Benton Harbor DDA adds backup signatory, reviews downtown projects and homelessness response

The Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved adding a backup signatory for two financial accounts and heard several updates on downtown projects, park maintenance and homelessness, the DDA said at its October meeting (date not specified).

The board voted to appoint Richard Roberts as an additional signatory for the Berrien Community Foundation fund designated for restoration of the Benton Harbor State Theater and separately approved adding Roberts as a signatory on the DDA’s Huntington Bank checking account. Both motions passed unanimously by the four members present.

The approvals were procedural measures the DDA said are meant to ensure there is an available backup signer for grant and donation disbursements related to the State Theater restoration and for routine DDA banking. The board also voted to authorize one of its members, Richard Hensel, to pursue grant requests and fundraising for the welcoming center and other DDA activities; that motion passed by unanimous vote.

Treasurer Linda Allen, identified in the meeting as a DDA member handling bank matters, texted the board a current account balance during the meeting. The transcript’s numeric rendering of that figure was unclear; the board recorded that a balance was provided.

Members used the rest of the session for committee reports and project updates. Communications and marketing work has been limited by volunteer turnover; board members said they are seeking community help for website and social-media support and noted an offer to host a calendar link from a local Instagram page once it is ready.

Main Street and design committee members reported new and ongoing downtown activity: a recently opened Arts District Wine Bar and Social Club at 253 Park Street; renovation work at Richard Hunt Studios; demolition cleanup at a Prairie-owned site; brickwork and roofing progress at the Tobias Building; and a for-sale sign at the former Chase bank building on Riverview. Board members said they plan to coordinate with Clement (a local organization referenced in the meeting) on decorations and that Clement has offered help with Arts District decorations.

Design committee items raised maintenance and safety concerns: the Fifth Street roundabout has been left in poor condition after repeated digs and has inconsistent snow-season markings; several decorative Main Street streetlights were reported out or missing heads; and responsibility for different poles is split between the city and Indiana Michigan Power depending on pole type. Board members said they will ask public works and MDOT about rights and schedules for needed repairs.

City staff and board members described multiple downtown construction and infrastructure projects. Attendees reported a groundbreaking and tour at the Corner on Wall Street project (referred to in the meeting as the Wall Street/Colfax development) and an associated River Terrace apartment project the board recorded as roughly an 80-unit development. The Colfax street work has progressed and asphalt was reported complete up to Main Street, with remaining barricades expected to be moved as finishing work proceeds.

The DDA also reported that the first phase of Ox Creek habitat restoration has been contracted: work will focus on in-stream vegetation management, removing impediments to flow and installing improvements intended to benefit fish habitat. A separate debris-removal phase will begin to clear tires, appliances and other refuse from the ravine and valley walls between Bridal and Highland in preparation for broader park improvements. Board members said they are considering a ribbon-cutting or progress event in mid-November to show the work underway.

Board members raised concerns about an encampment and people staying overnight in City Center Park, saying the situation has prompted community concern from market vendors and nearby businesses. The DDA noted parks are posted to close at 10 p.m.; the city plans to enforce closing hours and a community meeting on homelessness was announced for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Reverend Palmer’s church to discuss potential, workable responses. Board members emphasized the limits of the city’s authority over public parks and noted housing projects under development (including the River Terrace and forthcoming Harbor Towers work) are part of broader long-term solutions.

Volunteers and events: the board approved use of the same vendor as the prior year for holiday lights in City Center Park, discussed checking and repairing receptacles on light poles, and began planning for Halloween activities on Main Street and in the Arts District for 4–6 p.m., with volunteers coordinating logistics and safety with public safety and fire officials.

The DDA adjourned after roughly an hour of business. Several items—including grants-seeking, streetlight repairs, the Fifth Street roundabout and the State Theater billing and state reimbursements—were identified for follow up at future meetings; dates and next steps were not specified in the meeting record.