HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #57 Nancy Cheesman
Butler, Bric
From:Nancy Cheesman <ncheesman@att.net>
Sent:Sunday, February 18, 2024 7:56 PM
To:Butler, Bric
Subject:forward to Plan Commission members - Jackson's Grant Village PUD Amendment
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Please submit this to the Plan Commission in regards to their March discussion about the Jackson's Grant
Village PUD Rezone/Amendment:
Dear Plan Commission members,
I was strongly opposed to the Jackson's Grant Village PUD when it was originally approved several years ago
because I am a Jackson's Grant resident and did NOT wish for retail/commercial spaces to be in my
neighborhood. Now an additional 50% commercial, 60 parking spaces, and 3 townhomes is on the
table. Please vote against this plan!
I previously submitted an email prior to your January meeting. I "attended" that meeting online and attended
the Commercial Committee meeting on February 6th in person. I have some additional comments for you to
consider before your pending vote.
1. The original Jackson's Grant Village PUD was narrowly approved by the City Council after a NEGATIVE
recommendation from the Plan Commission. There was a significant remonstrance against JG Village (as
Republic is now calling it) due to residents' opposition to ANY commercial/retail in our neighborhood (and/or
West of Spring Mill). The few residents who were in favor of the commercial "node" only were in favor
because the commercial "node" was going to be very small. Woody Rider said "you'll love it"…you'll have a
little coffee shop, maybe an ice cream shop, maybe some galleries, etc. He pushed the idea as a common sense
transition from the commercial space EAST of Spring Mill Rd. to the RESIDENTIAL WEST of Spring
Mill. City Council even promised us (Jackson's Grant residents) that there would be a sign on Hamlet Drive
that said "no delivery trucks" after concerns were voiced about the increased traffic that was sure to happen in
our neighborhood with a 20,000 sq. ft. commercial "node" and a right-in/right-out entrance/exit off of Spring
Mill Rd.
And now, just 3 years later we're fighting against a 50% increase in commercial space (that's just the Day Care
building itself), not to mention the additional concrete that 45-60 parking spaces will bring. What about the
additional lighting? All the same issues that were of concern at the original PUD approval process. Now will
we have daily buses that go to and from a Day Care from surrounding schools? And more delivery
trucks? What was a commercial "node" would now become a huge section of JG Village…no longer a "node"!
2. The petitioner stated in their presentation to Plan Commission that a Day Care would be a great “amenity” for
the Jackson's Grant neighborhood with so many young families living in JG. YET, our HOA conducted a
neighborhood survey and the results actually are quite the opposite. Only 1 respondent of over 200 indicated
they would use the daycare. And an overwhelming 91% were opposed to a Day Care being added into JG
Village and preferred more townhomes.
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3. I was also very active following the approval of the Carmel Comprehensive Plan. You should remember
there was significant and strong opposition to commercial spaces of any kind in the "West
Neighborhoods". Jackson's Grant and JG Village (attached into one neighborhood at Otto Lane) are in "West
Neighborhoods". Even though the CCP indicated a use as "educational," I'm confident that intention was for
elementary schools, NOT Commercial Day Cares.
4. It is reasonable that the majority of the families using a Day Care at 116th and Spring Mill will likely reside
in neighborhoods North and West from that corner. Therefore, many cars will be coming and going from north
on Spring Mill. They will likely use Hamlet Drive or Jackson's Grant Blvd. to exit heading north (since the
116th exit out of JG Village is a right-out only). A 160 child Day Care will add at least 100 cars 4 TIMES PER
DAY (at least 400 cars/day) and many will use MY neighborhood streets. I don't like it!
5. Please consider that in the near future, the IU Health undeveloped property on the northeast corner of 116th
and Spring Mill will likely be all commercial and add a huge amount of traffic to Spring Mill Rd. and the
roundabout at 116th and Spring Mill. Maybe a Day Care will be appropriate in that development? And
consider all the additional traffic the huge Steadman development south of the Bridges will bring.
6. More trees will need to be taken down! All that remains along 116th will be a small section of trees.
Please vote AGAINST a Jackson's Grant Village PUD Amendment.
Sincerely,
Nancy Cheesman
12120 Hobby Horse Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
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