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1 month ago

Benton Harbor committee requests audit of city communications, eyes senior outreach and emergency alerts The Communications & Public Relations Committee asked for a comprehensive audit of Benton Harbor's communications systems—covering website, social platforms, text alerts, historical broadcast assets and ADA compliance—and discussed senior outreach and emergency alerting; the chair will meet the city manager and report back next month.

Benton Harbor's committee is launching an audit of the city's communication systems, aiming to enhance outreach for seniors and improve emergency alerts in a community with pressing needs.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BentonHarborCommunications

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1 month ago

Committee refers expansion of Ox Creek debris-removal contract to full commission The Benton Harbor Parks and Recreation Committee moved to forward a proposal to expand Davie Resource Group’s work area under a NOAA grant to the full commission, citing progress (about 120,000 pounds removed) and the need to act before spring plant growth increases access costs.

The Benton Harbor Parks and Recreation Committee is pushing for an expansion of debris removal efforts in Ox Creek, aiming to tackle hazardous materials before spring growth complicates access and costs.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #BentonHarborParks #EnvironmentalCleanup

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1 month ago

Committee reviews January financials and advances renewal of city audit contract Officials said general and utility fund balances appear low on summary charts, the city repaid about $1 million after prior projects had ineligible costs, and the committee moved forward an extension with the city's auditing firm by consensus instead of soliciting new bids.

Benton Harbor's financial future is in question as committee members raise concerns over dwindling fund balances and rising legal costs.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborFinance #AuditReform #PublicAccountability #BudgetTransparency

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1 month ago

Committee authorizes contract with Northern Construction for three sewer‑replacement projects funded by CWSRF City staff recommended and the committee moved forward a contract with Northern Construction to replace sanitary sewers on Territorial/Wakanda, Cherry and Water streets, financed by a CWSRF grant; staff said the work is limited to sanitary‑sewer‑eligible zones and scheduled to start as early as spring and finish around Labor Day.

Benton Harbor is set to kick off three major sanitary sewer replacement projects, funded by a state grant, with work starting as early as spring!

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #BentonHarborSanitation #WaterQuality

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1 month ago

Commissioners, service providers and residents debate housing services after homeless encampments affect downtown park Officials and community members urged a multi-agency approach after recurring use of a downtown park by people without housing; porta-potties and ad-hoc feeding drew crowds, and library director Brother Ray called for coordinated programming and services rather than leaving the issue to the city alone.

Benton Harbor is grappling with a growing homelessness crisis that’s impacting local businesses and community spaces, prompting urgent calls for a collaborative solution.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityCollaboration #BentonHarborHomelessness

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1 month ago

Officials say mitigation parcel issue and canceled federal grants stalled major Benton Harbor projects Officials told the commission a mitigation parcel sold under an emergency manager has blocked parks grant eligibility since about 2015; a planned $17.5 million CGI grant and a $3.3 million solar grant were canceled and legal action is pending to restore funding for projects including the Bobo Brazil Center and Hall Park phases.

Benton Harbor's dream projects are stalled as officials grapple with a lost mitigation parcel and canceled grants, leaving millions in potential funding hanging in the balance.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #BentonHarborParks #CitizenPortal #GrantRestoration

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2 months ago

The board is taking crucial steps to ensure compliance with the Federal Transit Administration while planning to place the Takata millage on the November ballot—what does this mean for the future of transit funding?

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2 months ago

Committee hears plan to shift evidence storage to Axon and join regional CAD system Benton Harbor staff proposed moving digital evidence (body‑cam video, photos and audio) from city servers to Axon evidence storage and joining a regional computer‑aided dispatch system; staff said the one‑time move would be a small upfront cost (reported as $226 in the packet) and eliminate about $1,000/month in storage costs, while CAD implementation would rely on county and state grant support to cover roughly $30,000 of city costs.

Benton Harbor is set to save $12,000 a year by migrating digital evidence storage to Axon while enhancing officer safety with a cutting-edge regional CAD system!

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborPublicSafety #OfficerSafety #CivicTechnology

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2 months ago

Committee revives push for vacant‑property registration and landlord liability requirements to address blight and repeated fire losses Committee members advanced discussion of an ordinance that would require landlords to register vacant or abandoned properties and demonstrate liability insurance; staff reported about 2,030 rental properties and 175 registered businesses in the city and described recent demolition costs and limits of current $15,000 insurance withholding.

A new proposal aims to tackle the blight of abandoned rental properties by requiring landlords to register and meet safety standards—could this be the solution to revitalizing our neighborhoods?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BentonHarborProperties

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2 months ago

Commission approves MDOT M-139 reconstruction agreement; city to fund water/sewer portion The commission authorized the city manager to accept an MDOT contract to reconstruct M-139 (I‑94 to Business Loop 94), which will convert Fair Avenue to two-way traffic and require the city to pay an estimated $229,200 for water and sanitary infrastructure replacement.

