City Commission Hears Harbor Study

harborstudy
harborstudy

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have heard a report on a study done by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and others regarding possibilities for development of the local harbor. The Twin Cities Harbor Study took a look at the potential for commercial and residential developments along the shore with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s John Egelhaaf noting there’s a great deal of value there that could be even better utilized.

“There is an opportunity there to take real advantage of the one of the greatest assets this community has,” Egelhaaf said.

Egelhaaf says “Twin Cities Harbor: A Study of Potential in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph” has even attracted attention from the governor’s office since it was finished in 2015. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he could envision everything from offices to housing to sports bars along the harbor.

“The possibilities are endless, but I think it’s going to start first with conversation,” Muhammad said.

And that conversation will start with a meeting planned for the late summer or fall involving several stakeholders. Initial possibilities include creating a new harbor authority and taking care of dredging. City commissioners indicated they’d also like their own meetings. You can see the harbor study right here.