HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #41 Cindy BabcockBZA Members,
As you contemplate the variances requested by Pure Development and PST Land Holdings, I ask
that you consider the long-standing concerns of members of the Plan Commission when dealing
with C-2 zoning in the Central District.
Apprehension about the very issues concerning the variance requests sought by PST Land
Holdings and Pure Development date back to 2015 with the Midtown C-2 Rezone (Docket No.
15120002 Z). What follows is commentary from Minutes of the Plan Commission and Plan
Commission Special Studies Committee.
Plan Commission January 19, 2016
Petitioner Adrienne Keeling: "No changes would be required for existing residences."
Citizen, Christine Altman:
I happen to own a property that is surrounded by property that is directly affected by this
project.
I am concerned when we change to a C-2 and abdicate this authority to the Director.
I cannot be assured that we will continue to have the quality that we do now in the future.
I am also concerned about using piece meal as an approach instead of an overlay.
Committee Comments
Joshua Kirsh: "I want to make sure that all of Christine Altman's concerns are met."
PC Special Studies February 2, 2016
Nick Kestner: "My concerns are still the north edge of the C-2 abutting the R-2. We have had a
number of citizens concerned about that. Is there any way we can have setback lines on that
northern edge? Another concern I have is the HVAC noise level. The mechanicals can be very
noisy."
Adrienne Keeling: "The original intent of the C-2 was to provide maximum flexibility to the
Redevelopment Commission. C-2 does not have any setback requirements. If we are looking to
add some it would need to be a commitment or amending the C-2."
Mike Hollebaugh: "We are open and would like to look at what a reasonable setback would be."
Nick Kestner: "Johnson Addition really needs to be protected. We have affordable housing if we
don't ruin it."
Dennis Lockwood: "Do we really want to take away the authority from the Director?"
John Adams: "I think that is a subject worthy of discussion and not sure there is a solution. I
share your concern. It seems like more and more area is becoming C-2 and being under the
jurisdiction of the Redevelopment Commission. I feel like we are losing the ability to do what
we are doing right here. Perhaps we are giving up the ability to have more public input on this."
Alan Potasnik: "Who does the agenda for the CRC? If a project came in how does the public get
noticed?
Mike Hollebaugh: "They don't make notice to the individuals like we do. No signs in the yard."
John Adams: "I think there should be some way for the Plan Commission to be informed of what
is going on with CRC projects."
Mike Hollebaugh: "I can do that."
Plan Commission April 19, 2016
Brad Grabow: "The bulk of this rezone is to take from I-1 to C-2? And none of this is from a
residential classification to a C-2?"
Mike Hollebaugh: "It does change the zoning. It offers a lot of uses that I-1 doesn't."
Brad Grabow: "None of the areas are zoned residential today?"
Mike Hollebaugh: "Correct."
Plan Commission – Comprehensive Plan Review November 2, 2021
Christine Zoccola: "These downtown neighborhoods must be protected ."
Plan Commission January 18, 2022
Carrie Holle: "Downtown residential property is scarce and highly sought after. I would like to
see more affordable single-family housing in downtown Carmel. I don't want to tear down
perfectly good single-family homes."
The variances seeking to replat and rezone two residential lots in Johnson Addition must be
denied. The Plan Commission has been clear that C-2 zoning should not be permitted to invade
residential neighborhoods.
Respectfully,
Cynthia Babcock
6 Shady Lane
Carmel, IN 46032