Benton Harbor is set for major changes as the city commission greenlights a $229,200 water and sewer upgrade alongside MDOT's ambitious reconstruction of Highway M-139 and Fair Avenue.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

Commissioners reject $420,000 income-tax transfer to cover operating shortfalls The Benton Harbor City Commission debated a requested $420,000 transfer from city income-tax funds to the general fund on Feb. 2, 2026. After extended questioning about prior transfers, budgeting and who is accountable for rising legal and water-plant costs, the motion failed on a 5–4 roll call.

The Benton Harbor City Commission just voted down a crucial $420,000 transfer that could impact basic city operations, sparking a heated debate over accountability and transparency.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusion

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2 months ago

Benton Harbor commission approves $420,000 transfer amid debate over Plante Moran costs and finance oversight The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to transfer $420,000 from the city income tax fund to the general fund after public comment and extended debate about past transfers, contractor payments to Plante Moran and the absence of a permanent finance director.

Benton Harbor's City Commission just approved a controversial $420,000 transfer, sparking heated debates over financial transparency and oversight!

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CivicTransparency #FinancialOversight #BentonHarborFinance #PublicAccountability

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2 months ago

Benton Harbor leaders seek $420,000 income-tax transfer to avoid local shutdown City leaders proposed moving $420,000 from the city income-tax fund into the general fund to cover urgent payables — including water and sanitation contracts — saying the city could face staffing and service interruptions without the transfer. A special commission meeting will consider the request.

Benton Harbor leaders are sounding the alarm as they propose a crucial $420,000 transfer to avoid service disruptions and potential shutdowns.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FiscalResponsibility #EmergencyFunding

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2 months ago

Committee advances sewer, lift-station and utility easements tied to MDOT Fair Avenue project The committee recommended moving forward multiple infrastructure items: sanitary sewer work funded by prior grants, recommended lift-station contract award, easements for power-pole relocation, and acceptance of an MDOT agreement that would require a $229,200 city utility participation for Fair Avenue utility work.

Benton Harbor is taking major strides in infrastructure improvements, with a significant focus on sewer repairs and utility easements essential for the upcoming Fair Avenue project.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #PublicInfrastructure #BentonHarborInfrastructure

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3 months ago

Brownfield Authority approves $10,000 sponsorship for Michigan Black Summit The Benton Harbor Brownfield Authority voted to provide $10,000 to sponsor the 2026 Michigan Black Summit, including a staffed table and marketing materials to promote Brownfield activities and educate residents about eligibility.

Benton Harbor is stepping up with a $10,000 sponsorship for the 2026 Michigan Black Summit, aiming to elevate discussions on the challenges and successes faced by Black Michiganders.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #RacialEquity #CommunityEducation #BrownfieldDevelopment

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3 months ago

Brownfield Authority moves to reapply for EPA assessment grant and approves $5,000 application fee After learning last year’s application scored highly but missed award, the Benton Harbor Brownfield Authority authorized its consultant to reapply for a US EPA assessment grant due Jan. 28 and approved $5,000 to pay Fishbeck to prepare the submission.

Benton Harbor is gearing up to secure a crucial EPA grant that could unlock $400,000 for revitalizing priority areas—will their new strategy pay off?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityDevelopment #GrantFunding #BentonHarborBrownfield #EnvironmentalRecovery

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3 months ago

Brownfield Authority approves $10,000 to sponsor 2026 Michigan Black Summit in Benton Harbor The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority voted Jan. 8 to provide $10,000 in marketing and event support for the Feb. 6–7, 2026 Michigan Black Summit at Upton Hall, including a staffed table and promotional materials to educate residents about brownfield tools.

The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is investing $10,000 to support the 2026 Michigan Black Summit, aiming to empower local residents and foster sustainable economic growth.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityEducation #SustainableGrowth #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Brownfield authority authorizes consultant to reapply for EPA assessment grant, budgets $5,000 for application The Authority authorized its consultant to reapply for a U.S. EPA assessment and cleanup-planning grant (FY26) and approved a $5,000 payment to Fishback to prepare the application; the board discussed competitiveness and tight deadlines but carried the motion by roll call.

Benton Harbor's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority takes a bold step forward, approving a $5,000 budget for a crucial EPA grant application that could unlock $400,000 for revitalization efforts.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityDevelopment #BentonHarborBrownfield

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3 months ago

Takata staff report paperwork errors depressed ridership and fuel numbers; MDOT rep introduced Staff told the Takata board that apparent drops in ridership and fuel use are the result of delayed paperwork; staff expect corrected reports by January. The board also introduced a new MDOT representative and discussed facility upgrades.

Takata staff revealed that a paperwork backlog has led to misleadingly low ridership and fuel numbers, sparking a major review to correct historical data.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityEngagement #BentonHarborPublicTransit #TransitUpdates #DataAccuracy

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3 months ago

Takata board awards management contract to Via Transportation amid mixed public reaction The Takata board voted unanimously to award a turnkey transit management contract to Via Transportation after a yearlong procurement; supporters said the move modernizes service, while some residents raised questions about a newly seated board member’s past employment.

