Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a plan to help engineering firm Abonmarche develop eight new apartments downtown.

At their regular meeting on Monday, commissioners heard from Abonmarche President Daryl Knip that the company is fixing up its 16,000 square foot building on West Main Street with improved office space. Along with that, it’s planning the apartment units on the second floor, the addresses being 89, 95, and 101 West Main. Abonmarche is seeking to capture brownfield dollars to help recoup some of the expected $4 million cost.

Commissioner Ethel Clark Griffin was skeptical, saying this development wouldn’t be of benefit to most Benton Harbor residents.

“The president stated that the houses might be $1,100, two bedrooms might be $1,500,” Clark-Griffin said. “If a housing study was done, the average resident only makes $27,000 to $29,000. So, how do we get this rent at this high rate?”

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he’s seen developments all across the country, and diversifying downtowns is just what’s been working. He said attracting more residents means attracting more businesses.

“Activity breeds activity,” Muhammad said. “Business brings business. So maybe those eight units will inspire somebody to open up a cleaners next door or across the street. And that’s how we will rebuild this community.”

The brownfield plan is expected to help Abonmarche recoup about $1 million of the development’s cost. Knip said the company is also seeking some state housing funds.

Commissioners voted to approve the brownfield plan with Commissioners Clark-Griffin, Emma Kinnard, and Juanita Henry voting no.

City Manager Alex Little thanked Abonmarche, saying the firm could have brought this development elsewhere, but it chose its more than 40-year home, Benton Harbor. The brownfield plan approved Monday night will be of no direct cost to the city.