| Resolution reaffirms officials’ support for Harbor Shores [this phony document
would not be "necessary" if Benton Harbor residents actually supported Harbor Shores. Who in BH possibly could? --besides those profiting from it...]
By KEVIN ALLEN H-P 7/15/08
BENTON HARBOR — In case anyone didn’t already know it, the Benton Harbor City Commission supports Harbor Shores. [Whirlpool wouldn't have it any other way.]Commissioners voted 6-2 on Monday to approve a resolution that confirms their support for the $430 million golf, housing and resort development that is planned to stretch across 530 acres in Benton Harbor, Benton Township and St. Joseph.
The [Whirlpool-controlled]commission voted in early June to approve leasing 22 acres of the cityowned Jean Klock Park for three holes of the development’s Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. The National Park Service is reviewing the agreement.
The resolution commissioners approved Monday is purely a symbolic gesture that Commissioner |
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Eddie Marshall, who penned the document, said is necessary to affirm the commission’s decision and encourage unified community support for Harbor Shores.
“It is the desire of the City Commission to have unity among all of its constituents in support of bringing forth the full benefit and opportunities the Harbor Shores development will provide to the residents, businesses and visitors of our city, including its presence in Jean Klock Park,” the resolution reads. “It is also the desire of the City Commission and its residents that have faith and zeal for this project to move forward without hindrance or delay for the good of our citizens.
“Any action against this effort by all others will be deemed an affront to our leadership, the well-being of
our citizens and the good intent of our partners.”[Is this a threat?]
The resolution was on the agenda for last week’s City Commission meeting, but commissioners tabled it because Marshall was not at the meeting to answer questions about its wording.
Mayor Wilce Cooke and Commissioner Juanita Henry voted against the resolution. Commissioner David Shaw was not at the meeting.
Henry and Cooke said the commission already has voted to support Harbor Shores and added that anyone who opposes it has a right to do so.
“We’ve already given letters of support to Harbor Shores up the ying yang here,” Cooke said.
“If somebody disagrees with your decision, this is America, that’s OK,” Henry added.
“We’ve also got a right as a body to say how we feel,” Commissioner Ricky Hill said.
Several commissioners took the opportunity |
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to criticize opposition to Harbor Shores’ presence in Jean Klock Park.
The commission also voted Monday to hire legal counsel for a lawsuit filed last week that challenges the legality of using the park for a golf course.
Marshall said those opposing Harbor Shores have “an interest in division.”
Commissioner Ralph Crenshaw called it a “sin” to try to undercut the authority of the commission, adding that opposition to Harbor Shores has come from a “small group that doesn’t represent the majority.”
Commissioner James Hightower said people from outside Benton Harbor “shouldn’t have a say” about the city’s affairs.
“They don’t know what we’re dealing with in Benton Harbor.”
Commissioner Bryan Joseph said several communities would jump at an opportunity like Harbor Shores and said he has not heard of any better ideas for revitalizing Benton Harbor.
“I’m 48 years old, and I’m tired of waiting,” Joseph said.
“People who do not support this project: Either lead, follow or get out of the way, because I’m sick of it.” [Mr. Joseph, please see the article below by Pastor Mary Gault]
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