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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDepartment Report 11-02-211 Carmel Plan Commission COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Department Report 1. Docket No. PZ-2021-00177 CP: Carmel Clay Comprehensive Plan Update. The applicant seeks to update and reformat the Carmel Clay Comprehensive Plan. Filed by the Department of Community Services on behalf of the Carmel Plan Commission. DRAFT PLAN: The draft Comprehensive Plan is available as a Web App or as a PDF. Go to www.carmelcomprehensiveplan.com to: • View and navigate the propose Comprehensive Plan in website form • Download the PDF Information is also available on the City’s website at www.carmeldocs.com. REVIEW TOPIC: Section 1: Policy Goals & Objectives PDF Pages 11-23 Purpose: To provide a vision for the future by describing general policy direction as we collectively look forward for the next 10+ years. Origin of Policies: Seven of the eight the Policy Goals proposed in the draft have been carried over from the existing C3 Plan. Certainly, the corresponding Objectives have been refreshed based on experiences, changing conditions and best practices over the past decade. The new Policy Goal, Improve Mobility Options & Functionality, is intended to recognize the progress made in improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities, whose objectives were previously scattered among other polices. This goal is also intended to focus on emerging transportation needs and technologies as Carmel continues to grow. While the importance of pedestrian and bicycle-friendliness is foundational to many of the other Policy Goals, and will remain woven throughout, the Department believes that the topic warrants its own P ol icy Goal. PUBLIC COMMENTS & SPREADSHEET: Spreadsheet: The Department has received several comments via the “Provide Feedback” form on the website. Enclosed is a spreadsheet compilation of the comments* received thus far (at the time of this report). The spreadsheet will be also be updated periodically and available for viewing in Laserfiche: PZ-2021-00177 CP: Carmel Clay Comprehensive Plan Update. *Note: Most of the comments have been entered into the spreadsheet verbatim; however, some have been separated into individual rows to help sort comments where specific Objectives have been cited. Comment Summary: We’ve received a variety of comments and questions relating to the proposed Policy Goals & Objectives. A few general themes are emerging: • We’ve heard generally positive feedback on the Policy Goal to Lighten Carmel’s Environmental Footprint, and support to keep building out multi-use path connectivity: • Overall concerns surround the potential application of the 20-Minute City concept, particularly how it could affect single-family neighborhoods, and requests for clarification/definition of phrases such as flexible building types, mix of housing options. In the time leading to the first meeting, the Department continue to review comments and potential solutions or answers to questions. Recommendation: The Department of Community Services recommends the Committee set a time limit and review Section 1: Policy Goals & Objectives as time allows. Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date 00 Process Jill Reese jillreese@me.com 00 Process After reviewing 700 total surveys, you stated that the top 3 things most valued about the Carmel community are: safety; walkability/bikeability; and public amenities (schools, parks, etc.) What was the breakdown in percentage of total answers for these top 3 three things? 10/27/2021 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.1.1: "Continue to evaluate the pros and cons of form-oriented regulations rather than use to enhance community character as described in this Plan's Development Patterns." Define "form-oriented" and "use" Make sure all terms are defined so people outside of planning professionals can understand 10/25/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.1.5: Further improve neighborhood edges through thoughtful blending of uses and character as established in the Development Patterns section. Need further refinement of what is meant by "neighborhood edges" and how will they be determined. This sounds like an argument for local serving retail, which is not well received in west Carmel. Many residents prefer a more homogeneous single-family use. 10/23/2021 Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.1.5 "Further improve neighborhood edges through thoughtful blending of uses and character as established in the Development Patterns section." This is a nice cover all statement. Can there be more examples, or elaboration? 10/25/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.1: While maximizing the impact of US 31 business district there must be sensitivity to adjacent residential uses, which abut the US31 corridor in many areas.10/23/2021 Gus Navarra gusnavarra@comcast.