By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
Have you heard anyone say they love to hate Carmel? Maybe it’s sarcasm with just a little touch of envy. As a nearly lifelong resident, I hear that comment every now and then.
The expression is not cool, but there are misguided reasons for it. And, there are some people who just like to poke fun, probably not real hatred. Most Carmel folks just laugh it off.
A sportswriter for the Indy Star used that “love to hate Carmel” phrase in a story this spring. Of course, that concerned high school basketball, but there are other reasons some people may voice that love-to-hate comment.
One reason is the common belief that all Carmel residents are rich. Of course, there is a lot of wealth in the city to be sure.
But, when I volunteer at a Carmel food pantry twice a month, believe me I see folks who are not rich. Some of the less-well-off are single parent family members, some are unemployed, others are elderly with little income.
These people live in modest apartments and older rental units mostly found off the beaten path.
The public improvements fostered by the city administration also bring some jokes and critical comments. Roundabouts, new public buildings, street sculptures, arches and extensive landscaping provide fodder for critics and jokesters. But, many other folks like the improved appearance that these amenities bring.
Growing up in Carmel, many years ago, folks outside the immediate area would ask me “just where is Carmel?” One tongue-in-cheek answer was “midway between Westfield and Nora.”
That question isn’t asked much anymore. Part of the reason is the sheer size of the community now, but part is due to the reputation the city has, like it or not, for sparing no expense to get a lot accomplished, doing it ‘first class’ and doing it quickly.
So, I think that for all the jabs (some good-natured and some not) about rich people, roundabouts and successful athletic programs, it’s certainly not a bad place with mostly nice people and a lot of popular attractions. Carmel has probably been a model for other cities playing catch-up to a greater extent than we realize.