HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #1 Robert Randall20 S
Carrnel'136ard of 2o6ing Appeals Re Docket'Number 1506000UV
I would like 'to offer my, objections .;to -the use,,variance-proposal from. TMC ".Development' LLC�yor:;the
�' I i th
purpose of constructing a,fueling station and a convenience store -at•thee,cornerr.of-Gray Road and;
Street` I urge the-. Carmel Board! of,,26'ning Appeals .to reject the proposed variance, which is on the
agenda ofthe Board's July 27 2015 6.pm meeting.
My family farm and home is across the. road from the proposed gas station site. My neighbors, family
members and I have. compelling reasons for opposing rezoning the site for the purpose of constructing a
fueling.station and convenience store.
In general, rezoning property to allow a gas station to be built in an established residential community is
not planning that benefits current residents. It' lowers the :attractiveness,,of the .residential experience for
existing tfo "meowners and undercuts their property values: Also, a gas station would irreparably degrade,
they site ofthe historic Gray Friends Church :and cemetery;,-a, landmark of the.commun'ity `since thel 1850s.
How the proposed .rezonin of the ro, a will adversely a to live ,by thoughtfully preserving its history.
Carmel ti ps P fined a nationgal reputation : artyan desirable laceffect this unique landmark deserves careful
consideration. I hope your decision will' be, strongly influenced by the uniform, opposition of the residents,
the people`who best know °the site. and the risks and consequences of putting a gas station on it.
My neighbors and homeowners' associations :have studied some specific problems the rezoning poses
and have raised several important objections which tshare: .
1 Traffic Impact' The intersection of 146th and Gray Road'is heavi[y:,traveled.-and-has •been the scene of
a number of serious accidents and even some. recent fatalities. At peak commute times, traffic "is backed
up`for more etlian a quarter rhife:
The 'posted' speed limif on 146th St' is 45mph, but it 'is routinely exceeded .• At night, some cars and
Imagine this scenario: gas station customers unfamiliar with the area exit the station on 146th Street
headed east expecting to be able to make a U -turn to head west. 1461" Street is not currently designed to
facilitate such maneuvers. The likely result would be many close calls, or worse, serious accidents.
2. Environmental. Impact - Any fuel spills 6ndt polluted storm water will eventually drain into the Mitchner
Ditch,_which_is the' creek running beside the ,parcel and the properties of the adjacent neighbors.. The
cleanliness of the water as it drains into the,Carmel aquifer�should Abe a'major- consideration.'The cceek'is'
currently not, contaminated by industrial; waste and runs through nu'merous'subd_ivisions: Draining runoff
from ther fueling station, into the nearby creek is irresponsible and unacceptable given the impact on
adjacent neighbors and the potential pollution of the stream.
3. Impact on the Surrounding Residential .Properties — Given the. facts that any fueling station and
convenience store,-would be visible from many surrounding neighbors' homes, that its noise and light
pollution will impact the neighbors' privacy, the project would be harmful to homeowners' quality of life
and would lower property values.
In light of°these objections and concerns; my family, and l and our neighbors respectfully ask that the BZA
reject, the p tioner's pro�jJosed usu varia ce "i vor of utilizing the :rezoning,process.
Robert M. 'Randall
5010 East 146"' Street RRandallPublish @cs.com