The Home Place community in Clay Township was annexed by Carmel on Jan. 1 with property taxes to be levied this year, payable in 2019. But, exactly when residents can expect to see city police protection, street maintenance and building code enforcement remains a question. Carmel spokesman Dan McFeeley says city officials “are developing a plan for starting city services.” Home Place has had fire protection for years under provisions of a contact with the city which continues. Public services such as sewer and water are provided by other entities.
A home in the annexed area assessed at $100,000 will be taxed an additional $95 per year or $8 per month on average, according to McFeeley. Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard in a statement last week said that while county services that Home Place received before annexation covered basic needs, the city can expand upon the scope of service. Brainard said that while many Home Place properties are well kept, there are situations where absentee owners have not always maintained rental properties to acceptable standards. He believes city code enforcement can improve upon this situation.
Until now county government has provided services including Sheriff’s patrols, street maintenance and storm drainage control. Sheriff Mark Bowen says that for the time being his department will continue to police the area.
Home Place residents fought annexation for 12 years in court, claiming they were satisfied with county services, but in November finally decided against continuing the fight in court.
Home Place was platted more than 100 years ago, but never incorporated as a town. The area involved is bounded on the north by 111th Street, on the south by Interstate 465, on the east by Westfield Boulevard and on the west by Pennsylvania Street.