South Haven Approves Rezoning for Potential Condo Development

City Council greenlights rezoning request despite lack of formal development plan

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The South Haven City Council has approved a motion to rezone a parcel of land from Residential 1 to Residential 2, paving the way for a potential condominium development, although no formal plan for the project has been submitted. The rezoning request was previously approved by the Planning Commission and was supported by most council members, who expressed confidence in the land's current owner, King Company, despite concerns from one council member about the lack of detailed information.

Why it matters

The rezoning decision reflects South Haven's efforts to address the need for 'missing middle housing' - a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes. However, the lack of a formal development plan raises questions about the ultimate use of the land and whether it will align with the city's housing goals.

The details

At a recent city council meeting, Zoning Administrator Kelly Getman-Dissette said the owner of the 285 Black River Street parcel had requested the rezoning to allow for a unit with two dwellings. While Getman-Dissette noted that King Company was looking at a potential condo for the site, no formal plan has been submitted. Council members questioned whether there would be adequate drainage on the parcel, but member Dave Flack expressed confidence in King Company's past work in the area. Council member Mary Hosley dissented, arguing that once the land is rezoned, the city has limited control over its future use.

  • The South Haven City Council approved the rezoning motion this week.
  • The Planning Commission had previously approved the rezoning request.

The players

Kelly Getman-Dissette

South Haven Zoning Administrator

Dave Flack

South Haven City Council member

Mary Hosley

South Haven City Council member

King Company

The current owner of the 285 Black River Street parcel, which is being considered for a potential condominium development

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately, there is no proposed development at this time and that's okay because the application in front of us right now is a rezoning application. A site plan is not required, but these are all factors that would be considered with a site plan application.”

— Kelly Getman-Dissette, South Haven Zoning Administrator (wsjm.com)

“I love the opportunity that it could bring to have some missing middle housing, which was a major part of their presentation throughout. How that manifests, we'll see. But it was encouraging to see that, and I hope that that would come through. I do have a lot of trust in the King Company because I've seen the work they've done around this town in the past. So I have confidence in the company that currently owns this land and is planning to do something with it.”

— Dave Flack, South Haven City Council member (wsjm.com)

“I just urge everyone to realize that once it's rezoned, if it's sold, it's whoever has it. And once it's rezoned, they can do whatever's allowed.”

— Mary Hosley, South Haven City Council member (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the development plans for the 285 Black River Street parcel as the rezoning process moves forward.

The takeaway

South Haven's decision to rezone the land reflects the city's efforts to address the need for diverse housing options, but the lack of a formal development plan raises concerns about the ultimate use of the property and whether it will align with the city's long-term housing goals.