(WSBT) It's being touted as a development that will create jobs and help the local economy. Tuesday night, the people behind the proposed Harbor Shores near Benton Harbor tried to ease concerns about how things will change as the project moves forward.

The half-billion dollar development is set to go up on 530 acres of abandoned industrial sites. Over the next 20 years, new homes, stores, even an up-scale golf course would be built. People in the community want to make sure jobs go to Benton Harbor people who are struggling.

"It's very important that the people of this community benefit from the economic boom that will come from this community," said Kareemah El-Amin, Community Partnership for Lifelong Learning.

Developers say they're already working on training the workforce for what lies ahead.

"We feel a responsibility to start that training process now so in two years we'll have either people who have two years of work experience or they're certified to do jobs that are related to the development," said Mark Mitchell, Alliance for World Class Communities.

Others were worried about nearby Jean Klock Park. Developers would like it to play a role in the golf course, but not everyone likes the idea.

"The golf course only needs the park for scenery... to enhance their program which is playing golf. That does not do anything for the people. The secondary jobs from a golf course will be minimal," said Larry Streeter, Friends of Jean Klock Park.

City Commissioner Rahim Abdullah says the park has only been used by a few people. He's hoping the development will help transform his community.

"Benton Harbor used to be a beautiful town. It had a lot of jobs from the factories. So we want to see that again," he said.

Abdullah says Harbor Shores could also attract other businesses to the area and create more jobs.

Another hearing on the plan is set for next Tuesday.