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.2 : "encourage pedestrian scaled mixed use developments, urban form, and 20 minute neighborhoods", single use (i.e., single family homes) lack vitality during off peak times and provide significantly less property tax value per acre" ....FEEDBACK: I am NOT supportive of "20 minute neighborhoods" especially if it infringes on existing neighborhoods and may over-ride the majority of residents' wishes who live in that neighborhood and /or require zoning changes. I prefer to keep the natural beauty of existing neighborhoods and not force zoning changes. We seem to have ample amenities in many areas across Carmel and in very close proximity to many neighborhoods already. I also prefer use vs. form. I believe we should not increase density primality to increase property tax value per acre or create a "20 minute city" which seems to be over-building more than what is truly necessary. Other text: Hello, bellow is my feedback regarding the proposed Comp Plan: Thank You for your efforts to update the CP and requesting input from the public. I am available as needed to provide additional feedback if needed. 10/24/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.3 - Almost no one in a suburban Carmel neighborhood wants increased density or relaxed use restrictions next door. We purchased suburban homes that aren't duplexes or quadplexes or let out on AirBnB for good reasons -- health, safety, security, leisure, beauty, value, quiet, decongestion -- and the city has an obligation to citizens to preserve those qualities that drew us here. Also, the Plan notes Covid-19 in 1.4, well one of the very clear lessons from Covid-19 is that during a pandemic people want to be AWAY FROM CONGESTION, away from cities, and more spread out! Please learn at least this one simple Covid lesson: suburbs have been the safe place during the pandemic as dense city cores emptied out. 10/21/2021 Gus Navarra gusnavarra@comcast.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.3 : "focus zoning on building form while relaxing use and density related restrictions" . FEEDBACK: I am not supportive of relaxing use and density related restrictions. My preference is for any proposed zoning changes to existing neighborhoods be a collaborative process for residents in that neighborhood and developers and Carmel Administrators, and all parties to work together and compromise as needed to allow input and requests to be implemented or incorporated into final decisions or changes. Other text: Hello, bellow is my feedback regarding the proposed Comp Plan: Thank You for your efforts to update the CP and requesting input from the public. I am available as needed to provide additional feedback if needed. 10/24/2021 Gus Navarra gusnavarra@comcast.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.5 : "streamline processes that make enacting this comp plan easier for private developers." FEEDBACK: I am not supportive of making it easier for private developers without improvements to allow more public input and public's requests to be incorporated into development devisions. I want to ensure there is adequate process for the public to have equal input and voice to the entire development process. I am available to work with Carmel Administrators to review more feedback and make recommendations for improvements. Please feel free to email me at gusnavarrra@comcast.net Other text: Hello, bellow is my feedback regarding the proposed Comp Plan: Thank You for your efforts to update the CP and requesting input from the public. I am available as needed to provide additional feedback if needed. 10/24/2021 1 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.5: Clarify and streamline development vision and processes that make enacting this Plan easier for private developers, while limiting unproductive and disruptive uses. This objective needs more clarification. What is meant by making enactment of this Plan easier for private developers? Enacting the plan is a city process not a private developer exercise. 10/23/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.2.6 - Almost no one in a suburban Carmel neighborhood wants a city bus rumbling down our residential streets or electric scooters cluttering our sidewalks. We see near empty busses and unused dedicated bus lanes and we trip over messy scooters every day when working in Indianapolis, and we chose not to live there for good reasons. 10/21/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.1 - It is demonstrably false that Carmel residents desire traditional neighborhoods (assuming we could agree on what that means) that include a variety of housing types. Very few suburban Carmel neighborhoods include a variety of housing types, and for a reason -- people who chose to live in detached, single-family, suburban homes want to live in a neighborhood of detached, single-family, suburban homes. Let's be honest, we like variety of facades, but not types. 