HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #077 Mike McKeever
Shestak, Joe
From:The McKeever Family <mikeandlorim1@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, July 13, 2020 7:04 PM
To:Shestak, Joe
Cc:Holidays in United States
Subject:Opposition to Ambleside Point PUD rezoning as proposed
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Completed
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To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Mike McKeever and I reside in the Saddle Creek subdivision at 14306 Autumn Woods Drive Carmel, IN
46074. My home will be one of the most impacted by the proposed rezone to a PUD for Ambleside Point.
Please let me begin by letting you know that I am pro-development. Additionally, my wife and three daughters have
enjoyed the farm field in our back yard for 13 wonderful years. We knew the day would come when a developer would
have designs on building on this land and are truly open to responsibly planned and executed construction of a
neighborhood that will add value to its residents and the community. Ambleside point is not that neighborhood.
My opposition is based on the following criteria:
1. Density. In your own, current, Comprehensive Plan/Part 3/Land Classification Plan, you outline a density goal of
between 1.0 and 1.3 dwelling units per acre. This is stated to “establish and protect housing opportunities for
people who desire low density or subdivision living”. Please don’t let this developer use a zoning “end-around”
to avoid following your own Comprehensive Plan - which is the exact reason he is seeking the PUD. At nearly 4x
the density allowed in the Comprehensive Plan, the impact on traffic and our neighborhood amenities will be
significant.
2. The proposed PUD does not make anywhere near enough accommodation for necessary amenities/green
space. Our subdivision collects dollars to spend on the creation and maintenance of our green space and
amenities for Saddle Creek residents. As proposed, Ambleside Point has an alleged 25% “open space”; however,
as described it may include wooded common areas and ponds. I understand the developer wants to sell as
many homes as possible, but with only scarce walking trails - which connect to our private property, our
subdivisions private property will be subject to significantly more use and deterioration with the increase in
pedestrian traffic. Not because of the Ambleside Point residents’ choice, rather the lack of amenities provided
in the PUD rezoning request. In the Comprehensive Plan/Part 3/Land Classification Plan it states that a
minimum of 15% open space and that of that 15%, fifty percent should be usable. Based on the proposal, I do
not believe this will be possible as it stands.
3. Traffic. The proposed rezone to a PUD includes a traffic study; however, there is no possible way to understand
the scope of impact in the last 6 months due to COVID-19 and the number of Carmel residents working from
home. Even of they allowed for a factor projection pre-COVID-19 levels, the impact on Beaumont and Megan
Drive will be higher than proposed. When we pressed at our meeting with the developers, there was not a solid
answer from their attorney on this matter.
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Steve Pittman has been proactive and has held meetings that are not required. While these have been strategic on his
part to try and get ahead of concerns from our residents, he truly seems invested in the conversations. However, the
members of the Planning Commission have a Comprehensive Plan that is in place for a reason. There is no reason to
allow a Carmel developer a rezoning request so that he may run completely around the guidelines you have set forth to
be followed.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. Thank you for your time.
Mike McKeever
Saddle Creek HOA Board of Directors
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