Benton Harbor moving forward with Buss Avenue property renovations
BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- This week, Benton Harbor City Commissioners voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the Buss Avenue property to the Benton Harbor Housing Commission for $1.
The city previously purchased the property, and the housing commission owned the building but not the actual land, until now. With this transfer, the housing commission can go through HUD's federal program for renovations, as was done recently for Harbor Towers.
The city says the improvements to the Buss Avenue Apartments will cost $32M through the RAD program, with more than $90,000 dedicated to each unit. The developer will receive tax credits with this program, and the city will collect $50,000 per year on the property for a minimum of $750,000.
Benton Harbor Commissioners mentioned that the move was made possible, in part, by Congressman Huizenga. He worked to secure federal funding for the project after visiting the area and viewing the condition of the building.