Port Huron plans to operate Harvey Reinvestment Center; residents raise concern about continued community access

City Manager James Fried told the Port Huron City Council on Sept. 8 that the city is moving to take operational control of the Harvey Reinvestment Center in South Park and will pursue immediate physical upgrades and programming while HUD reviews a pending property transfer.

Fried said the city signed a purchase agreement in December 2024 with the Port Huron Housing Commission for the community center, that HUD must approve the sale because original construction was HUD‑funded, and that the city’s purchase price is $600,000. “We are still waiting HUD approval,” Fried said. “I am hopeful that we will get this facility closed and this transaction closed out before the end of the year.”

Fried told the council the city used ARPA funds to buy the building and that the purchase agreement calls for the Port Huron Housing Commission to reinvest the $600,000 into capital improvements for its housing units in Port Huron. While HUD’s approval is pending, Fried proposed an operational lease so the city could pay utilities, make basic repairs and begin programming. Planned near‑term tasks Fried mentioned include waxing and painting floors, installing a keyless door swipe system to allow community rentals, and resuming Parks and Recreation and senior meals programming at the center.

Why it matters: The Harvey Reinvestment Center is a long‑standing community facility in South Park. Residents and neighborhood advocates told the council they fear reduced access if the city places offices or permanent city operations inside the center. Fried said the city plans to staff a 10‑by‑10 satellite city office there and host periodic posted office hours for departments including police, planning and neighborhood improvement staff; he said the city will retain most of the building for community use and provide flex space for nonprofits.

Public reaction: Several residents urged the council to preserve the center as a community resource. Cecily Shoulder said community engagement sessions previously emphasized keeping the center available for programs and services and that residents had been told the center would remain for community use. “Not having access to this building will eliminate the programs and services that the community benefited from,” Shoulder said.

Sonia Williams said she feared the city had not involved residents before pursuing repurposing and that South Park does not need “another office” but programs that serve residents. Bishop Kim Brown, who described his church’s long history in the neighborhood, asked the council for continued transparency and community access.

City manager response and timeline: Fried said he plans to bring a final lease for council consideration at the next meeting and expects to have the facility operational for programming by October or November; he said the city wants to start fall and winter recreation programming and a senior meal program in the building this season. Fried also noted the facility’s kitchen was upgraded last year with about $75,000 of ARPA funds and that the city plans to install the keyless access system to simplify community rentals.

Outstanding details: Fried said HUD asked for additional application materials and that the transaction timing is dependent on HUD approval. Fried also said the city will set conditions in the lease and that the purchase agreement requires the housing commission to reinvest the $600,000 in local housing capital improvements.

Ending: Fried asked the council to consider the operational lease so the building can be used while the HUD review continues; residents at the meeting asked the council to keep the center’s community functions front and center and to ensure continuing access.