5255 Alpine Ave NW Comstock Park, MI 49321
Ph: (616) 784-1262 / Fax: (616) 784-1234
Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm  M-Th.  8 am -12 pm Fri. through Labor Day
Building Department Hours: 7 am -4:30 pm
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ALPINE TOWNSHIP

"Alpine Township is a dynamically diverse family-oriented community that strives for managed growth with proper supporting infrastructure within a framework of a vibrant agricultural base and a small town feel" (Master Plan Mission Statement)

Alpine Township is located northwest of metropolitan Grand Rapids, Michigan, and encompasses 36 square miles of which about 75% remains prime farm land.

Alpine Township's mixture of soils, climate, and terrain make it especially suitable for apple production, among other crops and dairy products. The Township is known as the beginning of "The Ridge" - an area of farmland extending northwest through Ottawa and Kent Counties, east to Belding. "The Ridge" produces 40% of Michigan's apples, as its unique topography and airflow helps to protect crops against frost. Kent County, of which Alpine Township is a part, has the greatest number of apple trees in Michigan.Alpine Ave (M-37) is one of the busiest commercial strips serving the greater Grand Rapids area. It extends north and south. There is plenty of land prepared for or remaining for commercial and industrial development. Alpine Township is conveniently located with easy access to US 131 and Interstate 96 and is 4 miles from Downtown Grand Rapids. Seldom will you find such a rural community blend in so well with urban neighbors.

The most densely populated area of Alpine Township is in the southeastern corner where there are about two square miles that accommodate single-family homes and apartments.

In addition to a obtaining answers to your questions from our friendly ready to serve professional staff, here are additional resources for you to consider should you wish to establish your business here:

1) The Right Place Inc. (www.rightplace.org) is our regional non-profit economic development organization supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote wealth creation and economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and innovation in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction efforts.

2) The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, talent and jobs, tourism, film, and digital media incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. The MEDC offers a number of business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, talent enhancement, and urban and community development.

3) Van Andel Global Trade Center (www.vagtc.org) provides technical assistance in the area of exporting. In partnership with the MEDC, they will be administering the Pure Michigan STEP (State Trade Export Promotion) Program which provides financial assistance to small and medium size companies that would like to bolster their current exporting efforts or develop them altogether.

4) TheCenter for Innovative Research, University of Michigan College of Business, Dearborn http://www.umdilabs.com/

5) Michigan Defense Center (www.michiganadvantage.org/Defense-and-Homeland-Security/) MEDC office that identifies growth opportunities for Michigan businesses based on Dept. of Defense and Dept. of Homeland Security needs.

Historicalmuseum2
The Original Township Hall (1860)

Open Houses on Third Sundays from 2-4 PM
Before early settlers came to what is now Alpine Township, Indians are believed to have lived here. Information from 1838 indicates that there were Ottawan Indian campgrounds that were primarily used, most likely, for the sugar harvest, as sugar maples were abundant in the western area .Alpine was established by the first settler, Solomon Wright, in 1847 - over 150 years ago. Many early settlers were of German descent. Alpine was so-named because of the pine forest near Cranberry Lake ("All-Pine"). At that time, sawmills were constructed because of the high demand for lumber.

Alpine Township became a chartered township in 1979 under Michigan's Charter Township Act. In 1996, it returned to general law status in order that any attempt at annexation must be presented to the State Boundary Commission.

The Board of Trustees is the legislative body of the Alpine Township. It decides policy; adopts ordinances, resolutions, and plat approvals; manages the General Fund budget; and handles appointments and other business affecting facilities and services. Elections are held for the Board every four years, running parallel with the general election.