Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety And Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press city on camera coverage, homeless services and vacant-lot maintenance
Summary
During public comment the same committee meeting, residents raised ongoing concerns about nonfunctioning or misallocated security cameras, winter shelter and food access for people experiencing homelessness, and long-unrepaired vacant lots and overgrown properties in Benton Harbor.
Several residents used the committee’s public-comment period on Oct. 22 to press city leaders for clearer action on public safety cameras, services for people experiencing homelessness and long-standing property maintenance problems.
Mary Alice Adams, a Benton Harbor resident, said she has repeatedly heard promises about camera installations but that the city’s existing cameras “have wheels on them and they're just placed in certain specific areas,” and that some cameras are not functioning. The City Manager replied that some cameras are managed by the state Department of Corrections and are not city assets and that the city is in the process of replacing nonfunctional cameras and seeking lower-cost alternatives.
During public comment, another resident urged the city to consider the safety of people who will need food or shelter during the coming winter, noting that a local soup kitchen has relocated and that some residents may lack transportation to reach services. The commenter suggested a special meeting or town-hall discussion and recommended lists of available services and closer coordination with churches and community groups. The speaker also urged sensitivity when volunteers or groups provide food, saying some outreach has felt exploitative when photographed.
Other commenters pressed the city to address a long-unmaintained property on the corner of May Street and Union and asked staff to move faster on code enforcement. City staff acknowledged the complaint and said the property was on a pending list for action.
No committee action was taken during the public-comment period; commissioners and staff acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to follow up with information and potential next steps.
