choose to live there. Our
residents make their homes
in Kentwood because of the
friendly, open environment —
and because theyʼve
found everything they
need here: welcoming
neighborhoods, comforting
churches and nurturing
schools. Itʼs a place that
brings people together.
Kentwood has consistently been one of the top
communities in terms of new housing starts, with an
average of approximately 200 single family starts
each year for the past 12 years
There is a strong sense of community, as indicated by
the 14 neighborhood associations serving the areaʼs
neighborhoods
• Services provided by the city include:
– Snow plowing
– Leaf collection
– Public water and sewer through the City of
Grand Rapids and the City of Wyoming
water systems
– Road paving and maintenance
– Fire Department protects the city through its
three fully-equipped fire stations
– Police Department has 71 sworn officers and
25 support/cadets (16 FT, 1 PT and 8 cadets) to
serve the community
– Engineering services, including drain maintenance,
plan review and driveway permits
– Recycling program is available
– Recreational programming and facilities
– Kentwood Branch Library is centrally located in
the community offering the resources of the
Kent District Library as well as local programs
for both adults and children
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Kentwood
P A S T
A N D
F U T U R E
PAST AND FUTURE
The land that once became part of the City of Kentwood has long been valued for its
hardwood forests and its fertile soils. As early as the 1830ʼs, pioneers came to settle
in the area known as Paris Township. Barney Burton became the first to pitch his
camp and build a house in present day Kentwood. The entire county celebrated his
“barn-raising.” Land speculators recruited in the East and other settlers soon joined the
community. The names of these early settlers remain on streets and businesses in the
former Paris Township (now Kentwood)—Godwin, Guild, Laraway, Patterson, Spaulding,
and others. Thus, Kentwoodʼs roots grew deep in the soil as farmers planted and
harvested crops, raised livestock, and became involved in the development of what
was then called Paris Township. As time passed, however, those farms gave way to
development and, by 2002, only one working farm remained in the city—the Heyboer
Centennial Farm.
In 1967, Paris Township incorporated to ward off annexation by Grand Rapids and
became the City of Kentwood. Since that time, Kentwood has continued to experience
economic growth without sacrificing the community spirit demonstrated during its
agricultural heyday. Housing developments now grow in fallow fields, while industrial
expansion flourishes along intersecting highways. Nevertheless, Kentwoodʼs heritage
has not been forgotten as evidenced by the recognition of historic sites and the
maintenance of a Heritage Room at the Kentwood Public Library.
The Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Kentwood has worked to
preserve the cityʼs past through their work on the following activities:
•
•
•
•
•
Designating historic sites and buildings
Recognition of the cityʼs agricultural roots
Honoring those that have defended our countryʼs freedom
Recording the memories of residents
Providing information to be used in teaching children the importance of history
Although itʼs a relatively young city, Kentwood has grown into a vital, thriving part
of West Michigan. Throughout its history, the community has attracted enterprising
leaders and residents intent on realizing their vision for the future. With such a rich
heritage, thereʼs no doubt that there will always be great things in store for the
City of Kentwood.
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Kentwood
R E T A I L
E N V I R O N M E N T
RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
• Woodland Shopping Center, the regionʼs top
shopping center, draws as many as nine million
visitors a year—featuring more than 100 retail,
specialty shops and restaurants, including
Williams-Sonoma, J. Crew, Macyʼs,
JC Penney, Banana Republic, and Sears
Retail is a strong and
vital aspect of the City of
Kentwood. A variety of
alternatives, from small
specialty boutiques to larger
retail stores and malls are
located in the area, ensuring
residents and visitors of
a high-quality shopping
experience. There are
several retail centers and
dining establishments to
choose from — all within
easy reach.
