Brownfield board schedules half‑day retreat to focus on Act 381 compliance and LBRF strategy

The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority agreed to hold a half‑day retreat on April 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m., to focus on Act 381 compliance and a strategy for use of its existing Local Brownfield Redevelopment Fund (LBRF). Members voted informally during discussion to favor a four‑hour session with Fishbeck conducting foundational training.

Consultant Theresa said Fishbeck will prepare the agenda and training materials; board members debated whether to invite state regulators such as EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) or MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) for additional sessions, noting those agencies may need more lead time.

Several members suggested splitting training across sessions to allow digestion of material and to include supplemental programming on programs that complement Brownfield work (e.g., tax‑dependent pilot programs and employment requirements for projects). Board members emphasized making the retreat open to the public while keeping it primarily a board training event.

Next steps: Fishbeck to finalize agenda, confirm start time (11:30 a.m.), and arrange light refreshments; staff will consider whether to invite external regulators for a later session.