Residents press city on missed water bills and abandoned lots during public comment

BENTON HARBOR — During public comment on June 1, residents urged the city to resolve problems with billing and nuisance properties.

Tony Anderson, who said he owns multiple rental properties in the city, described receiving multiple shut-off notices after not getting mailed water bills for several months. Anderson said he paid the bills once notified but asked staff to waive late fees; he said he had not received a timely response from the city’s payment center or the manager’s office. A staff member replied, "I'll get with the water department and find out and see if there's anything we can do on it."

Sam Yates described a burned house adjacent to his home at 729 Highland that has sat three years with trash, pests and falling trees. He said the city had only partially cleared debris and that the property remains a hazard for his grandchildren. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the complaint, and code enforcement officers (Mr. Little referenced staff visits by "Mr. Little and Mei") committed to follow up.

Both comments underscore recurring resident concerns raised earlier in the meeting about grass-cutting, property abatement timelines and the perceived lag in enforcement when property owners are entities (housing authorities or neighboring jurisdictions) rather than private individuals.