A project to help those in need of laundry and other financial services is one step closer to fruition.
The Benton Charter Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a special use permit for the New Heights Christian Community Development Association to operate a community resource center out of a future laundromat at 2121 Red Arrow Highway in Benton Heights, at the intersection of North Euclid Avenue.
New Heights CCDA is an organization dedicated to engaging Benton Heights residents in programs and practices which holistically revive and restore their community, according to its website. The laundromat project has been in development for years, and was officially announced in 2021.
“The goal of the center is twofold,” said Britton, in 2021. “It’s to create capacity for area human service agencies and social service agencies to have a space where they can do outreach and deliver their services to the Benton Heights Community. It’s also going to house a laundromat.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, Benton Township Building Official Chris Fuchs said New Heights intends to assist people with paying for their laundry, as well as offering additional financial support for community members.
The Benton Heights Church of God is located just north of the laundromat site, and Fuchs added many of that church’s members are also a part of New Heights, making the location ideal for members to help the community.
During the public hearing on the special use permit, neighbors expressed concerns the proposed 14-space parking lot was not big enough, and people would be parking on their property. The planning commission tabled the issue, giving New Heights time to make some changes.
“It is not a meeting facility,” said Fuchs, adding some neighbors were concerned about church meetings at the location. “In the end, [the planning commission was] satisfied with the parking … and the facility would help people in the area.”
New Heights plans to break ground this spring. To learn more, see their website or social media pages.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
