HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #29 Jeannine MattinglySeptember 3, 2024
Dear Carmel City Councilors and Members of the Plan Commission:
I hope all councilors as well as city planners will keep the importance of existing trees in mind as
they think about all the other important considerations when rezoning and planning all new
developments in Carmel. I took a drive on Labor Day to see the next two areas facing development:
the SE corner of 146th and Towne Road and what appears to be the last part of the development at
the NW corner of 116th and Spring Mill.
My top concern is saving the TREES at both locations. There is a decent-sized stand of trees at the
Town Road site, totally in the farthest SE corner, where it looks to me like that small woods could be
left intact to protect its ecosystem and still have room for development. The trees at the Spring Mill
site are a lot scarcer. Nevertheless, I would think developers/builders could work their designs
around nearly every tree on each of these two sights, in addition to whatever trees they plant to
enhance their building project. (Note: I was not close enough to see individual tree and shrub
species, but invasive species should be removed.)
The reason “I speak for the trees” * is manyfold:
Trees are needed for cleaner air and better health for Carmel Citizens.
Newly planted trees will take years to grow to maturity.
Existing trees in a woods—even a small woods—comprise an entire ecosystem which developed
over many years to function as a whole for the survival of native plants, birds, insects to feed the
birds, and small mammals.
When woods are eradicated, wildlife such as mice, chipmunks, squirrels, coyotes, and even deer
flee to nearby neighborhoods where they can be pests, often doing costly damage. With the latest
development near me at Keystone and 136th Street, neighbors have had wires chewed by critters,
and AC units damaged costing the homeowners a lot of money, but where else can animals go
when their homes and food sources are destroyed?
If Carmel keeps cutting their existing woods, the city and residents will eventually be paying more
for water and air quality, drainage and flood control, and better health for individuals.
Trees are essential to mankind’s survival. Once they are gone, it takes years and years to replace
their ecosystem and their many benefits. Please do all you can to protect existing trees and wooded
areas in Carmel, Indiana, Tree City USA.
Sincerely,
M. Jeannine Mattingly
Carmel Resident
*The Lorax by Dr. Seuss