• The 28th Street corridor boasts high-profile
retailers like, Barnes & Noble, Cost Plus
World Market, Office Max, Home Depot,
Loweʼs, Circuit City, Pier 1 Imports, CompUSA,
and Petsmart
• There are 299 retailers (2002 Economic Census),
located in the city, including MC Sports,
Design Quest Furniture, Family Fare,
and Horrocks Market
• Popular dining options and specialty food
stores include Panera Bread, Don Pabloʼs,
TGI Fridayʼs, Outback Steakhouse,
Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday, Chiliʼs, and
Carrabbaʼs
• The sales draw of the cityʼs 28th Street
corridor is one of the highest in the state
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Kentwood
S C H O O L
S Y S T E M S
&
E D U C A T I O N
SCHOOL SYSTEMS
& EDUCATION
• There are four outstanding public school
systems within the City of Kentwood —
Kentwood, Caledonia, Forest Hills
and Kelloggsville
• Parents can also choose from other highly
regarded private schools
• These systems serve more than 9,000
students throughout the community
Education should not just
teach, but also inspire, lead
and challenge young minds.
The City of Kentwood is proud
to offer a variety of quality
educational opportunities for
our children — schools that
feature compassionate
educators, current
technologies, and academic,
social and athletic programs
that allow each student to
become the person he or
she wants to be.
• Average student to teacher ratio is 17.5:1
• Schools are located in neighborhoods
and provide bright, comfortable learning
environments
• Classrooms feature computer learning centers
that are upgraded on a regular basis
• Individual and group instruction is available
• Students can get involved in a variety of
extracurricular activities at nearly every
grade level
• Athletic programs throughout each system
are strong and well-supported
• College-track preparatory programs are
available for students beginning in 7th
grade to prep students for the next level
• Respected colleges and universities such as
Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone
University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids
Community College, Grand Valley State University,
Kendall College of Art and Design and Western
Michigan University are all in close proximity
• Areawide vocational school opportunities
are available
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Kentwood
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
TRANSPORTATION
• Convenient access to the Gerald R. Ford
International Airport (GFIA) — Michiganʼs
second busiest commercial airport
• Serves as the regional hub for air cargo
The City of Kentwoodʼs
central location means youʼre
connected to any destination
you choose — whether by car,
plane or train. Residents and
employers enjoy fast,
convenient access to the West
Michigan area and beyond. So
itʼs just as easy to get your
product to locations across the
country as it is to get to the
grocery store down the street.
Driving distance to:
Cincinnati
Chicago
Cleveland
Columbus
Detroit
Indianapolis
Lansing
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Toledo
Toronto
Traverse City
352
184
301
331
160
296
63
279
426
185
379
139
• The GFIA serves nearly 2 million passengers
a year to destinations worldwide and features
non-stop connections to Washington D.C.,
Memphis, Dallas, Cincinnati, Columbus,
Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, Toronto,
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Minneapolis
• The regional bus system conveniently
connects Kentwood riders to adjacent cities
• Amtrakʼs Pere Marquette offers passenger
rail service to and from Chicago
• The South Beltline (M-6) offers Kentwood
businesses and residents more convenient
access to I-96
• Private jet rental and corporate jet hangars are
available to businesses
• Three national freeways and five state
highways cross the area
• Other rail service for goods and raw materials
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
miles
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Kentwood
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
• The Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
was formed to coordinate and implement the
economic development activities of the City
of Kentwood
• The EDC members are appointed by the
mayor with approval by the Kentwood
City Commission
• All members are residents of the City of
Kentwood, representing a variety of
businesses and industries
Kentwoodʼs Economic
Development Corporation
(EDC) acts as a liaison
between city government and
the business community to
attract, retain and expand
businesses within the
community. The EDC Board
Members and their staff work
with various branches of the
government in enhancing
resources that are available
to businesses.
• The EDC supports local economic
development through its low-cost loan and
grant programs, and by offering limited
obligation revenue bonds
• The EDC promotes regional economic
development through its support of The
Right Place, Inc., an economic development
agency involved in the attraction,
retention and expansion of businesses
in the Grand Rapids region
• The city provides tax abatements for
qualified businesses under the provisions
of Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended
• The city has established a Brownfield
Redevelopment authority under Public Act
381 of 1996
• Contact: Lisa Golder, (616) 554-0709
P I C T U R E D O N F R O N T: W O O D L A N D M A L L
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Kentwood
To learn more about the Kentwood community and how we
can help you find the balance you're looking for, contact the
Economic Development Center today at (616) 554-0709, or
visit us online at www.ci.kentwood.mi.us
City of Kentwood 4900 Breton Ave. SE • P.O. Box 8848 Kentwood, MI 49518-8848 • (616) 554-0709
Issued by the Economic Development Corporation