Government to decide future of Harbor Shores project

by Samuel King (king@wsbt.com)

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Developers are waiting for approval from the National Park Service to use a chunk of Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor for three holes of a Jack Nicklaus Golf Course as part of the Harbor Shores development. (WSBT file photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 22, 2008 at 5:28 PM EST

Story Updated: May 27, 2008 at 6:45 AM EST

BENTON HARBOR -- The people have had their say, now the government will decide whether a key part of the Harbor Shores Project moves forward.

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The National Park Service wanted more public comment about Benton Harbor's plans to convert part of a lakefront park into a golf course. Even those who supported the project had concerns about the use of the park. But the supporters of the plan say the golf course is needed to make the overall project a success.

Developers are waiting for approval from the National Park Service to use a chunk of Jean Klock Park for three holes of a Jack Nicklaus Golf Course.

The public would still have access to the beach, but many of the dunes in the middle of the park would be used for the course.

“We have committed to a spectacular golf course, and anything less than spectacular would impact all of our financial performance in a negative way,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, president of the Cornerstone Alliance and a trustee of the Harbor Shores Project.

But opponents say revised plans didn't address their concerns. They don't think the project will be approved.

“This plan was doomed from the beginning if they felt Jean Klock Park was key,” said Carol Drake, of the Friends of Jean Klock Park. “Because if they placed all their bets on using the park, then that's why this project was doomed.”

Opponents of the plan say the park could be a tourist attraction, even without the golf course.

“There's a plan from the 1990s, that if put into effect for Jean Klock Park, would greatly create more amenities and improve the park, but the park doesn't need that much improvement; it needs to be maintained,” Drake said.

But supporters say if the park is not used, the course will not be successful.

“The developers did look at different alternatives, and in all cases, they were either deemed either unfeasible, or not in keeping with the true goal and mission of this project and that is driving as much development as possible into the community that needs it the most,” Dant Chesser said.

They point to other benefits of the project — job training and increased homeownership. They say people might be skeptical because of proposals that have failed.

“Promises come right out of your mouth and stub your toe; but real results turns the cynicism into hope,” said Dr. Marcus Robinson, President of Citizens for Progressive Change.

But opponents of the plan to use the park remain unconvinced.

“I think the project's a good idea, but I don't think using the park enhances the project that much by what they're losing surrendering control of the park,” said Cuellen Bury, a Benton Harbor resident.

The city now has to respond to the comments and submit that to the state of Michigan. The state will then send it on to the National Park Service. That could be done in as soon as two weeks, but it may be later.

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