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.1: Carmel desires the quality of life benefits derived from the principles of traditional neighborhood design in all neighborhoods including active & walkable centers, a variety of housing types, transportation options, and a mixture of land uses. Not all residents in all parts of the city share the same desires for a mixture of land uses near their neighborhoods. This is important to recognize in zoning and land-use planning. 10/23/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.3 - I'm afraid this ship has sailed for SW Carmel, which is an area defined by developments and not physical boundaries. Although I am sympathetic to this objective, I can't even imagine how it would be implemented in SW Carmel except perhaps in some ideologically-motivated, disastrous fashion. Without additional detail I have to object to this being a useful goal for SW Carmel. 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.3: It would be good to see practical examples of where this has been done in other cities our size, and the purpose.10/23/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.5 - This is probably THE MOST OBJECTIONABLE of all the goals in the Plan. We are suburbanites, for Pete's sake! We have kids, cars, we shop at Costco and Home Depot, we commute to work. Please stop attacking our basic, fine, enviable way of life by trying to push buildings and congestion close to us when we deliberately moved father from it. If work, school, grocery stores, clothes stores, theaters, restaurants, soccer/basketball practice, library, etc. are all within a "short walk or bike ride" distance, life would be miserable. The traffic, noise, lights, and congestion would be awful (because who will walk/bike to pick up $800 worth of groceries or a sheet of drywall, or for the 5-6 months of the year when the Indiana weather sucks for walking or biking!?) and less safe for our children. Even in the most remote parts of Carmel, there's hardly an amenity in the world that can't be found by driving 8 minutes; we don't need or want those amenities right next door! 10/21/2021 Gus Navarra gusnavarra@comcast.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.5 : "strive to be a 20 minute city and allow small scale amenities to develop near residential areas." FEEDBACK : I am not supportive of this objective as we have adequate amenities in many areas of Carmel and in close enough proximity to existing neighborhoods. This seems to be creating additional commercial units and greater density where it is not needed. I am in favor of building amenities in new neighborhoods and areas where it may be appropriate. Overall I prefer reasonable density and reduced commercial units in neighborhoods. The downtown core is appropriate for higher density and commercial units vs. in multiple and existing neighborhoods across Carmel. I prefer a balance between the natural beauty and greens space in neighborhoods and commercial units and greater density in designated (and planned) areas outside of neighborhoods. Other text: Hello, bellow is my feedback regarding the proposed Comp Plan: Thank You for your efforts to update the CP and requesting input from the public. I am available as needed to provide additional feedback if needed. 10/24/2021 Gail Dietz dietz1410@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.5 " allowing small scale amenities to be developed near residential areas." Could I have several examples of what you mean here please?10/25/2021 2 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives 20-minute city concept Objective 1.3.5 "Strive to be a "20-minute city" allowing most daily needs to be met within a short walk or bike ride for most residents. This means allowing more walkable and diverse housing options to be built near existing amenity centers, and allowing small scale amenities to develop near residential areas." Objective 1.3.6 "The 20-minute city concept can guide the location of neighborhood serving commercial centers. Commercial uses can fit within the character of their surroundings by their form and design, as described in this plan's Typical Corridors Development Pattern. Flexible building designs help ensure the use can change over the lifetime of the building while protecting character in particularly sensitive areas." There are many citizens who live west of 31 who do not want Commercial development or a "20-minute city", allowing most daily needs to be met within a short walk or bike ride. How can the existing estate homes and neighborhoods' concerns be further addressed instead of a blanket concept as outlined in the "typical corridors"???? 10/25/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.3.6: The 20-minute city concept can guide the location of neighborhood serving "commercial centers". How does a 20-minute walk to a commercial center meet resident needs? Provide examples of this to better understand what uses are considered appropriately located near residential neighborhoods. 10/23/2021 Linda Downer downlin@sbcglobal.