We have raised our family of 3 children in the Eastown neighborhood and been residents here for over 30 years. We have lived here to witness the growth and evolution of the neighborhood that has come with the growth and development of the Eastown business district and Cherry Hill and Wealthy Heritage business districts. Our children all walked to school, rode bikes and played in the street on Briarwood. This area of East Grand Rapids is unique in that it is walkable to so many places including, along with neighborhoods mentioned above, Aquinas college, Fulton heights, Gaslight village, Blodgett Hospital and reeds lake. I believe that the Eastown neighborhood now offers the most desirable locale in EGR from a pure geography standpoint. Property values have climbed significantly but we are still in somewhat close proximity to less desirable Grand Rapids neighborhoods so we must maintain barriers of excellence and individuality for our neighborhood. The value of living in EGR must be maintained and not diluted. It starts with the schools of excellence of course but must also consider the value of the single family residences. Multi family residencies in close proximity to a college and lower city valued homes could dilute the substance and value to moderate in competition with a Grand Rapids rental pool just blocks away. The vertical addition of tax-base approach via condos is a definitive “no” vote from our family for Eastown. The opportunity that we have had to live in such an amazing neighborhood and to observe the organic growth over 30 years with support and success has been a blessing and it is a great roadmap to continue with. Eastown has a concentrated housing profile, it is family oriented, attractive to younger owners, has great neighbors, is perfect for kids and just a great spot to live … don’t change the vibe.