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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #35 Cindy Simon SkjodtCarmel Plan Commission cc: Carmel City Council One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 September 4, 2022 Dear Carmel Plan Commission and City Council: I am writing regarding the proposed development named "Flora on Spring Mill" located at 1-465 and Spring Mill. As it now stands, this project would remove 18 acres of mature and diverse forest replacing it with 120 concentrated home and multi -family units. The proposed changes will deeply impact the quality of life and wildlife habitat of our well - established neighborhood increasing noise, pollution, and traffic while eliminating the natural beauty and biological diversity that we so love. The forest that stands currently protects us from the harmful effects of 1-465 while providing habitat for wildlife in and around our Williams Creek neighbors. I strongly urge you to pause the proposed development to perform an independent study of how this development will impact the community, and ecology of the area. Specific areas that need to be addressed: • Noise and air pollution for residents (taking into account how the woods serve as a natural and protective buffer to 1-465) • Impact to local wildlife, including migrating birds and the possibility of threatened or endangered species • Water quality and public health considerations, particularly sediment and lawn care related pollution, to Williams Creek both up and downstream • Traffic congestion on local roads and highways due to the proposed housing density and the associated increases in commuting and daily service deliveries • Impact on climate resiliency from losing many acres of old, long-established trees and forest • Visual and economic impact to the area including my own and my neighbor's properties where we have intentionally chosen to live for its beauty and privacy Finally, when looking at the historical development of this area, the proposed development is uncharacteristic in relation to the several established homes in the adjacent neighborhoods. While the petitioner may have met all minimum requirements to request a formal decision to proceed, all Carmel residents expect the Planning Commission and Council to consider the avoidable risks associated with overdeveloping this unique area. I respectfully request that the Planning Commission further assess the current plan and re-examine the complete environmental and economic impact to the community prior to approving this early -stage project. Since Cindy (Local resident in the Spring Mill area)