[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6460532,"mediaKeyId","5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a","parentId",5855806,"title","Benton Harbor holds public hearing on annual CDBG report; city to submit CAPER to HUD","audioSeconds",332,"startMs",0,"endMs",332000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a&start=0&end=332","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6460532/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Benton-Harbor-holds-public-hearing-on-annual-CDBG-report-city-to-submit-CAPER-to-HUD","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460532-48f37568034d8b9fd2df1602c7da08fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580633&Signature=AtmnmFPXOvqWMRT4b7EMtmxECyApicTHWfmkG6TqJXUpvS0rqXO5NTA3poJ9Fo7dWznvCQb~MbZgx5MSJZBbiGwFnKN5zcl8rnwQrG5G35MB1pVl1aGk8u5fB1QhHglSPmn1HEi-bj5EiOMJ9l72MvhXeenXFv2ORzDW8APm45XSbzN21YE-sZ1mU4sjCJwPa~LZMcjgby1~nYqctcSvygq4B8IaSRG25Rx7M4xYuBYGsq03seXoQVODd-6W1HY7g6XVeLPDqlFiJ2~z3FmXT6AEuFuBx5ZH5tJV7ro~r4EJgu~1McQwd~347tJ8yzRYcl7V0dA4543077qc0utchA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Benton Harbor","date","2025-09-25T11:19:50Z","article","Benton Harbor city staff held a public hearing Sept. 24 on the city’s CAPER for the Community Development Block Grant program year that ended June 30, 2025, reporting that the city received $389,046 for the year and expended $703,800, and that the CAPER will be submitted to HUD on or before Sept. 27, 2025.

The CAPER presentation said the larger expenditure total resulted from multi-year carryover funds that built up while the city had limited ability to spend; staff said the city started the 2022 program year with nearly $2 million in carryover CDBG funds. The presentation noted the city used CDBG funds to demolish 10 residential units and leveraged $170,000 from the Brownfield Authority to demolish five additional units.

“The way that occurred is that each year, there is typically carryover money that goes from year to year,” the presenter said. The presenter also described program goals and outcomes and gave a demographic breakdown of beneficiaries.

Why it matters: The CAPER documents how the city used federally funded CDBG dollars for activities such as demolition, housing rehabilitation and public services. The report and the public comment period are required steps before the city submits its CAPER to HUD, which is used for federal compliance and future funding considerations.

City staff reported outcome details included: an infrastructure/public improvements goal counting 1,075 persons assisted in low- and moderate-income areas (staff noted most of the city qualifies as low/mod), a housing rehabilitation goal of five units with six completed, and clearance/demolition of 10 buildings funded by CDBG. Public services had a goal to assist 300 people; staff reported 499 people assisted. Where race and ethnicity were recorded, staff reported 505 people: 436 (86.5%) were Black or African American and 69 (13.5%) were white/non-Hispanic.

On housing rehabilitation, staff said six owner-occupied households were served: four extremely low-income, one low-income and one moderate-income household. The presenter emphasized that some CDBG activities (for example, housing rehabilitation) count only direct beneficiaries, while other projects such as demolition or sidewalk work are treated as area-wide benefits that presumptively affect all residents in the low/mod areas.

Representative Edwards asked about a reported goal of 300 persons versus an outcome of 499. Edwards said, “My question to that number again, correct me if I'm wrong. By just looking at that, you would say, okay...every resident has been” and asked staff to clarify how the numbers should be interpreted. City staff replied that program rules distinguish owner-specific beneficiaries from area-wide public benefits and explained that CDBG funding levels do not typically cover street repairs, which would be a city-wide infrastructure investment.

The CAPER was made available on the city’s website for a 15-day public comment period from Sept. 9 to Sept. 25, 2025. Staff said comments would be accepted during the public hearing or emailed to alittle@thecity.us by 5 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2025; staff stated the CAPER will be submitted to HUD on or before Sept. 27.

No formal vote was recorded at the September 24 committee meeting; staff requested public input and indicated the CAPER will move forward for submission following the close of the comment period.

