HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #15 Ryan WaldonJanuary 22, 2023
Dear Carmel Clay Board of Zoning Appeals,
I write to you today given the impending decision associated with Cary Pruett’s home occupation
variance at 13787 Hickory Ridge in Carmel. In 2014, my wife and I were searching for the best place to
start our family and call home for many years to come. We looked at several communities – Carmel,
Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield. Having grown up in a small town, we held a focus on a tight-knit
community that offered plenty for our children in the highest regard for our decision. After spending
time in many neighborhoods in Carmel, it was an easy decision to make Carmel our new home. Seeing
neighborhoods full of people out and about, enjoying time with their neighbors, kids playing in cul de
sacs, etc. was exactly the environment we were after.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cary nearly my whole life. We grew up together in that small town,
both attended Wabash College, and have lived within less than a mile from one another for the last
several years. He’s always been a man dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, with a
passion for teaching and soccer (having taught Spanish (11 years) and coached soccer (7 years) at
Westfield High School. As he and his wife began to grow their family, he pursued an exciting
opportunity of coaching and mentoring the youth in our community at his home. What better way
nurture his own family by staying home with his son at the time (while having now added a daughter as
well), while also continuing to mentor/coach our community’s youth through soccer programs/lessons
at his home. Cary’s focus on family and youth development is exactly what makes Carmel a great place
to live, and it’s critical that we continue to foster these types of interactions to ensure that our
community remains as such.
While some may find the work Cary does to be intrusive or an obstacle to enriching of our
neighborhoods, I (and I believe the vast majority of Cary’s neighbors) feel quite the opposite. It is
exactly what leads to building strong relationships with others, lifting up our youth, and maintaining our
amazing city. This, coupled with Cary’s professionalism, respect for others, and true willingness to help
those in need, are why I believe and hope that it’s an easy decision for the BZA to approve this variance
to allow his continued support of our neighbors with his work.
Thank you for your consideration,
Ryan Waldon