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.1 Reinforce Adaptability: One of the next evolutions that is being considered in some forums is creating energy solutions in a small independent area, thus, making the area independent from the grid. Is it possible to have a neighborhood develop an off the grid footprint based on solar and battery back-up. I know this seems futuristic but some believe that one of our biggest problems is the large electrical grid and its dispersal. The City could help this by creating areas that are built with the infrastructure or perhaps making this possible with new building use codes. To be more specific, imagine a local church that gives its rear parking lot over to solar panels that can be parked under. What is generated is spread to the church and immediate neighborhood. This is not too far out as I have seen it in the St. Petersburg area. Or when repurposing a facility like Orchard Park School use that to put panels on that service the neighborhood. Our future needs to adapt to new structures and ideas in the electrical generation area. 10/25/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.3 - Again, "flexible building types" are fine for an urban core, but are anathema to a suburban neighborhood. 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.3: What is meant by "flexible building types"?10/23/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.7 - Again, SW Carmel's character as a place of detached, single-family houses on large lots is under assault by this Plan. The bias towards urban living in the Plan is troubling and completely out of touch with what residents want. We don't want the urban core of mixed housing types creeping into our neighborhoods. 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.7: What housing types, if any, are missing in Carmel?10/23/2021 Gail Dietz dietz1410@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.4.7 where it is stated "have a mix of housing options." In my opinion, Carmel residents enjoy the residential neighborhoods that keep their housing investment in tact. To throw in a "mix of housing options" i.e. apartments, in the middle of a housing subdivision could significantly change the neighborhood and lower the single family home value. Apartment dwellers are usually transient and companies that own the rental apartments have a propensity to change ownership thus creating an unstable property value. 10/25/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.1 - Ditto. Please modify the plan to place more emphasis on preserving the good character of Carmel's single-family, detached homes on large lots. I know the urbanites that draft these plans abhor the thought, but suburbs are wonderful places to live, they are sustainable, healthy, safe, quiet, lovely, and worth preserving and worth expanding! 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.1: Encourage different housing types and sizes within the same neighborhood to support different household types and economic resiliency. I assume "same neighborhood" here is a much larger area than a single subdivision?? 10/23/2021 Gail Dietz dietz1410@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.1 , where it is stated that the goal is to have different housing types and sizes within the same neighborhood-this is NOT the reason I moved to Carmel and paid property taxes for over 30 years. I wish to retain the value of my property and this Objective appears to go against common sense. 10/25/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.2 - The op-in guild sounds like a cabal for doling out city favors to compliant builders. The potential for corruption or the appearance of corruption makes this one a very bad idea. 10/21/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.7/8/9 - I will support any arts program that includes selling or destroying the absurd collection of human sculpture kitsch that clutters downtown Carmel's sidewalks. 10/21/2021 3 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.5.9 "Explore a future world-class public art museum to complement current public and private offerings." Where did this come from? No other similar public private development initiatives described in comp plan 10/25/2021 Linda Downer downlin@sbcglobal.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.6.15: I am not aware of any composting program within the City....except for what I compost in my own pile. I always feel bad putting yard waste that is too big to compost myself into trash cans. It would be great if we had bins at certain times of the year that we could put not only leaves in but tree and bush trimmings, and garden trimmings. Perhaps this could be put through a giant shredder and composted locally. 10/25/2021 CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.7.1 - I agree with this objective. Question: Is there a city park in Carmel where a resident can go to play a game of pickup basketball with friends? Pickleball? Futsal? There's not, and it's really sad (we do have a sand volleyball court out by River Rd, which is great! More such stuff, please.). Where can our teens and young adults gather to play for free? We need more parks and to improve the play options at the ones we have. 10/21/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.7.3: Work corroboratively with local health systems to offer outreach services, health and wellness clinics, screenings, classes, smoking cessation programs, dietary support, mental health clinics, immunization programs, and the like. This seems like a social program that does not fit into the context of a Comprehensive Plan. 10/23/2021 Denise Waite dpwaite490@outlook.