Cornerstone Alliance is making a pitch for a tool that it says could be used in the city of Benton Harbor to attract more customers for businesses.
Speaking to the city Planning and Economic Development Committee this week, Cornerstone Vice President of Community Development and Growth Andrew Haan said Business Improvement Zones are allowed under a 1961 state law. A Business Improvement Zone, or BIZ, is an area in which a special assessment is used to pay for things like beautification or infrastructure maintenance.
“They can maintain and operate park areas and planting areas,” Haan said. “They can maintain or reconstruct sidewalks, street curbs, medians, fountains, lighting, furniture, promote events and recreational activities. They can engage in economic development activities.”
Property owners within the proposed zone would vote on whether they wish to create it. Haan said he believes many business owners in downtown Benton Harbor would go for the idea. That’s after some early discussions.
“Last year, we had been reached out to by some property owners in downtown, concerned with some of the conditions with the public space maintenance and other things that just weren’t at the level that really is demanded for a great busy business district.”
Haan said things like weed control, graffiti cleanup, and street landscaping have been requested by businesses. However, the city can’t afford to manage all of those things itself. He suggested a BIZ be created roughly in the area of the Arts District and extending over to Harbor Shores.
Haan said the idea is only in its earliest stages right now and a steering committee would be recommended to further explore it. The committee asked him to come back for another presentation at its next meeting.
