The South Haven City Council will use a proposal from Robey Analytics for an economic impact report on short-term rentals. Councilmember Joe Reeser said the council needs to take action on the issue.
“I’m fine with using this company if that’ll give us the information that we can pull together, because I hate seeing us as City Council not be a strong, singular unit that can tell the residents we’re trying to help you to do the right thing. But we got to do something, and maybe this is our way to do it.”
George Erickcek and Jim Robey will do the study and have it available to the council in 90 to 120 days, with the goal being 90 days if all data is readily accessible. City Manager Kate Hosier says the state Senate, however, has passed House Bill 4722 from committee that would remove local government control of short-term rentals and make a minimum of 30% of homes in a community eligible for that. Several residents commented short-term rentals are making long-term housing in South Haven and other communities unaffordable.
