HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #073 Susan TantilloTo: City of Carmel Plan Commission
From: Susan and Joseph Tantillo
Date: November 8, 2024
As residents of the Village of West Clay, we value where we live. The Village is a showplace in the City of
Carmel. It is widely thought of as one of the best places to reside. The Village center, the diverse style
of homes, the beautiful landscaping and the care that the residents take to maintain their homes makes
the Village a special place.
So it is with much dismay that we were informed about the plans to build a Planned Unit Development
on the Stout farm and our doorsteps. Our consternation only grew after attending the meeting with the
developer, Taylor Morrison. The impact of the density of this proposal to the surrounding communities
is frightening. No one looks forward to an increase in traffic, to possible overcrowding of schools, to a
decrease of our property value and to an increase in crime.
The proposals’ lack of green space due to the number of homes per acre (5.87) is far more than the
density recommendations in the West Carmel Comprehensive Plan. The site plan lacks details of any
amenities and when asked at the meeting, the developers’ answers were vague. There also seemed to
be a lack of empathy to how this lack would affect the Villages parks and pathways.
The design of the PUD is startling unimaginative. Closely packed house after house, straight streets,
lack of plantings or berms – just no character. This is a typical “cookie cutter” plan of low cost housing
materials. Most disturbing is the Customer Better Business rating of 1.4 out of 5 for Taylor Morrison
Homes. That is a grade of F. It certainly does not fit in with the Village or the surrounding
neighborhoods.
There is also the concern that investors will buy multiple properties and then rent them. Is this
something we want in the heart of West Clay? I hope the answer is no. Concerning the six large lots
intended for million dollar + homes, really? I can’t imagine anyone building such homes next to a high
density, high population neighborhood of $400-$600K homes.
The need for affordable housing is real but the Stout Farm should not be it. There are other “for sale”
properties in Carmel that do not abut to neighborhoods like the Village of West Clay. They may suit
Taylor Morrison’s vision of maximum density and greater personal financial gains.
Please consider denying Taylor Morrison’s rezoning request and keep with Mayor Finkham’s statement
of allowing proposed development only if they fit within the character of the existing neighborhoods.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.