HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #092 Richard Bryant - third submission
Shestak, Joe
From:richard bryant <ribyt@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 4, 2020 1:21 PM
To:Shestak, Joe
Subject:Re: Automatic reply: Aug. 4 & Aug. 6 Plan Commission Sub-Committee Agendas
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Joe,
In regard to the Planning Comm sub-committee hearing
I would ask that the planning comm. please take into account we are still in the midst of a growing
pandemic that will continue to have significant far reaching impacts on our nation, Indiana, and
Carmel.
As you are well aware, the loss to business has already been great, and unemployment is beginning
to have a greater effect as pandemic benefits are reduced and delayed by a Congress and
government at all levels. ALL government Budgets will be thus impacted as well. The number of
houses that have gone up for sale in the neighborhoods surrounding the high density proposed
project(s) has increased dramatically lately and will turn into a flood if benefits run out before
employment has a chance to recover, and Yes, even Carmel, will face a potential budget crisis more
severe than 2008 as tax revenues continue to erode. This time around though, is even worse
considering the number of citizens without full health insurance coverage to meet the potential havoc
a pandemic virus can cause. Most part time jobs dont give them the luxury of full coverage, and they
dont receive the same privileges of such that some city council members receive - so they have to
prioritize their tightened budgets.
Against this backdrop, now comes a developer who wants a zoning revision for another high density
proposal in the 136th st NE quadrant to US 31/Keystone Ave. While this plan is a revision from
previous proposals, the fact still remains it is high density, with more homes the the surrounding
neighborhoods on 3 sides, and thus quite unlike other projects in Carmel. The residents in the
surrounding neighborhoods, including myself, are largely opposed to it for a number of stated reasons
as before.
However, with the pandemic issues outlined above, we as residents have not had the chance to unite
our common issues into an effective legal challenge on behalf of all of us. But as the proposal is still
being given due consideration for a zoning change to bless this project, it would seem to make logical
sense to request a 30 day or more delay to give more opportunity during this crises for the
surrounding neighborhoods to have some sort of legal voice here, rather than just concede that its
likely to sail through as we have no chance or budget during this crisis to retain an attorney for such.
I would therefore consider it proper to ask that such a reasonable delay be imposed to allow all
affected neighborhoods more input and effective legal challenge to this rezoning request if at all
possible. Largely due to the changing progression of dynamics of the crisis we are in.
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Rest assured, projects that did not require a zoning change, would be less likely to be challenged,
However, there are still significant issues here affecting the neighborhoods and property values even
without the present pandemic. However, It is here, and will be persistent for some time to come, as it
ripples through the economy. Therefore it is prudent to ask for a delay in rezoning for a chance for all
parties to be heard and represented.
Richard Bryant
On Friday, July 24, 2020, 06:22:23 PM EDT, Shestak, Joe <jshestak@carmel.in.gov> wrote:
I'm currently out of the office. I'll be back in the office on Monday, July 27 and I will be able to respond to you then.
If you need immediate assistance, please contact the offce at 317-571-2417
Thanks,
Joe Shestak
City of Carmel
Department of Community Services
317-571-2417
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