The Takata Transit Board has unanimously awarded a major contract to Via Transportation, promising a modernized and reliable transit system, but not without stirring up community concerns.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal #PublicTransit

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4 months ago

Committee reviews Sunday‑alcohol rule, Superior Street resurfacing grant, Bobo Brazil center contract and sewer contracts The committee considered several resolutions: a proposal to allow restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays (subject to Liquor Control Commission approval); acceptance of a Category B resurfacing grant for Superior Street (roughly $350,000 grant with a city match cited at $175,000); a Phase 2 renovation contract for the Bobo Brazil Community Center under a $1M state grant; and award of sewer improvement contracts funded by CWSRF grants to LE Barber for targeted blocks.

Big changes are on the horizon for Benton Harbor as the committee discusses Sunday alcohol sales, major street resurfacing, and crucial community center renovations!

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CommunityDevelopment #InfrastructureImprovement #BentonHarborPublicWorks

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4 months ago

MDOT previews multi‑year M‑139/Fair Avenue rebuild for Benton Harbor; roundabout, bike lanes and utility work planned MDOT officials gave a detailed preview of a multi‑year, multi‑phase reconstruction of M‑139/Fair Avenue (about 4.5 miles) with bids advertised, an estimated construction start in April 2026, a roundabout at Empire Avenue, conversion of MLK and Fair Avenue to two‑way traffic, bike lanes on Fair Avenue, and significant utility and drainage work.

Benton Harbor is gearing up for a transformative multi-year reconstruction of M-139/Fair Avenue, featuring a roundabout, bike lanes, and significant utility upgrades starting in 2026!

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #MultimodalAccess #BentonHarborPublicWorks #PublicSafety

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4 months ago

Committee hears broadband update; staff to pull local data after BEAD left some areas ineligible Committee members discussed missed opportunities to capture local broadband data for BEAD eligibility and asked staff to extract existing survey and sensor data for Benton Harbor; staff noted that some areas were previously ruled "served" because of existing coaxial service.

Benton Harbor's broadband struggles reveal missed opportunities and eligibility hurdles—what's the future for digital access in your community?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborBroadband #DigitalInclusion #DataEquity

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4 months ago

Commission discusses proposed under‑lake fiber project offering seven years of free gigabit service to municipal sites City staff outlined a negotiated agreement with a company proposing an under‑Lake Michigan fiber route to land at Jean Clark Park; terms discussed include seven years of free 1‑gigabit service for key municipal buildings, an approximate $320,000 construction contribution, a 75‑year ground lease and requests for environmental and soil reports.

Benton Harbor is on the verge of a groundbreaking deal that promises seven years of free, high-speed internet to key city facilities—could this transform local connectivity?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityConnect #DigitalInfrastructure

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4 months ago

Commission hears Berrien County resolution urging support for Michigan bills to curb foreclosure profiteering The commission received a presentation of a Berrien County resolution urging the Michigan Legislature to pass House Bills 5152 and 5153, described as measures to stop third-party firms from preying on homeowners during and after foreclosure by restricting assignment of surplus proceeds and requiring clearer notices.

Berrien County is taking a stand against predatory foreclosure practices that exploit vulnerable homeowners—will Michigan's legislature heed the call for change?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborForeclosure #LegislativeReform #ConsumerProtection

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5 months ago

Benton Harbor DDA adds backup signatory, reviews downtown projects and homelessness response At a meeting in October (date not specified), the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved adding a backup signatory for a community foundation fund and for the DDA checking account, heard updates on downtown development projects and Ox Creek restoration, and discussed homelessness in City Center Park and upcoming community

Benton Harbor's Downtown Development Authority is taking bold steps to enhance the community, from appointing a backup signatory for crucial funds to tackling homelessness and revitalizing downtown projects.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborDDA

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5 months ago

Benton Harbor residents, faith leaders press city for coordinated homelessness plan; mayor creates ad hoc committee Citizens and faith leaders urged the City of Benton Harbor to adopt a coordinated response to people sleeping in City Center Park. Commissioners and the mayor described steps the city is pursuing and the mayor named an ad hoc committee to work with service providers.

Benton Harbor's community leaders are rallying together to address homelessness as winter approaches, urging a coordinated response to support those in need.

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #BentonHarborHomelessness #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement

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6 months ago

Mississippi Native Advocates Community Engagement and Childcare Initiatives in Denver Mississippi native calls for community collaboration and plans to open a daycare in Denver.

Miss Berry is on a mission to transform Benton Harbor through community collaboration and a new daycare initiative for young mothers—are you ready to join the conversation?

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#BentonHarborBerrienCounty #MI #ChildcareInitiatives #CitizenPortal #BentonHarborCommunity

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6 months ago

James Moore and Glenda Wisnett Seek Appointments on Legislative and Economic Committees Committee members discuss nominations for the legislative and economic development committees.

Benton Harbor is on the brink of transformation as local leaders James Moore and Glenda Wisnett step up for critical committee appointments that could reshape the future of governance.

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6 months ago

City Council Proposes Renaming Britton Park to Hightower Park in Honor of Former Mayor City Council supports resolution to honor former mayor Hightower by renaming Britton Park.

Benton Harbor is igniting community spirit as residents rally to honor former mayor Hightower by renaming a local park and volunteer to uplift our youth through education!

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