Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved an amended zoning ordinance and zoning map at the request of the Planning Commission.

At a meeting this week, commissioners were told the amendments will make it easier for the city to attract developers by eliminating inaccurate information on its website, easing parking requirements for restaurants, and correcting information in the land use table.

Commissioner Ethel Clark Griffin questioned why the updated zoning ordinance seeks to promote higher housing densities, suggesting it could gentrify parts of her Fourth Ward.

“I will not say yes to me and my residents being pushed out,” Clark Griffin said. “That is it. Like I said — and I’m gonna say it again tonight — the master plan is Project 2025.”

Planning Commission Chair Lee Reed said allowing more multi-unit properties will benefit residents.

“We want to have as many opportunities as possible for the people who live in the community to have an opportunity to build generational wealth, and one of the ways they do that is investing in multi-unit apartment buildings,” Reed said.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the city needs more residents, and multi-family dwellings help attract them.

Reed said the restaurant parking changes are intended to allow flexibility and encourage shared parking.

“A lot of the restaurants close around 3. That means no cars on the streets. So why should you have to have all of this parking space if there’s nobody down there?”

Commissioners approved the amendments, with Commissioners Clark Griffin and Emma Kinnard voting no.