City of Wyoming Continues Work to Open Streets

Our Cities, ,

by Janice Limbaugh and the City of Wyoming

Vicky Devine, left, has worked at the Well Mannered Dog Center for three years. "I could cry. I was doing okay until I got here and saw it," she says of the building's destruction behind her. The center was boarding over 60 dogs over the holiday weekend. All dogs were found safe.
Vicky Devine, left, has worked at the Well Mannered Dog Center for three years. “I could cry. I was doing okay until I got here and saw it,” she says of the building’s destruction behind her. The center was boarding over 60 dogs over the holiday weekend. All dogs were found safe. Photo by Janice Limbaugh

 

Wyoming work crews continue to be on the streets Tuesday morning working to reopen streets blocked by the storm and to provide assistance to the 50+ homes and 5-10 businesses in the neighborhood bordered by Clay Avenue, 56th Street and Division Avenue.

Power lines, tree limbs and power poles block neighborhood streets.
Power lines, tree limbs and power poles block neighborhood streets. Photo by Janice Limbaugh
Homes on Averill SW near Ideal Park suffered extensive damaged.
Homes on Averill SW near Ideal Park suffered extensive damaged. Photo by Janice Limbaugh

 

Consumers Energy expects to have crews working around the clock to secure remaining downed power lines and begin the process of restoring energy after an EF1 tornado touched down in Wyoming Sunday night.  City inspectors have already begun the process of inspecting homes and businesses to ensure they are structurally safe and plan to continue the process throughout the day today.

 

Extra Public Safety patrols will be on duty for the next 48 hours.  Community members who do not live in the area should avoid “sightseeing” in the affected area, which is already congested with work crews and concerned family and friends. Residents will be asked for identification to show that they live in the area before they will be allowed through.

A view of Ideal Park before Sunday night's tornado.
A view of Ideal Park before Sunday night’s tornado.
Ideal Park is only recognizable by the sign.
Ideal Park is only recognizable by the sign. Photo by Janice Limbaugh
While helping a family member in the neighborhood, Eve Goff stopped by the park to take in the damage. "We've had many family reunions under this pavilion," she recalled. "Up until now, many of these trees outlived generations of families here."
While helping a family member in the neighborhood, Eve Goff stopped by the park to take in the damage. “We’ve had many family reunions under this pavilion,” she recalled. “Up until now, many of these trees outlived generations of families here.” Photo by Janice Limbaugh

 

 

Ideal Park suffered extensive damage and will remain closed until further notice.  The Parks and Recreation Department is working with individuals and groups who had reserved space in the park to reschedule events. A reminder that residents who need shelter or other assistance can access one of two shelters now open in Wyoming:

 

• The Salvation Army has established a temporary aid station at the Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church at 320 56th Street SW.

 

• The American Red Cross has established a shelter at the Kentwood Activity Center at 355 48th Street SE.

 

Any resident needing shelter assistance can call the Red Cross hotline at 616.899.4511.  For non-emergency public safety needs, residents can call the Wyoming Public Safety Department at 616.530.7300.  Other city services and requests will be handled through Wyoming City hall at 616.530.7272.

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The Well Mannered Dog Center was a popular dog training facility. Photo by Janice Limbaugh
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Both sides of the building were blown out by winds reaching 110 mph. Rated an EF1, the tornado would have been classified as an EF2 at 111 mph. Photo by Janice Limbaugh

 

“We have made tremendous progress Monday, but there is still a lot of work to do,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt.  “We remain focused on clearing the streets of brush and debris to allow for safe travel of emergency vehicles into the area and, once Consumers Power is through with its restoration, assessing the safety of homes and businesses.

 

“Know that anyone from the City will be clearly identifiable as an employee.  Be cautious if someone comes to your door asking for money upfront to do repair work or for information.  Be sure to get proper identification before answering questions or writing a check.”

 

Public Works is asking Wyoming residents with downed trees or tree limbs inside the curb line so they are not by the road. The yard waste area is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Starting Monday for the next two weeks, Public Works crews will be picking up brush in that neighborhood only.

 

For further information, visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming, and on Twitter @WyomingCityHall.

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