HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #02 Andrea DavisE17
Improving lives and building community
Carmel Plan Commission
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46038
Plan Commission members,
June 12, 2020
I am writing on behalf of HAND Inc. to express support for Docket No. 19090013 OA: Accessory
Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendment. In allowing Accessory Dwelling Units by right, the
proposed amendment would create additional housing options for Carmel residents who want
to remain in one of Hamilton County's most expensive communities.
As Hamilton County's only designated Community Housing Development Organization (and
Carmel property owner), HAND is well aware of the need for housing available at multiple price
points to meet the needs of all residents. HAND's 2018 Housing Needs Assessment found that
Carmel has the county's highest median closing price for both new construction ($543,958) and
existing homes ($372,381), and median monthly rent in Carmel exceeds the county average.
Carmel households spend an average of 41 percent of their total income on housing, exceeding
the 30 percent standard that is widely considered "affordable." Countywide, households spend
an average of 35 percent of their income on housing.
One of the main reasons Hamilton County residents are housing -cost burdened is a disconnect
between housing costs and income. Almost half of the county's workforce is employed in the
seven lowest -wage industries —many of which are among the region's fastest -growing
industries. Taking steps like allowing more Accessory Dwelling Units, will help to sync housing
costs with local incomes, making it easier for more people to live near where they work.
Thank you for considering this important step in diversifying Carmel's housing inventory.
Sincerely,
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Andrea Davis
Executive Director
HAND Inc.
347 S. 8th St., Suite A, Noblesville, IN 46060
www.handincorporated.org 1 (317) 674-8108