HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #07 Pat RiceTO: Mayor Jim Brainard August 5, 2022
Department of Community Services
(Mike Hollibaugh)
Plan Commission Members
Board of Zoning Appeals
City Council Members
FROM: Pat Rice 9659 Wild Cherry Lane, Carmel, IN
RE: Proposed Estridge Development on Tintera property
Docket No. PZ-2022-60117 PUD: 96t' and Haverstick PUD Rezone
Having served on both the Carmel/Clay Plan Commission and the Board of Zoning
Appeals, I can appreciate all the time and effort each of you make in order to best
serve the community. Although I had prepared a much more detailed letter, I
decided just to focus on what we in the community refer to as "The Woods."
I would encourage each of you to consider the unique "Tintera" woods property as
a "living breathing" eco system which has developed over several hundred years
and fits the profile of Carmel's newly adopted Green Initiative (page 32). Over a
number of years, one of the residents (with permission from John Tintera) has
spent many nighttime hours in the woods photographing the amazing happenings
of what takes place on the floor of the woods. (Hopefully the book she had made
can be available for you at the meeting.) Not only is it wildlife sanctuary for many
species, but because of the years it has been untouched, it has flora that can only
develop over a period of time. The Woods have been virtually untouched as part
of Wild Cherry Corner.
Although a number of developers have approached the community with various
projects, all met with us with their plan before taking it to the DOCS and requesting
to be heard by the Plan Commission and chose not to pursue their plan.
Unfortunately, that is not what happened this time. Due to the limited size of the
property, each plan we have seen, either did not fit the updated CCCP nor
protection of the single-family residents with adequate buffering. If you haven't
done so already, I would recommend taking a "field trip" and look at two things.
One is the upheaval this development would make on the community, creating a
traffic nightmare, and how unique this well -established ecosystem would be lost.
The Woods also connects to a small wildlife corridor that is behind homes facing
Haverstick and Wild Cherry Lane, through my own "Certified Backyard Wildlife
Habitat," crossing at the dead end of Wild Cherry Lane, and then west into another
smaller wooded area. This project would destroy it all. We believe this small "air
purifying" woods and home to wildlife that has been displaced by surrounding
build -out, could be saved by the City purchasing and preserving it for future
generations. Eventually, the entire "Wild Cherry Corner" may be purchased for
projects that fit the CCCP and "The Woods" could still be preserved as an ecological
treasure.
Attached is a letter sent to me from Mayor Jim Brainard dated November 11, 1997.
1 trust it will serve as an inspiration for each of you as you are now the ones "serving
the people."
Sincerely, Pat Rice
g C 1,71, ni� -,-e 1111`�
December 11, 1997
Pat Rice
9659 Wild Cherry Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46280
Dear Pat:
In the mid-W of a very busy year, we sometimes hu,-iy through our daily routines without much
thought to the many blessings and good fortune that surround us.
As 1997 draws to a close, I've been thinking about the many successes that have enriched our city
over the pastyear, and realize that they are the result of the dedication andperseverance of manypeople.
I thank you as a leader and contributor to our community. lam personally grateful for your
commitment to our city and its people. Not only have we faced our opportunities with optimism and
energy, but we have accomplished much by working together. -
The holiday season is a time of reflection and inspiration as we share with friends and family the
many events of the past year. The season is also a time of vision and inspiration as we face the new year
with its many opportunities to serve.
I am reminded of thefirst act of President George Bush in his inaugural address on January 20,
1989. He prayed. That prayer is a good lesson for all of us as we end 1997 and face the new year. I
would like to share that prayer with you:
Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for
the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make
us strong to do Your worts; willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts
these words: "Use power to help people. " For we are given power not to advance our
own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just
use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen
Please accept my warmest wishes for a memorable holiday season and a prosperous and peaceful
new year.
Yer truly yours,
Ire+
J es Brainard
lator
ONE CIVIC SQUARE CAR2+9EL, INDIANA 46032 317/571-2400