Board hears public comments on housing and parks; manager reports bridge on time and announces summer concerts

During the public‑comment portion of the Cascade Charter Township meeting, residents raised housing and park concerns while staff shared project updates and upcoming events.

Tom Richardson urged the board to ensure the township’s zoning revision supports regional housing needs, citing estimates from housingkent.org and housingnext.org suggesting substantial countywide shortfalls. Richardson estimated, using Cascade’s approximate share of the county population (4.2%), that the township might need roughly 650 new homes over five years but recommended staff develop rigorous projections tied to the zoning update.

Resident Kenneth Carey reported progress at West Castle Park, noting crews finished sidewalks and praising the project’s safety improvements. Another resident, Ken Vanderkark, thanked staff for installing a picnic table at the dam.

Manager Smith gave several operational updates: the Cascade Bridge project is on schedule and within budget; an RFQ for architectural and engineering services will be issued to advance improvements at the Tuffy site and Tassel Park; and staff announced three free Friendship Park concerts on June 12, July 17 and Aug. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. Manager Smith also discussed logistical options for serving alcohol at events — including single‑event walkable alcohol permits and the potential to pursue a state‑approved social district requiring board approval and participation by multiple local establishments.

The board thanked residents for comments, discussed coordination with the Kent County Road Commission on adjacent resurfacing work, and noted county efforts on the Durand River Greenway that may affect Cascade’s section and future maintenance responsibilities.