As Benton Township plans for a new park to be constructed near the intersection of Euclid and Laurel avenues, leaders are also taking steps to clear the surrounding area.

Earlier this week, the township announced a new effort to eliminate blight throughout the community. As part of that, Supervisor Cathy Yates tells us demolishing abandoned schools will be a priority. That includes the former Martindale Elementary, right next to the location of the new Euclid Park.

“So we’re working on getting the school taken down, and hopefully that’ll be done even before we break ground,” Yates said. 

Yates says demolishing dilapidated structures helps keep the community safe, especially for kids.

“I really want that gone because that’s an eyesore. And it’s not safe for children to be back there.”

Yates says the township attorney this week sent a letter to Benton Harbor Area Schools about the need to get rid of the Martindale building.

District trustees have discussed a need to tear down unused school buildings around the community multiple times, but not much progress has been made thus far. The township putting the pressure on them could change that.

Meanwhile, Yates says ground on the new Euclid Park could be broken in April of 2026.