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Several objectives discuss the encouragement of walking and biking activities. Objective 1.7.8 addresses street amenities and mentions convenience and desirability but fails to address safety. Traffic in many roundabouts in the city often moves quickly making it difficult to safely cross. Consider addressing the installation of more crosswalk flashers to enhance the safety of those residents that do walk and bike around the city. 10/21/2021 Linda Downer downlin@sbcglobal.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.7.9 Support Healthful Living: Love the bikeable City! I do it all year long. It is getting better with the bike trails. The City will come along and plow those trails and then an independent contractor will plow out a Church or shopping Center parking lot and leave 2' hills across the bike trail. Enforce proper clean up! One specific area that is bad with snow is from Keystone west to the High School. This private style walk way should be changed to a multiuse path that is plowed in the winter. This is important to the local students who walk and ride the area. 10/25/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.7.9: Maintain efficient snow removal from sidewalks, curb ramps, and multi-purpose paths to encourage physical activity in the colder months. While this is very desirable, it seems it should be a city administration policy, but not appropriate for the context of a Comprehensive Plan. 10/23/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.7.10: Support local food and agriculture by expanding community gardens throughout the city, through educational and pilot programs, and increasing participation in the Farmers Market. While desirable this is more appropriate as a city goal rather than content for a Comprehensive Plan. 10/23/2021 Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.8.3 Complete the major east-west path links to complement the Monon Greenway, with a supporting set of paths, trails, and shared streets linking these to neighborhoods, destinations, and neighboring municipalities thereby offering bicycling as a meaningful coxammuting option. Misspelled???? Define? 10/25/2021 Ronald Houck rfhouck@hotmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Objective 1.8.4: Charging for parking seems questionable as this may discourage people from visiting businesses or retail.10/23/2021 Jill Reese jill@wagnerreese.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives Do you have any objectives that address alleviating traffic congestion and pedestrian safety issues and otherwise enhancing ingress/egress to/from Carmel High School? I still do not see any although I have provided similar feedback in the past. This is one school of 5300+ students from every corner of Carmel, so walking and using bicycles is not feasible for the vast majority. If there are no such objectives, why not? Thank you for your time. 10/6/2021 4 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Steve Strass sstrass2@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives 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. [Comments continue in the next row] 10/14/2021 Steve Strass sstrass2@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives 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: 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. 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 5 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date CHARLES SWITZER ctswitzer@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives I strongly oppose many of the policy goals and objectives of the current draft of the Carmel Comprehensive Plan, as detailed below. The goals and objectives are fine for Carmel's urban core and Michigan and Meridian Streets, but are a worrisome for our suburban neighborhoods. The balance of Carmel's suburban neighborhoods, its thriving city center, and its strong retail and business corridors (Michigan and Meridian streets) provides the character, quality, and aesthetic that has made Carmel such a fantastic, award-winning city, that drew me here 12 years ago, and that continues to attract residents. I'm afraid this Plan tips that balance way too strongly toward the urban/business side to the detriment of its suburban side. Tellingly, the word "suburb" is used only once in the entire Policy Goals & Objectives section, which seems to indicate an anti-suburban bias of its drafters and supporters, and there's no explicit language anywhere in the Plan addressing a strong need to preserve Carmel's suburban character and neighborhoods. The current draft of the plan must