HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #03 Steve StrassSpring Lake Estates
To: Joe Shestak
From: Steve Strass
cc: Ed Balda
Date: 10/14/2021
Re: Parcel D Development of US-31 Corridor
Joe,
Prior to the comprehensive plan hearing scheduled on 10/19/21, please review and share this
letter of concern with all parties involved in the decision-making process as it pertains to
updates to the plan. The Spring Lake Estates neighborhood, which is located in the US-31
Corridor area of Carmel, is described in the current comprehensive plan to be a “Critical
Corridor.” Planners and city leaders have committed to guide any commercial development in
this “Critical Corridor” so that it provides these protections to nearby residential areas like ours:
A. Building heights should be reduced as they encroach on Illinois Street and
Pennsylvania Street; and building heights should not exceed 3 stories when
adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods.
B. Prohibit “branded” architecture
C. Respect transitions to adjacent neighborhoods and require appropriate buffering
Please observe the below image of parcel D. The Spring Lake Estates neighborhood resides
north of parcel D, buffered by forest. This forest provides a natural preserve for various wildlife,
as well as a beautiful landscape and privacy to the homes that reside on the south side of
Mallard Court.
Considering commercial development that has already taken place in parcels A through C to the
east of Spring Lake Estates (creating additional noise pollution and bright lighting), the current
hospital east of N. Illinois St., and the potential commercial development on the southeast and
southwest corners of parcel D at the roundabouts on 116th St., the residents of Spring Lake
Estates and Jackson’s Grant across Springmill Rd., west of parcel D, envision a tremendous
opportunity to develop a green space for the residential and professional communities.
We propose for parcel D to be developed into a beautiful, walkable green space where all
surrounding parties could benefit. Our vision and goals are to:
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1. Avoid any further reduction to the current forest buffering Spring Lake Estates from
parcel D on the north side, as well as retain the additional forest that resides on the
south side of parcel D closer to 116th St.
2. Develop the land in parcel D between these two current forest buffers into a beautiful
park recreational green space, which we envision to include paved parkways for walking
and bicycling, ponds, fountains, trees, flowers, plants, sitting areas (I.e., benches,
possibly a pavilion area for gatherings, similar to the new one constructed at Coxhall
Gardens), trash can areas, dog bag stations, etc. The sidewalk that dead ends just
outside of the south entrance of Spring Lake Estates could be continued all the way to
116th St. to provide safe and easy access to this new park. We accept the possibility of
commercial development on the southeast corner of parcel D at the 116th St.
roundabout, but are asking to leave the buffer of trees in place on that south end of
parcel D so that a park could be developed between the forest buffer on the north side of
parcel D south of Mallard Court and the forest buffer currently closer to 116th St.
3. Provide a spacious and beautiful recreational space for those families living in the
surrounding neighborhoods, such as Spring Lake Estates, Jackson’s Grant, Springmill
Ridge, etc. In addition, a terrific natural habitat and sanctuary for all employees working
at IU Health North Hospital and the businesses located at The Bridges at Carmel Market
District for exercise and lunch breaks to assist with work life balance.
4. Continue to be a nationwide leader in the development of an Eco-Friendly city, by
investing in parks and recreation, further reducing our carbon footprint.
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The residents and working professionals in the US-31 corridor know that we can continue to
develop wonderful spaces for our community in Carmel by working together with those making
final decisions on planning. Please put serious thought into this proposal. We all understand
the need to develop value-add commercial spaces, and I believe the surrounding residents have
been very open to compromise in this area, considering the commercial development that has
already taken place and will continue to take place.
Ask yourself, if you lived in our neighborhoods, would you want more buildings, traffic, noise,
concrete, and trees cut down? Or would you rather live and work in a place that has been
described within this letter?
Thank you in advance for your consideration. Please feel free to call me if you’d like to discuss
further.
Sincerely,
Steve Strass – Spring Lake Estates
375 Mallard Court
Carmel, IN 46032
317-515-7732
sstrass2@gmail.com