Preserving green space is key as Carmel grows

Carmel Convo

As Carmel continues to grow, it’s important to remember the importance of green space in our zoning and planning. Whether it’s a pocket park, a row of trees or just an area of grass, we need to make sure we are preserving these lush spaces as new development takes place.

According to a REALTORS study, it’s proven that a vast majority of communities’ green infrastructure assets – such as wetlands, water, trails, trees and more – contribute positively to population, income and employment levels.

Extending the Monon Greenway from Indianapolis to Carmel was one of the best things that the City of Carmel did and it took bold leadership with an eye to the future. It’s now Carmel’s version of “beachside property” with new corporate headquarters and restaurants opening along the trail. Property values have increased and the investment has certainly paid for itself.

In fact, my wife and I took a walk along the Monon for our first date together. It’s a special gathering place.

Currently there’s a construction project underway to expand the Monon since it can get crowded and congested. This makes sense since this project can help increase our commercial tax base, which keeps residential property taxes low.

In Indianapolis, there was a study conducted after the Cultural Trail was built. Businesses along Mass Ave. and in Fountain Square reported large increases in customers and it was reported that 40 to 50 full-time jobs were added along with 47 part-time positions. More than a quarter of those businesses decided to open an extra day and 23 percent say they now close later. Overall, it’s estimated that there has been $864.5 million in estimated economic impact due to the 8 miles of trail. Property values have increased by $1 billion.

I applaud the City of Carmel for widening the Monon, but one thing I want to throw out there: Please remember the green space. We need trees and grass and lush scenery. If it’s just concrete, we’d all go crazy.

Paths and green space aren’t just important in commercial areas. It’s vital in our neighborhoods. When new homes are under construction, we need to make sure that appropriate buffers and green space are included. We need sidewalks and paths in our residential areas. And we need to maintain our parks space. I’m pleased that the Clay Township government is providing money to help update our parks, including Flowing Well Park located in my part of town. I’m also excited that federal money allows for a new multi-use path along 126th Street east of Keystone. We need to continue to see these commitments to parks and green space throughout Carmel.

In the past 20 years, we’ve seen Carmel expand its parks area from about 400 acres to nearly 1,000. I love that progress and want to see that commitment continue.

Adam Aasen is a co-owner of Donatello’s Italian Restaurant and a former journalist who lives in Carmel. His column “Carmel Convo” will appear periodically in The Reporter.