Benton Harbor commission approves Sunday morning alcohol sales, greenlights community center renovation and appoints city manager to transit board

The Benton Harbor City Commission voted Dec. 16 to permit restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays, approved a $521,000 contract for phase 2 renovations at the Bobo community center, and appointed City Manager Alex Little to serve as the city’s representative on the local transit board to ensure city representation at imminent federal meetings.

The policy change on Sunday alcohol sales was presented by Commissioner Sharon Henderson as an economic-development measure intended to help restaurants compete and to broaden the city’s commercial tax base. City staff clarified the ordinance applies to restaurants and bars and does not apply to convenience stores or liquor stores. Commissioner Clark Griffin asked for—and received—this clarification from staff: “This does not apply to convenience stores and liquor stores. Right?” The commission approved the resolution by roll call; Commissioners Henry, Isom, Warren, Henderson and Mayor Mohammed voted in favor while Commissioners Kennard and Clark Griffin voted no.

The commission also approved a contract with Regal Construction to begin phase 2 of renovations at the Bobo community center.…