HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #049 Melissa & Caleb Ho
Shestak, Joe
From:Melissa Ho <mjho@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Monday, July 13, 2020 10:26 AM
To:Shestak, Joe
Subject:Concerns about the Ambleside Point PUD/rezoning
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Completed
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Dear Joe,
We live in the Saddle Creek neighborhood and have significant concerns about the proposed Ambleside Point PUD.
We oppose the rezoning. We oppose building a high density neighborhood connected to the Saddle Creek
neighborhood.
The land on the NW side of Carmel is zoned as low density per the Carmel Clay Comprehensive Plan. The
rezoning and building of a high density neighborhood does not align with the C3 Plan to "reinforce rural
character including tree lines, fence rows, barns, pockets of open space, and preservation of wood lots”
in West Carmel.
The low density zoning is a large part of the reason we, and other residents, chose to purchase in this
neighborhood. Such a significant increase in density “in our back yard” would dramatically alter our
neighborhood and this area of NW Carmel.
We are concerned this change to a high-density area will negatively impact the property values in Saddle
Creek.
A high density neighborhood will result in significantly heavier traffic and more noise for Saddle Creek
residents. (See more below.)
If a neighborhood is built, it should align with current zoning as a low density neighborhood.
We are highly concerned the entrances to Ambleside being in Saddle Creek.
Currently 4 entrances to Saddle Creek North are utilized by 328 units. The enormous increase of adding
some 285 units will impose a high volume of traffic particularly at Beaumont Blvd. and Megan Dr.
Increased traffic can only result in more traffic hazards to Saddle Creek residents.
The proposed entrance at Beaumont is particularly of concern as we anticipate it will be will be heavily
used due to ease of access for those driving south (toward 141st Street, I-465, downtown Indianapolis
and to schools).
Please note that the traffic assessment performed in June of 2020 is not an accurate assessment given it
was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and summer break from school. Traffic was unusually
low during that time, as many residents are working from home and avoiding normal activities. School
was out and many activities for children were cancelled.
In addition, the land at Beaumont that would be replaced by a road has been used for 16 years as Saddle
Creek green space. Children have used this space for sports. We would like to see the green space
remain instead of building a road. This is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan which states
that “West Carmel has many non-connecting subdivisions. The proliferation of this pattern of
development is more tolerable in this district.”
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We opposed adding 285+ homes as this will vastly increase traffic, decrease safety, and will contribute
to noise pollution in Saddle Creek.
We strongly request Ambleside have its own entrances separate from Saddle Creek. However, if a road
must be constructed through Saddle Creek, we request:
Plentiful landscaping and large trees to help with noise reduction and beautification and
privacy.
Delay the opening of the road until after construction has been completed.
Do not allow construction traffic through the Saddle Creek neighborhood.
Lower speed limits at these entrances (such as to 15 miles per hour) to better ensure safety.
The high-density rezoning creates other safety concerns for Saddle Creek residents.
The 3’ minimum side yards in Ambleside pose a fire hazard. There is no need to build homes so close
together in this part of town.
We concerned about the run off during rain from the high density housing spilling into the ponds that
already have issues with overflowing during intense rains. We need a plan for how this water from any
development will be absorbed safely.
We also wonder what the impact of adding a high density neighborhood will have on our water
pressure.
The Ambleside Point PUD plan does not have walking paths and recreation areas such as playgrounds,
tennis court and basketball courts. We are concerned that the Saddle Creek paths and recreational
areas will be overused by residents of Ambleside Point due to lack of such amenities in their
neighborhood. The need for paths is also consistent with the Comprehensive Plan: “Continue expansion
of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to connect neighborhoods with schools, parks, WestClay’s
Secondary Core, and other destinations.”
As residents who lives only a few houses from the proposed Ambleside Point sight AND who have a
popular walking path at the end of our backyard, we are very concerned that the increase of use of this
path will result in changes to our privacy and safety.
As a parents with children in the westside Carmel Clay schools, we know these schools are full and redistricting already is
hanging over us. What is the plan for Carmel schools to accommodate any new neighborhood, and certainly a
neighborhood of the proposed size and density?
We would further request that for any development the existing tree lines not be removed. This would be in keeping
with the Comprehensive plan. Maintaining these mature trees helps keep the feel of Saddle Creek and better ensures
privacy. Eliminating the beautiful trees would be a great loss to Carmel green cover. Finally, these trees are home to
many wildlife species. We regularly see a bald eagle circling above the pond. Though we do not know where it nests, it
would be critical not to destroy the habitat of this endangered specie.
We are glad that the plans do not include commercial development or rental units.
We would like to see the current S-1 Residential zoning maintained for low-density housing. We would like to see
changes made to the Ambleside Point PUD that protect and maintain the comfort and safety of both neighborhoods
including plans for traffic, water run-off, amenities, schools, and protecting green spaces.
Thank you for your attention.
Melissa & Caleb Ho
Saddle Creek Residents
2250 Mustang Chase Dr
Carmel, IN 46074
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