be revised to address this issue or the Plan will be a huge step in hastening Carmel's decline as the best city in Indiana to live and raise a family. The thrust of the Plan is densification, densification, densification, as if densification is both inevitable and desirable. It's neither. There are preserved, vibrant, lovely suburbs in nearly every major city in America, and it would be a shame if Carmel destroys hers. I live on Carmel's SW side, just south of Coxhall, and am sad that there's nearly nothing in the Plan that addresses the need of my part of town to be preserved as one of the great vibrant, lovely suburbs that will remain an attractive area for families for generations. Below is my list of the Objectives that work fine for the urban core, but that few residents want for our suburban neighborhoods. [Comments on specific Objectives moved to separate rows] Except for the Plan's object of densifying and urbanizing our lovely suburbs, I don't have objections to the Plan's other Objectives. Please revise the Plan to strongly emphasize the city's intent to preserve the suburban nature of our suburban neighborhoods. Thank you. 10/21/2021 Amanda Goldner amanda_goldner@yahoo.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives As a resident who walks everywhere, I find it very difficult to cross streets safely, especially at roundabouts. I often find myself stranded in the middle of the roundabout. Few go 15 mph through the roundabouts or allows pedestrians to cross. Even on Rangeline where there is a pedestrian warning button, no one stops or slows when the light is blinking. In order to make Carmel pedestrian friendly, a plan needs to be developed for how and where people can safely cross especially since there was an emphasis in the plan on kids walking to school. 10/26/2021 6 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Judy Hagan RL72JF@sbcglobal.net 01 Policy Goals & Objectives I am struck by what is initially missing from this update of the Comp Plan. The current C3 Plan began with a Community Profile with all kinds of data providing a snapshot of the community 10 years ago. Updated basic information is essential to guide planning for the next decade. It would be helpful as a base to review C3 for successful completion of many of its goals and what needs to carry over to a new Comp Plan as well as the new issues. A new issue going forward is how the remaining infill/unplatted properties will develop and how the "edges" of different uses are resolved. There is a map dated "2021 UnplattedLots.pdf" on the DOCS website under the current C3 Plan page. It would be helpful to update and share that map to reflect the undeveloped parcels whether they are already a PUD or rezone or plat or are an unplatted acreage; also helpful would be a map of all the parking lots from the Meridian Corridor east to Keystone (the central city) that have potential for redevelopment. While life has certainly changed during the pandemic, some changes were expected by futurists and have just accelerated. One of the suggestions of the draft Comp Plan is continuous training for elected and appointed officials on timely topics of development. This seems a good time to start that effort and include citizens as well. That was a strength of the C3 Comp Plan and seems to be missing so far. Section 1.2 generally seems to have many issues jumbled together that warrant consideration apart from a general lumping of "economic vitality". If the "20 Minute City" was a truly an economically realistic goal, we'd still have corner grocery stores and the new grocery to replace the O'Malia's on the east side would not have been such a struggle; nor would the struggles of Village of West Clay commercial continue. We need to come up with our own time clock and parameters for this particular concept. Regarding Section 1.5, the sub paragraphs of 1.5.7 and 1.5.8 and 1.5.9 seem to be the only specifics about anything so far. While important, they are probably not top of mind by the majority of the community. Section 1.8 would make more sense if the DOCS study on transit that was referenced in earlier comments on the Comp Plan update webpage was shared to clarify what "last mile" might mean. The transit study is another piece of data that needs to inform the Comp Plan update. Finally, I don't see anything addressing "affordability" which apparently was one of the top 3 things most important to the future of Carmel according to surveys done so far. The Hamilton County Community Foundation has had a similar issue as a focus for the last several years. They do not appear on the list of stakeholders described on the draft website. Might be helpful to have their input. Thank you for the opportunity to comment thus far. 10/27/2021 Cindy Muse cindanddavidmuse@gmail.com 01 Policy Goals & Objectives I applaud Carmel's incorporation of many objectives to Lighten Carmel's Environmental Impact (1.6), particularly the development and implementation of a Climate Action Plan, encouraging green spaces and tree plantings, public transportation