HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #013 Vicky Erwin
Butler, Bric
From:Joshi, Anita
Sent:Sunday, November 3, 2024 9:35 PM
To:Butler, Bric
Subject:Fw: Laurelwood Opposes Taylor & Morrison development on Towne Rd
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
I assume you received a copy of this as well.
Anita Joshi, MD
Carmel City Council
West District
P: (317) 671-9442
E: ajoshi@carmel.in.gov
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From: Vicky Lynn Erwin <erwin_vicky_lynn@lilly.com>
Sent: Friday, November 1, 2024 5:20:56 PM
To: Hollibaugh, Mike P <mhollibaugh@carmel.in.gov>
Cc: Aasen, Adam P <aaasen@carmel.in.gov>; Joshi, Anita <ajoshi@carmel.in.gov>; Worrell, Jeff
<jworrell@carmel.in.gov>; Snyder, Matt <msnyder@carmel.in.gov>; Taylor, Rich <rtaylor@carmel.in.gov>; Locke, Ryan A
<ralocke@carmel.in.gov>; Minnaar, Shannon <sminnaar@carmel.in.gov>; Ayers, Teresa <tayers@carmel.in.gov>; Green,
Anthony <agreen@carmel.in.gov>; Finkam, Sue <sfinkam@carmel.in.gov>
Subject: Laurelwood Opposes Taylor & Morrison development on Towne Rd
Hello Mr. Hollibaugh,
I am the President of the Laurelwood HOA subdivision located at 106th Street between Ditch and
Springmill Road. I purchased my home in 2017 specifically in and for the West Carmel location, low-
density single- family homes, less congestion, and green space. This after exploring many areas of metro
Indianapolis and Hamilton County.
In regards to the current proposal for the Taylor & Morrison development of 142 units (126th Street and
Towne Road) I must say that after the clear opposition to the last proposal for that property, I am
surprised and disappointed the City would even entertain a change to the zoning that would allow a high-
density development. Our area is considered and labeled in the City Plan the Executive Estate Area of
Carmel to have at a minimum 1 acre lots.
As a homeowner and a representative of the Laurelwood subdivision, I am absolutely NOT in support of
changing the single-family lot zoning (S-1) in any way that would reduce setbacks, height restrictions,
promote “zero” lot line developments, or building multi-family type units (townhomes, duplexes, build-
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to-rent, PUDs etc.) that would increase density in this area of Carmel. Furthermore, the proposal does
not reflect the quality of surrounding homes thus dragging down property values of neighborhoods in the
area. The plan calls for 75% to 90% coverage and 5- foot buffer to the Village and this is unacceptable
amount of green space.
Additionally, Prices at $450K given the low square footage would suggest lower quality/amenities,
although information is not yet available (trim level, etc.). Furthermore, I would expect these price points
to attract out-of-town or potentially foreign investors aimed at collecting rental income versus creating
an owner-occupied neighborhood. An attendee at the meeting in the Village pointed to one of the recent
developments along Guilford Road (also at a $450K price point) which currently operates at a 61% rental
rate for the neighborhood. No information on whether there would be restrictions on rentals in this new
development. Jon Dobowicz who presented on a previous plan for this location said this information
would be provided before any voting process by Carmel City Council, but later said information would be
provided sooner or later.
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Our subdivision is already experience significant traffic on 106 street and difficult to turn West out of the
subdivision due to all the low density building occurring along Springmill on Jacksons Grant and the
Market district area.
While those developments may have a place in an urban section of our city, West Carmel being the
suburban/estate area is not that place. I would hope City officials (Mayor, Council members, and the
planning and zoning) would listen to their constituency and NOT approve a rezoning nor variance to
existing zoning which would permit this development or others similar.
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As a homeowner, I appreciate efforts to continuously improve our city. However, this must be done in a
manner that is deemed reasonable and responsible. That means a reasonable balance between
proposed urbanization while maintaining the integrity of our existing neighborhoods and the suburban
parts of our city. Urban living areas need to remain in the urban sections and suburban / estate sections
need to remain as such. If we are to be a city for all to live, transforming the suburban / estate area(s) by
increasing density, and negatively affecting values of existing suburban neighborhoods, does not make
Carmel a city for all.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Vicky Erwin
Laurelwood HOA President
Mobile: 317-797-4154
Email: ERWIN_Vicky_LYNN@lilly.com
Copy to:
City Council - Adam Aasen, Dr. Anita Joshi, Jeff Worrell, Matt Snyder, Rich Taylor, Ryan Locke, Shannon
Minnaar, Teresa Ayers, Tony Green
Mayor’s Office Mayor Sue Finkam
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