The Benton Harbor Planning and Economic Development Committee has signed off on a housing development proposed by Whirlpool. To be located at 170 Riverview Drive, the 80 unit development would help Whirlpool attract new employees. The location is across the street from the company’s Benton Harbor Tech Center, and would cost $22 million. The company also says it will invest $800,000 for road improvements and needed infrastructure to support the development. Its plan is to work with a developer. Rents at the development are expected to run between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Benton Harbor Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats said during Wednesday’s committee meeting it’s been “over 35 years since the parcel of land has been used for anything meaningful,” adding the community will benefit from the residents the development attracts. With the committee’s approval, the matter now goes on to the Benton Harbor City Commission at its next meeting.
