City Officials Talk Street Work

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Benton Harbor City Commissioners have heard plenty from residents frustrated with the state of local streets, and they say some relief will come but patience is needed. At a Tuesday meeting, City Manager Darwin Watson said some work has been underway to address potholes.

“It’s tough because the asphalt plants are closed, and the asphalt companies that do the work, they’re not working at this time,” Watson said. “So, we’re trying to do what we can, getting asphalt if we can from other municipalities to do the work we can.”

As for the new city income tax that’s expected to bring in around $1 million for street work, Mayor Marcus Muhammad said it will still be a while before the city can spend that money. He also urged everyone to be realistic.

“Keep in mind [to] manage your expectations because if you only have Chevy money, don’t expect a Benz or a Bentley,” Muhammad said.

Muhammad said refunds will have to be issued in cases where the income tax was paid by mistake, also noting tax season doesn’t even end until late April. He also said he’s open to a second opinion when it comes to a report earlier this month recommending what street repairs to make. However, he said he doesn’t want the commission to fall victim to “paralysis from analysis.”