Additional details: staff noted the demolition work included 10 units funded with CDBG and five units paid for with Brownfield Authority funds (total Brownfield funding cited: $170,000). Staff also noted the city’s multi-year effort to reduce an earlier accumulation of carryover CDBG funds that resulted from the program’s frozen activity in prior years.

Looking ahead: staff directed residents to the city website for the CAPER and contact information; the submission to HUD is scheduled to occur on or before Sept. 27, 2025. The committee did not take a formal vote during the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Economic Development & Parks 9.24.25","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program year ending June 30, 2025, reported increased expenditures and demolition activity, and opened a public comment period ahead of a scheduled HUD submission.","taxTitle","Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan","taxId",70841,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460519,"Commission to consider renaming Pipestone Park for former Mayor Hightower; resolution to be drafted for next meeting",380,1657000,2037000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a&start=1657&end=2037","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a/thumbnail_1657000.jpg","/articles/6460519/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Commission-to-consider-renaming-Pipestone-Park-for-former-Mayor-Hightower-resolution-to-be-drafted-for-next-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460519-e92fd238a24f70f4ed786a6513a82573/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580633&Signature=AXQhuRTlnA2Dw993Dqu012nrETfapSKbv~F2Ay9bwJGnJgWr-AuRRQXUsPHY63-O-G9tGAsRWE7-0B8rezjedlCu1do-zL8pgQDwhqgJ76IstrGyLPY1dRDTYraiGLx7OhnpMEGUNvbbPqN0bQhazMlYcpdEcxXv35-wM~LvglSNO3GM~LcHuQMtkEyFhKVAdsqyUJPel8lSW9sK0g4L7Nfx37VayM2CbshNhfDOFrYJBwKzlG8EYY6c7uPlS8fn4VfvPvL0I0BTyUDuMZ0LmGe6GAQlmkMKwjgLD6L95GEAIAn5g4lV6RY6nTIJLLBjYxVMpDPfyiBy3LLD0UbqJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benton Harbor commissioners on Sept. 24 discussed a proposal to name the Pipestone neighborhood park after former Mayor Hightower and directed staff to prepare a resolution for formal consideration at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioners recalled Hightower’s tenure and cited achievements the group said included leading the city out of receivership, initiating local health and workforce programs, starting a respiratory therapy training program that helped local residents gain credentials, reopening and renovating recreation facilities, and securing improvements to the city chamber and other civic infrastructure. The chair asked Mayor Hightower to speak; Hightower thanked commissioners and family members and recounted work on health programs, a charter amendment to reduce meeting frequency, reopening the Charles Grama recreation center and other civic efforts.

“...I appreciate your consideration. I’ve lived across the street from that park since 1994, and we’ve pretty much taken on a role to try to watch over it, take care of it through the years,” Hightower told the commission. Commissioners said they planned to move a resolution forward: the city manager said he would prepare the resolution so that the next meeting’s agenda would include the item.

Why it matters: Naming a public park is a civic recognition that requires formal commission action. Commissioners said they preferred to honor Hightower while he is alive and to bring the matter forward promptly for a formal vote.

