Residents raise concerns about parking for proposed boutique hotel and urge reuse options for underused pump track

Two distinct public‑comment speakers focused on neighborhood impacts of development and recreation needs.

Richard Oson, of Jones Avenue, said an article describing a proposed two‑story boutique hotel on Phoenix Street (12 units) suggested the property would have no on‑site parking and would add vehicles to downtown lots. “Parking in South Haven in the summertime is very challenging,” Oson said, and he asked council to consider parking impacts as proposals proceed.

A different resident urged the council to consider converting the underused pump track near Shaes on Wells into pickleball courts, arguing the sport has grown rapidly and that the existing pump track rarely sees users; the speaker said grant rules do not strictly require the pump track to remain forever and offered to share documentation from the DNR.

Council thanked both speakers and noted the DDA and other bodies will evaluate proposals and funding options as development and park plans proceed.