The South Haven City Council is hearing an earful about a controversial rezoning request as the matter awaits its consideration.

At this week’s meeting, council heard from a parade of residents opposed to the potential rezoning of 120 Baseline Road from Multiple Family Residential to Manufactured Housing Community to allow for 24 manufactured homes.

The city Planning Commission in May voted not to recommend the rezoning after hearing from nearby residents. At this week’s city council meeting, members heard from many of those residents, including John Albery, who said development of the site is inevitable, but this is about the zoning.

“The developer could build what he wants to, what he desires, using a PUD. In Michigan, of course as you all know, a planned unit development can be applied within an RM1, Multiple Family Residential district, which is what it is zoned right now. Property could be parceled out, sold as single family dwellings, taxed accordingly.”

Residents are opposed to the rezoning because they say it will cede some local control over the area to the Michigan Manufactured Housing Commission, result in less local taxes being collected, and possibly result in corporate ownership in the future.

The property owner, Eric Rothner, has agreed to several conditions to get the rezoning, like limiting the number of homes to 24 and not allowing short-term rentals. He told council this week he’s establishing a community at the site and already has several parties seeking to move in.

“This is the first piece of property within walking distance of the First Hebrew Congregation,” Rothner said. “We don’t drive on the Sabbath, and the members of our congregation that are observant walk to the synagogue.”

Rothner also said the 24 modular homes planned for the site will be a charming addition to the community.

The city council discussed the matter during its Committee of the Whole meeting this week, but it was not on the agenda for the regular council meeting and was not discussed formally. We’re told council is seeking more information before taking up the question at a future meeting.