No formal vote occurred at the Sept. 24 meeting; the city manager said he would prepare a resolution to place on the next committee/commission agenda for action.","Commissioners discussed a proposal to name the park on Pipestone after former Mayor Hightower, praised his leadership and legacy, and directed the city manager to prepare a resolution for consideration at the next meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460524,"Officials briefed on Ox Creek restoration plan; $584,000 in grant-funded work proposed for Highland-to-Britain reach",1228,2552000,3780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a&start=2552&end=3780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a/thumbnail_2552000.jpg","/articles/6460524/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Officials-briefed-on-Ox-Creek-restoration-plan-584000-in-grant-funded-work-proposed-for-Highland-to-Britain-reach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460524-ed377257cd7c010c05d2b4e4b396f710/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580633&Signature=h8n6jS50fpK4HMl5dxJoVPu1-HTd4BO4AF~aB~Tut5a4K~N4ZEVaMTZT2weQSXTNkdbKhVXo4UQwu6c2E6MIpJrOuq-5HrWJ0FI7SBrjayagdWL9y41M9m5M5hDWwhZMyy6YfxLLPVr-bsjCJaDmVC3Immz3-D4mGYyYixWl4sohkWiMqzsqxVGGJq8FCxsr2rYb3es2~sygxxhLrxR1w-Bv7e9Z1ciH8bJF~FmrefoSgG0VhPQrT-WmnkOlu5TgGGUimjSHjj3rUv3EZ76WDeNN17UtpnA7L2j8I06-7~ykfJckOyY6gDS~XOLVAS7BfuVC1mxu3DVCdZo20pGhtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southwest Michigan Planning Commission staff and GEI Consultants presented a restoration plan Sept. 24 to remove debris, regrade banks and restore habitat on a stretch of Ox Creek between Highland and Britain, and they asked the committee to forward the plan to the full commission for approval on Oct. 6 to allow construction to proceed.

Scott Dirks, a licensed engineer leading the GEI team, described longstanding debris piles in the creek valley — including remnants of a demolished roadway and old railroad bridges — and said the project team plans to remove concrete and debris, cut or reconfigure large woody material blocking passage, and regrade and stabilize banks. The presentation emphasized both environmental goals (improving water quality, restoring habitat, supporting fish and pollinators) and recreational and economic goals tied to a planned corridor trail.

Dirks said the project is part of a broader Ox Creek revitalization effort under a city resolution and involves multiple partners and funders, including the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), NOAA and University of Michigan Sea Grant. A budget summary provided in the meeting packet and updated during the presentation showed the restoration reach subtotal at roughly $584,000, all identified as grant-funded costs. Major cost items cited included mobilization/wetland access, debris removal and landfill disposal, invasive species control, large woody debris management, restoration features (including placing some engineered wood features), seeding and plantings ($125,000 cited for restoration features and $41,000 for seeding/trees), and a maintenance allowance.

Dirks cautioned that Ox Creek is a relatively small stream with soft sediment in front of Hall Park; lake levels and wind-driven flows can push sediment back into the reach, so while the team aims to make the channel more passable for wading and small craft where appropriate, there are natural limits to what restoration can achieve. He said some work being proposed has permitting constraints and the team is designing measures expected to be permitable.

Project team members noted ecological considerations: they will remove invasive plants and replace them with native species (the presentation named swamp milkweed as an example to support monarch butterflies and caterpillars), and they will leave some wood in the stream because woody structure benefits habitat while removing logs that block passage. The team said they will conduct a bat survey at the bridges (field work scheduled for Friday in the presentation) and that discovery of bat roosts could trigger additional protocols.

City staff and commissioners asked about transparency and budget oversight; presenters and staff emphasized that the work is grant-funded and that contracts and change orders will be managed to fit grant budgets. The project manager for the city was identified as Dane, who will serve as an on-site liaison during construction.

Why it matters: Ox Creek restoration is part of a larger corridor revitalization that aims to improve water quality, restore habitat, expand recreational access and support redevelopment adjacent to the corridor. Removing legacy debris and stabilizing banks can reduce hazards and enable trail and economic development planned for the corridor.

