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Committee backs resolution to rename Britton Park play area after former Mayor Hightower
Summary
The committee recommended a resolution to rename the small play park at Britton and Pipestone to Hightower Park in honor of former Mayor Hightower, citing his longtime stewardship of the site; the recommendation will go to the full city commission for consideration Monday.
The legislative committee recommended forwarding a resolution to the full Benton Harbor City Commission to rename the Britton Park play area at Britton and Pipestone as Hightower Park.
City Manager Little told the committee that former Mayor Hightower served the city during difficult periods and has lived across the street from the park for many years. Little said Hightower frequently cleaned and maintained the small playground so it would be safe and usable for young children. "It was pointed out that, former mayor Hightower ... lives across the street from that park, and I understand he's been many days cleaning it up and trying to make it ready and safe for the small kids to use," Little said.
Committee members voiced support for honoring Hightower. Citing a colleague, one committee member quoted Commissioner Seats: "give someone their flowers while they're alive," and said renaming the play area would recognize Hightower's service and community work.
The committee described the site as a neighborhood "baby park" used by caregivers and small children. City Manager Little and committee members agreed the resolution is appropriate to honor a longtime local resident who volunteered time to keep the site safe.
Committee members asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment; no audience members spoke on the item at the committee meeting. The committee indicated it would move the resolution forward to the full commission for a Monday vote; no final action was taken by the committee itself.
If the full commission approves the resolution, the play area will be renamed Hightower Park; no ordinance number or resolution number was provided in the committee discussion.
