The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority opened its Jan. 8 meeting by introducing three recently appointed members and reaffirming the body’s role in local redevelopment. Chair Hall led roll call and invited the new members to speak.

Sam Rosette Yates said she is a Benton Harbor homeowner who formerly served on the board and ran a downtown salon. “I once served on this board before, and I just wanted to serve again,” she said. James Bennett Jr., a retired state trooper, said he has lived in the area more than 30 years and is “honored to be on the board.” Paul Toney, a retired educator now working as a painting contractor, said he was asked to join the committee and looks forward to contributing.

Longstanding members welcomed the additions and urged new and returning members to focus on projects that produce measurable returns for the city. Theresa Searls, the Authority’s Brownfield consultant, reminded the board that Act 381 (referenced in the meeting) limits what the Authority can spend its funds on and that those statutory restrictions are included as new business on the agenda.

The introductions were followed by routine procedural business including approval of prior minutes and the meeting’s transition to the communications and public-comment portions of the agenda.