The City of Carmel will begin the construction of new, environmentally friendly pervious alleys behind certain properties in the Arts & Design District, as a way to improve access to parking, street connectivity and storm water management.
Using existing right-of-way already owned by the City, the project calls for the construction of a detention area for storm water to collect under the pavement before infiltrating into the ground. This will improve water quality and resolve storm water concerns in and around residential properties.
The project will give both existing and new residents rear access to their properties that they do not currently have, giving them potential options for parking. This project will go to bid in April, so there is no project total cost at this time.
“It is important to remember that there was no master drainage plan when Old Town was originally developed. The City has already invested a lot in the construction of curbs, sidewalks and storm drains. This new project will continue to improve our ability to handle storm water runoff as it makes its way to Cool Creek, which is an issue of great importance to the whole city,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.
Preliminary surveys and design are already underway. Construction is expected to begin this summer. These alleys running north and south, are planned for certain areas between north Range Line Road and 3rd Avenues NE and 1st and 5th Streets NE. There is one alley planned at this time for a short distance between 1st and 2nd Avenues NW and 1st and 2nd Streets NW.