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More than 50 residents attend meeting over development plans
Dear Editor:
Citizen protests regarding a massive redevelopment on a small piece of land adjacent to one of Carmel’s oldest neighborhoods helped the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Monday to deny the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC) and its chosen developer three of six variances from city code in order to complete the project.
Despite a surprise change in its overall plan, the developer – Pure Development – eliminated one of three office buildings proposed for a site on 3rd Avenue SW formerly occupied by AT&T.
More than 50 residents of the adjoining Johnson Addition attended Monday’s BZA session and pointed out:
- The official plat of the subdivision specified residential construction only, specifically barring commercial development.
- There is no demonstrated need for a 443-space parking garage topped by a four-story, 244-apartment building.
- The developer’s plan is predicated on a division of the site into parcels not recognized by any plat map in city or county records.
This is only part of the more than 50 Carmel residents who attended Monday’s Board of Zoning Appeals meeting about consideration of a development project proposed for their neighborhood. (Photo provided)
Others spoke of the quiet, suburban neighborhood’s being upset by traffic and congested space described as part of Carmel’s Midtown Development but never included in any previous Midtown descriptions in city planning documents.
CRC director Henry Mestetsky said the project had been a long time in the planning process and involved a total $144 million in investment, and that the parking garage would be available to the general public.
An analysis of the 443-space garage by an engineer/accountant resident of Johnson Addition showed all but a dozen spaces would be needed for apartment renters and office workers.
Several more hearings will be needed before a final decision is reached on the project, according to those familiar with the process.
Bill Shaffer
Carmel