alternatives, and expanding the market for clean energy. An additional suggestion would be encouraging the use of permeable pavements in city and commercial parking lots. Permeable pavements can catch precipitation and surface allowing it to slowly infiltrate it into the soil or discharge through a drain tile. Such pavements can mitigate erosion, serious floods, transport and build up of pollutants and degraded habitats. Thanks to all the folks who have spent many hours in thoughtful consideration of this comprehensive plan for Carmel 10/28/2021 02 Development Patterns Deborah Washburn deborahwas@aol.com 02 Development Patterns I own a single family home in the Downtown area which is highlighted in pink on the map and considered as a “special study” area. What does this mean? My mothers lives in this smaller home and her neighbors are greatly diversified across many ethnicities and nationalities, along with single adults, all who would be displaced out of Carmel, their hometown, if your special study decides that their affordable housing does not fit in with the vision that a special study group would determine not to be good for the future of the city. Just want to make sure that affordable existing single family housing remains within the city of Carmel. Not everyone want to live in a high density building and new is not necessarily better. 10/26/2021 Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 02 Development Patterns Downtown East Purpose: "Downtown's eastern edge transitions in density toward residential neighborhoods east of Keystone Parkway. Intended to have more integrated mixed uses as redevelopment occurs." Include mentioning residential neighborhoods to South also 10/25/2021 Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 02 Development Patterns Downtown West Purpose: "Carmel's freeway corridor with expansive visibility and easy freeway access buffering the freeway from the neighborhoods to the west and urban core to the east." There are also residential neighborhoods to east, not just "urban core" 10/25/2021 7 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Peter Langowski mandplango@gmail.com 02 Development Patterns The White River Development pattern appears to be the biggest new direction from any of the areas listed with regard to movement away from the present uses, with six story buildings at the E-W gateways, hospitality uses and other uses that do not exist at all in the area today. The use of the term "varies" also hints at fairly significant ideas afoot. Please provide some further focus on this development pattern, specifically include and integrate the Conner Prairie plans and the ongoing work of mywhiteriver.com into your efforts. 10/24/2021 mike louden jlouden953@aol.com 02 Development Patterns We've lived in Home Place 27 years. Love our little town that's now a Carmel neighborhood. We realize change is coming and that's not a bad thing. I think our little community although its been annexed into Carmel should remain residential. Not having any buildings higher than 2 story as it currently is. Please, we don't need any monster 3 / 4 / or 5 story buildings at the intersection of 106th and College. Those would totally destroy the nice small town community feel. Its been here for over hundred years since 1914 actually. Let our own small town feel live on as our neighborhood / community grows ! Thanks Mike& Kathy Louden 750 e 107th st 10/22/2021 Jacob Gorden jacob@heartlandhealthinsurance.com 02 Development Patterns Hello! First off, I love this city and I wouldn't raise my kids anywhere else. We live in West Carmel and I would like to see more connectivity from West Carmel to downtown Carmel. It seems like central Carmel and East Carmel have easier access to downtown. I'd love to see some safe, multi-use paths connecting the West side to the Arts and Design District, Farmer's Market, etc. Perhaps something that connects directly with the Monon. A path on 116th would be great. Especially that can get you all the way West to Michigan Rd, but also to Central Carmel, as stated above. I think an old school movie theater with big marquee could be really cool too. I think we need a new movie theater. That's all for now, I may share more later! 10/21/2021 Denise Waite dpwaite490@outlook.com 02 Development Patterns Based on the Development Pattern map, Plum Creek Village is classified as part of the White River neighborhood. Plum Creek Village consists of 90 detached single family dwellings and is surrounded by the Plum Creek Golf Course. Please explain why this area is not included as part of East Neighborhoods, along with Plum Creek Ridge and Plum Creek Farms which are also situated along the Plum Creek Golf Course. There are no other detached single family neighborhoods included in the White River neighborhood. Also of concern is the Max Height Characteristic within the White River which could allow for 6 story buildings along E/W corridor gateways. Please explain which E/W corridors would be affected and why it is necessary to incorporate that level of building in