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Benton Harbor redirects $25,000 in ARPA funds to appraisals to clear DNR/NPS mitigation issue
Summary
The commission approved redirecting $25,000 in previously authorized ARPA funds to pay appraisals intended to resolve a DNR/National Park Service mitigation violation tied to Jean Clark Park, a move supporters said restores grant eligibility while critics warned about contaminated parcels and ownership questions.
The Benton Harbor City Commission voted Dec. 1 to redirect $25,000 previously approved under ARPA for the Canal Commons project to pay for appraisals tied to correcting a DNR/National Park Service mitigation violation.
Commissioners questioned whether the city owns the parcels being appraised and expressed concern that donated parcels could be contaminated. Commissioner Clark Griffin asked why the city would pay appraisals for properties owned by outside entities such as Cornerstone Alliance and the Berrien County Drain Commission. He said, "We don't even own either one of these properties, but yet we're paying for the appraisal," and urged clarity on ownership and past approvals.
City Manager Alex Little explained the original invoice for the project was never submitted, so the $25,000 remained unspent; he said Harbor Shores has offered to forego submitting an invoice so the city could use funds for appraisals and called the step a way to "right a wrong" stemming from past emergency management decisions that created a long-standing cloud on grant eligibility. Manager Little said appraisals will feed into a review that includes SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) and other federal reviews.
Commissioners emphasized independent appraisals and soil testing. Commissioner Henry pressed for soil testing on parcels and asked for confirmation that appraisals would be independently reviewed; staff said appraisers come from a federal yellow-book list and that a review appraiser is required. Commissioners also raised contamination history tied to Jean Clark Park's mitigation and warned against accepting low or high appraisals that could disadvantage the city.
The motion, moved by Commissioner Edward Isom and supported by Commissioner Shannon Henderson, passed by roll call (six votes in favor, one opposed). The manager and staff said the redirected funds would help clear a multi-year mitigation issue so the city can pursue eligible grant funding.
