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Commission approves zoning map amendments tied to 2025 master plan after debate on parking and housing
Summary
The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to amend the city zoning ordinance and map to align with the master plan adopted in 2025, changing restaurant parking rules and reclassifying some blocks as 'multiunit residential.' Commissioners and residents debated whether the updates risk displacement of long-term homeowners; the motion carried after a roll-call vote.
The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to adopt amendments to the city zoning ordinance and map intended to align local land-use rules with the master plan adopted on July 7, 2025.
Supporters said the change updates maps and hyperlinks on the city website and eases some parking requirements for businesses. City Manager Little explained the parking revision for restaurants: "For every 200 square feet of space, 1 parking space is required." The change replaces an older standard that tied parking to seating counts and was intended to make restaurant development less restrictive.
Opponents raised concerns that several streets…
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