HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #115 James Turner
Butler, Bric
From:James Turner <turnerjt1@outlook.com>
Sent:Wednesday, November 13, 2024 4:01 PM
To:Butler, Bric
Subject:Stout Farm Development Proposal
Carmel Planning Commissioners and Carmel City Council Members:
th
We are writing you regarding the proposed Stout Farm development on Towne Road near 126 Street in
Carmel. We are residents of the Village of West Clay (VWC) which surrounds this proposed development
on three sides. We are seniors and former residents of Indianapolis who were drawn to Carmel, and the
VWC, because of the lifestyle quality and the many amenities and attractiveness of West Carmel. As a
result, we have numerous, serious concerns regarding the Stout Farm proposal and the suitability for
such a high density development within this very residential area of Carmel. These are some of our major
concerns.
The proposed development of tiny tract homes is completely inconsistent with the types of
homes, and their associated property values, in the nearby West Carmel vicinity. The closest
communities to the proposed development are the Village of West Clay, Laurel Lakes, Towne Oak
Estates and Crossfields, all prized for their safety, mature trees, greenspaces and walkable
streets.
At the October 23 meeting at the VWC, the developers tried to compare their proposal to some of
the smaller homes in nearby VWC, namely those on Rhettsbury St. Yet the latter is a truly unique
neighborhood of custom-built, detached townhomes with a variety of architectural styles, all well
landscaped and blended within large and varied greenspaces, walkways and gardens. By
contrast, the proposed development will have straight rows of smaller, cookie-cutter tract homes
that will cover >90% of each lot and will consist of at least 36 duplexes.
The proposed greenspace seems to consist almost entirely of a large retention pond to be built
south of the development. Otherwise there are only two tiny areas designated as greenspace –
both are located at the edge of the development and will serve 140 homes.
No amenities have been proposed in the development. There is no space for trails, no parks or
playgrounds are planned. It would appear the developers intend that the new homeowners rely
on the nearby neighborhoods for such attractive features.
Sadly, a large, high-density development of cheap tract homes (possibly many as rentals) will
undoubtedly result in an increase in crime in the surrounding neighborhoods, particularly in those
areas which abut the new development. The surrounding neighborhoods proudly boast one of the
lowest crime rates in the city.
Thank you for your attention.
Jim and Barbara Turner
2376 Shaftesbury Rd.
Carmel, IN
317-590-2710
1
turnerjt1@outlook.com
2