this area. 10/21/2021 Susie Moore mooreworld1@gmail.com 02 Development Patterns I am extremely concerned about the idea to develop commercial nodes at the roundabouts on 116th and 106th streets in southwest Carmel. This area is full of multimillion dollar estates, and the reason we moved here is to be away from commercial development. We totally understood when we built our homes that we were not within walking distance of a grocery store, etc. and that is totally fine. It is horrifying to think that one can invest millions of dollars in one's home, only to have a strip mall or restaurant be built across the street. That in NOT why we chose southwest Carmel in which to live! PLEASE do not even consider this horrible idea here. I love the idea of multiuse paths and bike paths to connect the streets and allow for bike rides to The Bridges of Carmel or over to Michigan Road, but DO NOT adulterate the beautiful open green space and large estates with commercial development! Thank you, Susie Moore 1151 W 116th St, Carmel 10/26/2021 Kathleen Dunbar kathyadunbar@aol.com 02 Development Patterns Why is hospitality a part of the Estates Development pattern? Estates should be strictly residential. Hospitality seems very broad and could include bars and restaurants....not wanted! 10/19/2021 Barbara Eden edenbarbara@att.net 02 Development Patterns Development Pattern photo examples - should they all be of Carmel locations? Or could they be better examples more indicative of the actual Carmel development patterns?? And respective of different home types in one Development Pattern area?? 10/25/2021 James Noland noland.james@gmail.com 02 Development Patterns We do not need a commercial development within a 20 minute walk of every home. The character of 116 th street would be adversely affected and devalue homes presently there. Estate owners might be encouraged to leave the area. 10/27/2021 03 Street Typologies Kathleen Dunbar kathyadunbar@aol.com 03 Street Typologies There is no definition for conservation corridor...ie, the estates? why?10/19/2021 Jonathon Fruchte thefruchtes@gmail.com 03 Street Typologies I'm pleased to see that there do not appear to be changes to the number of lanes on 96th west of Springmill Rd. Not long ago, Ascension Health was seeking zoning and lane changes beyond the Meridian Corridor. The neighborhoods, including mine which is Deerfield, do not want more traffic than is already on 96th street. Is adding road restrictions, such as no thru semi/tractor trailers, something being considered in the comprehensive plan? For example, when 465 gets backed up, it's shocking how many trucks are using 96th Street West as a detour to Michigan Road. They are loud and sometimes too large to fit in the roundabout causing traffic problems. We've taken up this issue with Tony Green (City Council), but I figured adding feedback as part of the comprehensive plan can't hurt. 10/27/2021 04 Streetscape Facilities 8 10/28/2021 Compiled Comments - Comprehensive Plan Draft Submitted via Website through 10/28/2021 First Last Email Address Section Message Date Mike Beale mikepbeale@gmail.com 04 Streetscape Facilities I really like the addition of paths and mobility lanes. That is going to make my bike commute so much better! My only thought is how about some mobility lanes on the west side. Mike 10/21/2021 Mike Wheeler mike1w@sbcglobal.net 04 Streetscape Facilities On the maps there is something called a "Grade-Separated Crossing". What does this mean? For example there is one shown at 136th street (Smokey Row) and the Monon trail. It seems to be just a crosswalk to me. 10/27/2021 Bill Zafian bill_zafian@yahoo.com 04 Streetscape Facilities The stretch of 136 street between Ditch and Towne is very narrow. The bike path is incomplete and it seems as though there is nothing in the plan to complete it. There is a fire house east of Ditch road and when the fire truck makes a run west on 136th towards Towne, the cars going east have to pull into driveways or side roads to leave enough room for the truck to squeeze by. It seems like this stretch of 136st could use some improvements. 10/28/2021 05 Subarea Plans Ed Balda edbalda@gmail.com 05 Subarea Plans It was discussed at the Planning Commission meeting that the subarea plans will be carried forward from the 2009 plan. If that is true, why is this section still blank without even noting that intent? 10/25/2021 None Kim Hale khale0404@hotmail.com None How about "Our City, YOUR plan"???? That would be a more accurate saying.10/19/2021 Charles Demler cdemler77@gmail.com None I moved into my home on Emerson Rd in 1980. Over all those years Carmel has made some wonderful changes in the City. Johnson Addition and Wilson Village are unique in that we have now HOA and we have affordable housing. We don't need more high rises especially if they are for rentals. Pure Development is proposing a 6 story high rise on the AT&T lot for apartments. That is right up against Johnson Addition neighborhood. We don't need a building like that in downtown Carmel Thanks 10/23/2021 9 10/28/2021