Conversion and Mitigation Proposal and Public Hearing Notice
Save Jean Klock Park






    The Public comment and review period has concluded. However, it is our
    opinion that any and all comments should still be sent to the City of Benton
    Harbor and State and Federal agencies and offices listed near the bottom of
    this page. The controversy hasn't quelled, the process has not been fair and
    complete, and the jury is still out! Till then please continue to submit
    comments to those listed including the Friends of Jean Klock Park!

    The information provided below is all the City of Benton Harbor is offering in
    terms of public review regarding the Conversion and Mitigation Proposal for
    Jean Klock Park. We consider this information incomplete as it does not
    include the revised Economic Impact Study that was recently released by the
    Upjohn Institute that clearly shows a reduction in the scope of the
    development proposal and a definite decrease in the promised employment
    statistics.

    The materials provided do not include a feasibility study which would be
    essential in order to base an informed determination of the validity of the
    economic benefits Harbor Shores claims the proposed project will have on not
    only the City of Benton Harbor but of the entire Berrien County region.

    We ask that you take time to carefully review the limited documents below as
    well as referencing the Upjohn Study in order to obtain the best possible
    understanding of the ramifications and risks of the taking of Jean Klock Park
    for a privately owned commercial development.

    Also included on this page is the public notice for the 30 day public comment
    and review period which began on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 and at this time
    is scheduled to conclude on Saturday May 3, 2008. However, requests are
    being made to the City of Benton Harbor and the Department of Natural
    resources to:

    At the end of the comment period extension notice is a request from us that
    you copy offices located in the Department of Natural Resources and National
    Park Service with your comments on the proposal and addresses of where to
    send them.

    It's extremely important that as many as possible participate in this critical and
    historically significant process!

    REVIEW THE CONVERSION AND MITIGATION PROPOSAL
    BELOW!    

    CITY OF BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN
    JEAN KLOCK PARK CONVERSION AND MITIGATION PROPOSAL
    In Reference to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant #26-00568

    Table of Contents:


    James Wood
    Michigan Department of Natural Resources
    Grants Division
    P.O. Box 30425
    Lansing, MI 48909

    Jim Krejci
    National Park Service
    Midwest Regional Office
    601 Riverfront Drive
    Omaha, Nebraska 68102

    Jennifer Granholm
    State Capitol
    P.O. Box 30013
    Lansing, MI  48909

    We also ask that you send a copy to us at:
    Friends of Jean Klock Park
    P.O. Box 8988
    Benton Harbor, MI 49023


    It's important that you retain a personal copy for yourself and as requested
    send one to us so that we can save them for our records as well. That way we
    can insure that your voice is not lost.
Michigan Messenger Guest op-ed:
Hugh McDiarmid, Jr.on the Jean Klock Park trust
Video of Hugh McDiarmid's public hearing comments