HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #27 Sima Sciopu1 | P a g e
To Whom It May Concern,
Upon review of the “CARMEL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (DRAFT)” presentation several questions impacting
the Estates section in particular the Queens Manor Estates have not been addressed in the provided
packet.
First and the most important is the definition of the word “Hospitality” found on page 32 and
page 41 under General Use Categories Permitted: Residential, Hospitality is not clearly defined.
2 | P a g e
Second, also on pages 32 and 41 under the Parking / Servicing: Limited areas associated with
structures, we need a clear definition of the “structures” particularly if they are related to
hospitality.
As you are well aware one of the residents in the Estates section of Carmel continues to use the
property as an event center. This year there have been more than 20 events on this property. These are
some of the photos of those events posted on social media from this property.
3 | P a g e
4 | P a g e
The property in question continues to negatively impact infrastructure such as roads, traffic, sewer and
water as well as noise ordinances which then requires Carmel Police Department interventions.
As such it is imperative that we have a clearly defined use of the word “hospitality”, as well as the word
“structures”. Additionally we need clearly defined, where in the Estates section, will these Hospitality
facilities and their supporting parking structures be located. Leaving these terms undefined and vague
will undoubtable leave room for broad interpretation and misuse.
These definitions must be specific, will these be; hotels, motels, restaurants, event venues, concert halls,
etc. As an example see included the above mentioned property which is frequently used as an event
venue and has clearly outlined 354 parking spots as well as 4 handicapped parking spots on the Carmel
GIS site.
5 | P a g e
Under the Estates section on page 32 Purpose is defined as “Large, pastoral and rural parcels in a largely
natural landscape. Secluded setbacks, architectural fences/gates.”
A 350 plus parking lot which supports a wide variety of events including; weddings, concerts, 3rd party
private parties/celebrations, and other types of events, is neither pastoral, rural nor residential.
Lastly as demonstrated on page 5 of the Department of Community Services presentation document,
due to the COVID pandemic, there have only been a little more than 100 in person participants, during
the public comment period. That’s about 1/10 of 1% of all Carmel residents. For such a major revision of
the city plan I really can’t remember seeing any posters, signs or other advertisements asking the
residents to provide input. I don’t doubt that there were ads in some local publication, but it certainly
wasn’t something was a widely accessible public service announcement, in my view. Please allow more
time for public comment.
Thank you
Sima Sciopu, MD
Queens Manor HOA President