It was a packed South Haven City Hall Monday as the city council considered a motion to amend the short-term rental ordinance. The ordinance amendments would be presented to the planning commission, but first, the city council had to take public comment. Around 30 members of the public took to the podium to speak while attorneys for the city clarified some public misconceptions in a four hour public meeting, after which the council went into closed session. The overwhelming opinion of those attending the meeting was to end the current six month moratorium on new short-term rentals in Wards 1 and 2 because it is presenting a hardship for people who depend on rental income during the summer months. In the end, the city council voted to send the six amendments to the planning commission and also voted to request that body to expedite its review of the proposed amendments. Details on the proposed amendments can be found on the City’s website.
