Officials seeking public comment on Ox Creek corridor at July 31 summit
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Since 2022, millions of dollars and countless hours community engagement have been invested to advance the Ox Creek revitalization project in Benton Harbor and Benton Charter Township.
Those efforts have paid off in the form of biking/walking trails and bridges, commercial development, housing opportunities, environmental
restoration, and more, but now, officials are asking the public what to do next.
On Wednesday, July 31, Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor will be the site of a daylong community summit that will focus on “Changing the Narrative – Restoring and Revitalizing Ox Creek,” Ox Creek Revitalization Project officials said.
The summit will begin at 9 a.m. on July 31 at go until around 12:15 p.m. at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center (1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor).
"The City of Benton Harbor is hosting the summit in collaboration with the Ox Creek Collaborative Partnership, which includes Benton Charter Township, Abonmarche, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the University of Michigan, and many other partners," officials said.
Public officials and stakeholders who have confirmed attendance include:
- Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad
- Benton Harbor Interim City Manager Alex Little
- Benton Harbor Waterfront Restoration and Revitalization Project Manager and Community Engagement/Outreach Specialist Dane Rasmussen
- Benton Charter Township Supervisor Cathy Yates
- Administrator Debra Shore of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5
- EGLE Director Phil Roos
- Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist Emily Finnell, EGLE Office of the Great Lakes
- Representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga
- Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford
- NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Specialist Greer Harewood
- Blacks and Green founder Naomi Davis
- SWMPC Deputy Executive Director and Senior Planner Marcy Hamilton
- Benton Harbor Community Development Corp. Executive Director Ashley Hines
- Sarett Nature Center Executive Director Nate Fuller, Benton Harbor
Organizers say the summit will serve as a platform for sharing crucial updates on Ox Creek restoration and revitalization projects and the draft Ox Creek Restoration and Revitalization Implementation plan.
"Attendees will have the opportunity to actively shape the future of Ox Creek through breakout sessions designed to solicit feedback and input," organizers said.
"Attendees will explore collaboration, coalition building, and leadership opportunities in the restoration and revitalization efforts and will have the chance to network with fellow community members and stakeholders who share a common interest in the restoration of Ox Creek."
The Summit is open to all interested individuals and organizations and is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).