Board approves Blue Star 8 reimbursement agreement for 306 N. 12th Street

The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously to accept a project application from Blue Star 8 LLC and to enter into a reimbursement agreement for work at 306 N. 12th Street.

Consultant Theresa explained the parcel is already in an approved brownfield plan, so Blue Star 8 needs only a reimbursement agreement (not a new plan) to be reimbursed for eligible brownfield activities. The board’s motion to accept the application, enter the reimbursement agreement and accept the application fee passed 8–0.

Developer Trevor Carlson described the property as a brick building behind the Family Dollar on Riverview and said Blue Star 8 is investing personal funds to rehabilitate the structure. ‘‘We’re spending a lot of personal investment into that building to make sure that that happens,’’ Carlson said, adding that his company has rehabilitated other downtown buildings and manages ongoing property maintenance.

Theresa explained how reimbursement works: the developer submits invoices for eligible costs, the authority confirms eligibility, and the developer is reimbursed from captured tax increment as funds become available. The board discussed timing of reimbursements and the need to ensure the assessor captures the tax increment so funds will flow to the authority’s account.

Next steps: staff will finalize the reimbursement agreement documents, notify the assessor to ensure capture, and process eligible invoices once submitted.