HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #085 Jeff Rowe - third submission
Shestak, Joe
From:Jeff Rowe <jffrowe@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 3, 2020 4:25 PM
To:Shestak, Joe
Subject:Comments on Epcon's revised "Courtyard of Carmel" proposal
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Dear Mr. Shestak,
I am commenting on Epcon’s revised proposal regarding “Courtyards of Carmel” PUD. I would like to welcome any
committee members to visit my property to see first-hand how the development, if it proceeds along its revised plan,
would play out in real life. I live across the street from the border of what is currently a soybean field in Foster Estates.
We purchased this house knowing that the land would be developed and we have no objections to development. We
welcome increased revenue for the city and additional housing for Carmel residents. Epcon’s revised proposal, however,
represents hardly any movement for making this a suitable development for this location.
Perhaps unfortunately, I visited the Epcon development in Zionsville. Nearly identical, concrete slab housing on small
lots situated very close together gives it the appearance of a line of boring and cheap manufactured homes, which is
completely opposite of the surrounding neighborhoods in Carmel. At the price points suggested, my own 55+ parents
would not live in such a community. My concern is a lack of sales at the advertised prices is likely which could result in
reduced home values affecting property values in the area.
In addition, the traffic must be considered. A housing development with less density, similar to Foster Estates or the
other current neighborhoods, might be able to be accommodated. The density Epcon proposed will not work, even with
the elimination of the 20 units. The idea that the 55+ citizen does not travel during the peak hours is remarkable,
particularly, when my 55+ neighbors travel during peak periods daily. As a result, additional stop signs may be needed
and possibly speed bumps. Exiting on 146th Street and perhaps at Hazel Foster/Carey Road, additional traffic lights
might need to be considered. No one wants these but this may be required to maintain safe streets due to the
substantantal increased density.
We had been anticipating a development of that property. In fact, we were looking forward to new neighbors and a 55+
community would be delightful. This, however, is not the way forward. If there must be such a dense development as
Epcon proposes, it should be physically separated from the currently existing neighborhoods. Berms, mature dense tree
lines, and streets that ensure safety should be used together, as exist in other nearby neighborhoods in Carmel.
Epcon’s revised proposal should be sent back for additional revision or rejected.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jeff Rowe
2764 Maralice Drive
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