A setback to the Berrien Hills River’s Edge project on the site of the old Berrien Hills Country Club is being called a disappointment by St. Joseph Township leaders, but they say they’re still excited that the first phase of construction is slated for next year.
The River’s Edge project, along the St. Joseph River off Napier Avenue, is a residential and commercial development planned by the Ridge Group for the 102-acre former golf course.
The Ridge Group recently learned a new floodway map from FEMA places a significant portion of the project within the official St. Joseph River floodway, thereby making that section likely uninsurable. Therefore, Ridge has broken the development up into phases.
St. Joseph Township Manager Denise Cook tells us the first phase on top of the bluff will include apartments, which the township welcomes. She says the township is aware of the FEMA mapping issue but is “excited that the Ridge Group plans to begin construction of the first phase on top of the bluff next year and complete that phase in 2029.”
Cook continues, “New housing, including apartments and duplex cottages, as well as a commercial building, will be a welcome addition to this property and the township as a whole.” She tells us although delays are always disappointing, if FEMA’s new flood maps remain in place, “we welcome future discussions and planning sessions with the Ridge Group to redesign a plan for the property at the river’s edge.”
Below is Cook’s full statement:
“The Township is aware of the new FEMA mapping that changes the floodplain areas on the Berrien Hills property, and that the Ridge Group has planned a three-phase development, starting at the high ground and working down to the river.
We are excited that the Ridge Group plans to begin construction of the first phase on top of the bluff next year and complete that phase in 2029. New housing, including apartments and duplex cottages, as well as a commercial building, will be a welcome addition to this property and the Township as a whole.
Upon the completion of Phase One, we look forward to the second phase of construction, located below the bluff but above Phase Three on the river’s edge.
Although delays are always disappointing, if FEMA’s new floodplain restrictions remain in place, we welcome future discussions and planning sessions with the Ridge Group to redesign a plan for the property at the river’s edge.
We look forward to continued mutual benefit for the Township and the Ridge Group through the development of the Berrien Hills property.”
