Developers before the Benton Harbor Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday night proposed a new three story, 54,000 square foot, 55-unit permanent supportive housing complex for a full city block in downtown Benton Harbor at Colfax and Wall Streets, including what would be the only full service grocery store in the city limits. It would also be the first permanent supportive housing project anywhere in Berrien County according to developer Bob Jacobsen from LC Consulting.
MHT Housing, which also has owned and operated the River Terrace complex in the city for some 20 years, will partner with LC Consulting for creation of the project including additional ground floor commercial space at that site.
The project would include a 5,000 square foot grocery featuring fresh produce, meat, grocery, dairy, baked goods, local products, health and beauty aids, general merchandise, beer and wine, household supplies, cleaning supplies and a $1-section. They would accept cash, credit and debit cards, SNAP, WIC and Produce Perks as payment.
The housing portion of the project would include 55 units on the second and third floors, consisting of fully furnished, one-bedroom units. Residents would be given a project based Section 8 voucher through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to live at the property. There would also be a comprehensive list of Supportive Services on-site for the residents. There would be an additional 5,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.
According to the Development Team plans are to partner with the local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency for the on-site Support Services to include, but not be limited to such things as:
- Mobile crisis outreach
- Mental Health treatment
- Addiction prevention & treatment
- Primary medical services
- Professional mentorship
- Technical skills training
- Job placement assistance
- Housing placement
- Financial literacy
- Legal services
Following action tonight when the committee voiced support for the project, MHT & LC plan to apply to MSHDA in October, and plan to proceed for Site Plan and Zoning approvals prior to October 1st.
