HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #32 Andrew & Stephanie HallDear Committee,
We are writing to you regarding the proposed residential and commercial development known as
The Edge at West Carmel. My family of six (kids ranging from 5-13) reside in the Woodhaven
neighborhood directly to the north of this development and our property line borders that of the
new development. The impacts of this development have significant safety and financial
implications. Overall, we have five major complaints, but before we get to them. The developer
has done a better job this time than previous attempts to develop this property with trying to
work with the neighbors on the smaller items. Of course, the major issues are still nonnegotiable,
but we appreciate the efforts on the smaller items.
Now to the five major complains. As stated in previous letters and testimony to the commission.
This property is TOO DENSE. Of course, the Plan Commission already knows this as this is the
primary reason it was struck down the first time and the density is largely unchanged. As
neighbors, the safety of raising my four children and the loss of property value is of paramount
importance to us. We would not have chosen this property if this complex was there in 2011
when we purchased our home. Now we may not have a choice as to what happens.
Second, the variances (which include density) are too great. Again, as previously stated.
Third, the barriers between properties will lose its beauty and luster for years to potentially
decades to come. One of the major appeals to the Woodhaven neighborhood are the large mature
trees throughout. Now the south side of our neighborhood will have a big hole to view a fence
and large apartment buildings.
Fourth, and probably most import to the Commercial Committee, is if this property is going to go
through, we request the elimination of the drive-thru possibility in the commercial out lots.
Drive-thrus increase traffic and often at inopportune times. Both for the residences of the new
high-density development and the existing neighbors in the area.
Finally, the traffic on Michigan Rd/421 will become highly congested and dangerous for the
neighbors and in particular the Woodhaven neighborhood trying to exit without a traffic light. It
is already becoming dangerous to turn south out of the neighborhood and that will continue with
the development of Pittman farms to the north. Adding this development will make it a potential
disaster with or without the light. The light is necessary due to the high density, but then will
back up traffic on Michigan Rd. likely beyond our neighborhood making it even harder to turn.
This has not received enough attention and if you don’t live here trying to navigate during
morning and evening rush hour, you cannot fully appreciate the impact.
Overall, the cost impacts of the surrounding neighbors when factoring in safety, property value,
and quality of life outweighs the benefits to the owner and developer. I hope the committee and
commission consider this in their final decision.
Thank you,
The Hall Family