Proposed ordinance change addresses concerns regarding impact fee credits
In its first meeting since the Carmel City Council passed a resolution outlining proposed changes for the approval of future impact fee credits, the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation voted to dismiss the litigation filed against the City of Carmel regarding this matter.
Park Board members expressed appreciation for the commitment of Mayor Sue Finkam and the City Council to enhance transparency regarding the issuance of impact fee credits. While the proposed changes must first be reviewed by the Plan Commission before returning to City Council for final adoption, the Park Board’s action demonstrates its confidence that these important changes will be implemented in a timely manner.
Klitzing
Finkam
“I appreciate the resolution of this issue and would like to thank the Parks Board for taking this action,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “With this lawsuit behind us, we can focus our valuable resources on providing world-class parks and recreation amenities to residents and visitors for decades to come.”
“Both the City of Carmel and Clay Township have been important partners contributing to the success of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) and this is an issue we are happy to move beyond,” Parks and Recreation Director Michael Klitzing said. “Together we can now focus our attention on the future and how best to serve the park and recreation needs of Carmel residents.”
CCPR is currently finalizing its new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will guide the management and development of the park system for the next five years. Later this year, the Park Board will host a joint meeting with the City Council and Clay Township Board to review recommended priorities and action plans developed based on extensive public input.
The master plan will also identify potential funding options necessary to sustain existing infrastructure and construct new amenities requested by the community.
An update on the master plan was provided at the Jan. 23, 2024, Park Board meeting, and can be viewed here.