Hopes and dreams for development of a key 4-acre parcel in South Haven are drawing a step closer following City Council action this past week to establish an evaluation committee to scour the three proposals received to provide guidance to the council on which approach to take going forward.
As we reported here back in June, the City of South Haven issued a request for qualifications to redevelop a city-owned parcel into a mix of owner-occupied and rental housing.
Known as the Overton site, the four-acre parcel is located at 229 Elkenburg. The City was seeking a skilled developer interested in providing a diverse blend of housing options, primarily designed for year-round residents. The preferred development team would have a proven track record of building townhomes and multi-unit housing for a middle-class demographic at attainable prices. That process resulted in three proposals, and back on Monday, August 17th, the City Council approved the evaluation committee to help review and evaluate those three proposals for the redevelopment of the property.
The evaluation committee is tasked with reviewing each developer’s qualifications, determine how well they understand the desires and needs of the city, their ability to execute the project, and review the compatibility of their project with the surrounding neighborhood. The evaluating committee will make a recommendation to the City Council and they, in turn, will make the ultimate final decision on the developer and plan for the site.
The committee is comprised of representatives from the City Council, the city’s Planning Commission, neighbors, and a local employer. The first kick-off meeting of their role will be held next Tuesday, August 25th.
For more details on the members of the evaluation committee and their charge on the project, click the link below:
