HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #79 Gene Rodriguez Miller
Butler, Bric
From:Gene Rodriguez <genierod@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, April 22, 2024 1:57 PM
To:Butler, Bric; Green, Anthony; Aasen, Adam P; Taylor, Rich; Snyder, Matt; Worrell, Jeff;
Ayers, Teresa; Minnaar, Shannon; Locke, Ryan A; Joshi, Anita
Subject:Daycare at JG Village (116th & Springmill)
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Councilors and Mr. Butler,
I am writing to express my support for the daycare that is planned in JG Village.
I live at 12180 Ams Run in Jackson's Grant and have lived here since I built my home back in 2018. I love this
neighborhood and living in Carmel. However, one big challenge I faced since moving to Carmel was finding quality,
affordable, convenient daycare for my two children - a 4 year old and a 1 year old. When looking for a daycare for
my now 4 year old, when he was just 14 months old, I called more than a dozen daycares in Carmel and not one
had space for him. As a result, he and my 1 year old are now in an Indianapolis daycare. My neighbors with young
children also faced the same challenge - finding a convenient daycare.
Unfortunately, our HOA board leaders (most of whom haven't had daycare aged children for decades) have made
their opinions in opposition of the daycare known to the entire community. They sent what they called a survey via
email to Jackson's Grant residents who have shared their email addresses. So, not everyone in our community. That
survey was clearly presented with a slant of opposition. The HOA board leaders will say that 90 percent of
respondents were in opposition of the daycare. Now, if you knew that the survey is from someone who is opposed
to the daycare and you are in favor of it, would you respond?
Keep in mind, these are leaders with a history of intimidation tactics in our community. One recent incident
involved a Girl Scout leader and her troop using one of our community facilities. The Scout leader was told by two
HOA board officers to leave immediately as she and her troop were in violation of our "community rules." As a
result of this incident, lawyers reviewed the "community rules" and now that facility is open for all residents to use -
even the Girl Scout leader who had her troop at that facility. This is just one example of their tactics.
I fear that you are getting the vocal minority's opinion while many families with young children here in Jackson's
Grant are in the silent majority as they simply don't have time to fight the opposition in community meetings. That
has been the case for me.
As a working parent of two little boys, I barely have time to meet all my work and family obligations much less fight
HOA board leadership to have my voice heard. However, this is a very important issue for me and for all
working parents in this community. I will step up and be their voice.
As you likely already know, Carmel doesn't have enough quality, affordable options for childcare. It is a challenge all
Carmel families are facing. What a blessing that we have a unique opportunity to welcome a new facility that I can
walk my children to every weekday morning.
Again, I am in support of the project and the daycare that is planned. Please consider the working parents and
children who will benefit from this daycare. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
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Gene Rodriguez Miller
LinkedIn
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