The new master plan for the city of Benton Harbor is about finished. Speaking to the Benton Harbor Planning Commission this week, Paul Lippens with McKenna Associates said work has been taking place for well over a year and it’s in the home stretch. He said a major focus of the planning document is housing in the neighborhoods with a goal of making homes that fit the character of the community. The plan also envisions growth through 2040.
“3,000 new homes by 2040 and 1,000 renovated homes,” Lippens said. “Renovations for existing Benton Harbor residents who maybe qualify or just need a little help…and 10,000 residents by 2040. So, this is aggressive, but it’s also talking about building the city back to its previous size.”
That would about double the population of Benton Harbor to its 1960 level. Lippens said the plan is designed to avoid gentrification.
“This is a plan that’s designed to support and build wealth for Benton Harbor’s existing residents.”
The plan envisions using city-owned property to develop middle income housing, becoming a sanctuary city, setting guidelines for the development of container homes, and creating new opportunity areas. They would include the Black Wall Street Opportunity Area, the Education Opportunity Area, and the Entertainment and Arts Opportunity Area. Each would come with special development objectives. After the Planning Commission’s review, the draft master plan will go to the full city commission to begin a 60-day review period. It will be posted online at BestBentonHarbor.com.