No formal authorization was recorded at the committee meeting; presenters asked the committee to forward the authorization for Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to execute the restoration plan and to utilize GEI Consultants as a subcontractor to the City Commission agenda on Oct. 6 for final approval. The project team said full plans and a revised budget would be distributed to commissioners prior to that meeting.","Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and GEI Consultants presented a grant-funded restoration plan for Ox Creek between Highland and Britain that would remove debris and invasive species, regrade banks, and add native plantings; consultants requested authorization to advance the project to the full commission for construction approval.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460529,"Company pitches 'outsourced drone department' for Benton Harbor; commissioners ask for proposal and safety details",684,610000,1294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a&start=610&end=1294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855806-6e433720e886bd02d22bbff982e4d20a/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6460529/Benton-Harbor/Berrien-County/Michigan/Company-pitches-outsourced-drone-department-for-Benton-Harbor-commissioners-ask-for-proposal-and-safety-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460529-b6304f96bb28de39ba130d0eff1049fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580633&Signature=G08qddfb0MC6iRP8PhBhf5nYXL2sQ5IdEbPi~iiid3IQz2mBSGcFADpmxOyuZLt22fxFZzBKeBzABO2OW-fVLeeEjY54MAmve7qgCk3TXUnEuVDfsWsbB~mFfw8W9bSpC4CNVPhgWt5zxmamjHGNPiwhCv3VdDFpvPeQpOwjaIB13-bmnF10Z2u4ZyAEgK6u3nc7AV6JDXkoqD8ZicqThpf6fOrohkA05tWjNajpE4jGRK755tl7mgeb~AiUUDjlLYmFNl6-e8z~I1FgGf~JtU8PnCbtuTYZOoH7tq0XyH9buYorrptVnInvzlSQxJIV6QKAPLEHXExIOA5zMQyK~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from HoverSafe presented an overview of advanced air mobility, delivery drones and air taxis to the Benton Harbor commission Sept. 24, urging the city to prepare regulations and consider monetizing takeoff/landing zones. Drew Kenning, identified in the presentation as a cofounder and chief strategy officer for HoverSafe, described the company as an outsourcer that would help the city manage drone activity, mapping, permits and potential revenue streams.

Kenning said HoverSafe’s approach would let cities control when and where drones land and take off — the company framed the relevant local control as applying near the ground and suggested approximately a 400-foot threshold as the zone where municipal authority can be applied. Kenning also recommended designing landing zones on land the city already owns and compared municipal regulation to parking meters and franchise fees: “If you build it, they will come,” he said, urging the city to get ahead of the technology rather than react after operations are in place.

The presentation tied public safety use cases — corridors for first responders and integration with manufacturers such as Skydio — to commerce that could include delivery drones and, eventually, air taxis. Kenning said HoverSafe is “agnostic” to manufacturers and is building an aviation layer integrated with GIS mapping tools to deliver route and landing-zone management. He cited activity regionally and nationally and said his company currently works with about 30 cities and expects to expand.

Commissioners asked for more detail on enforcement, costs and how municipal control would work alongside federal rules. Commissioner Henry pressed on the question of registration and authority: “So they would have to register with us? And if they don't, what is the process…?” City staff and the presenter answered that airspace and air rights are a complex, developing area. Kenning said the practical control the city can exercise is where a vehicle touches down and takes off and described that area — “about 400 feet and below” — as where municipal permits, fees and land-use rules would apply. The city manager and the presenter said they would provide written materials, an example proposal and scope of work to commissioners as soon as possible.

Commissioner Warren said she did not see literature in her packet and asked for costs and additional information. Kenning said he would send example proposals and timelines and confirmed the company could provide materials prior to the Oct. 6 commission meeting. City officials also asked about public-safety partnerships and whether the city’s existing drone capability (the city indicated it currently owns a smaller drone) could be integrated with HoverSafe's platform.

Why it matters: Cities have limited, but consequential, local authority over low-altitude operations when aircraft are near the ground, and local rules can affect public-safety response, privacy concerns, commercial delivery and potential revenue models. The presentation framed regulation as an opportunity to advance public-safety access and local economic development while outlining uncertain legal boundaries.

No vote or formal action was recorded; commissioners requested follow-up materials and a proposal and asked staff to arrange conversations before the Oct. 6 commission meeting.","Representatives from HoverSafe outlined a model for municipal drone regulation, suggested cities can control and monetize landing/takeoff zones below roughly 400 feet, and committed to providing a proposal and materials for commissioners before the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Benton Harbor holds public hearing on annual CDBG report; city to submit CAPER to HUD

Commission to consider renaming Pipestone Park for former Mayor Hightower; resolution to be drafted for next meeting

Officials briefed on Ox Creek restoration plan; $584,000 in grant-funded work proposed for Highland-to-Britain reach

Company pitches 'outsourced drone department' for Benton Harbor; commissioners ask for proposal and safety details