Grand Haven isn't just a summer postcard. While the tourists think we vanish when the pier freezes over, the locals know this is when the real work happens. Right now, there is a massive conversation happening about the future of our streets and what's underneath them. If you haven't heard the figure $51 million being tossed around at the grocery store or during coffee at Jumpin’ Java, you probably haven't been paying attention to the latest local news for Grand Haven.
Honestly, it’s a lot of money. $51.7 million to be exact.
Public Works Director Michael England recently laid out a capital plan that basically confirms what many of us suspected while hitting potholes on 7th Street: our infrastructure is exhausted. We are talking about water mains that have been in the ground since the late 1800s. Some of these pipes are literally over a century old. It’s a bit wild to think that the water coming into your house is traveling through Victorian-era engineering.
The $51 million reality check
The city council recently saw the breakdown of this infrastructure overhaul. It’s not just about paving roads. It's the "dig once" philosophy. If you're going to tear up the asphalt to fix a 100-year-old sewer line, you might as well redo the road, the storm drains, and the water valves all at once.
It saves money in the long run. Sorta.
The plan is divided into priority groups. Group one is the big hitter, focusing on areas like 7th Street (from Clinton to Beacon) and Columbus (from 4th to Beacon). This first chunk alone is estimated at over $23 million. There’s also a heavy focus on lift stations—the Harbor Drive, Grand, and Duncan Court stations are all on the list for upgrades.
Winterfest is hitting its 50th year
While the city's pipes are crumbling, the community spirit definitely isn't. We are heading straight into the 50th Annual Winterfest. This isn't just another small-town festival; it's a milestone. If you've lived here long enough, you know the Cardboard Sled Race at Mulligan’s Hollow is basically our version of the Super Bowl.
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This year, things look a little different with the "50-Year Fireworks Finale" scheduled for Saturday, January 24th.
Here is the quick rundown of the big dates:
- January 22: The Glow Bowl at Mulligan’s Hollow kicks off at 4:00 PM. If it blinks or glows, wear it.
- January 23: The Cardboard Sled build happens at White Pines Middle School. Remember: no paint allowed inside the school.
- January 24: This is the big one. Sled races in the morning, the Bonfire Bash downtown in the afternoon, and those anniversary fireworks at 9:30 PM.
The "Freeze 4 All" snow volleyball tournament is also back in the Harborfront parking lot. It’s co-ed, it’s cold, and it’s usually pretty hilarious to watch people try to spike a ball while wearing three layers of Gore-Tex.
What’s happening with Chinook Pier?
The hole where the Chinook Pier shops used to be is still a sore spot for many. The city is currently looking for a "visionary developer" to turn those 3.4 acres into something useful again. The plan involves a public-private partnership. They want retail, they want more dining, and they want a multi-use market facility.
The goal is to knit that site back into the "waterfront fabric."
It’s a tough balance. You want growth, but you don't want to lose the historic, small-town vibe that makes Grand Haven what it is. Between 2010 and 2019, the city grew by about 6%. Some forecasts suggest the downtown periphery could grow by another 11% soon. That puts a lot of pressure on year-round retail and parking.
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GHAPS and the master plan
Our schools are also at a turning point. Grand Haven Area Public Schools (GHAPS) is finalizing a Master Plan. This isn't just about painting classrooms. They are looking at a massive 5-8 campus concept that would connect the White Pines and Griffin properties.
Basically, they want a single site for 5th through 8th graders with separate wings for different age groups.
The district is using an independent firm, Epic MRA, to conduct a scientific survey this month. They want to know if the community actually supports the tax impact of a potential bond. If you get a call or a survey link, take it seriously. This will dictate where the kids go to school for the next thirty years.
Real talk about the budget
The city council has some new faces—Sarah Kallio and Erin Lyon were sworn in recently, alongside Mike Dora. Mayor Bob Monetza is still at the helm. This "new" council is walking into a bit of a storm. They have to find a way to fund that $51 million infrastructure plan without making everyone's property taxes skyrocket.
They are looking at grants, specifically for "safe routes" and lead pipe replacement.
But grants only cover so much.
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We also have the Grand Haven Children's Museum looking to lease space at Central Park Place. They want 13,500 square feet for a decade. It would bring a lot of life to that area, especially since the museum is offering to build an expansion at no cost to the city.
How to actually stay informed
Don't just rely on Facebook rumors. The city actually released a digital 2026 calendar that you can download from the official website. It’s surprisingly helpful for tracking meeting dates.
If you want to have a say in the $51 million plan, the next City Council regular meeting is Tuesday, January 20th, at 7:30 PM in the City Hall Chambers on Washington Avenue.
Go. Ask questions.
Your next steps:
- Review the PASER ratings: The city's roads currently average a 3.43 out of 10. Check if your street is in the "Group 1" or "Group 3" priority list for reconstruction.
- Participate in the GHAPS survey: If you are a resident, your input on the 5-8 campus model will directly influence the upcoming bond proposal.
- Pre-register for Winterfest: If you’re planning on the Euchre Tournament or the Cardboard Sled Race, check the Grand Haven Winterfest website for registration deadlines—some events fill up fast.
- Attend the Jan 20 Council Meeting: This is the best place to hear the latest updates on the infrastructure funding and the Chinook Pier RFP progress.
Grand Haven is changing. Whether it's the pipes under our feet or the schools our kids attend, these decisions are happening right now. It's a lot to keep track of, but staying involved is the only way to make sure the "Grand" in Grand Haven stays that way.