HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #152 Debra & Paul Minott
Butler, Bric
From:minott1082@aol.com
Sent:Wednesday, November 20, 2024 9:44 AM
To:Butler, Bric
Cc:Joshi, Anita
Subject:Proposed Development of the Stout Farm by Taylor Morrison
To the members of the Carmel Planning Commission:
My husband and I have lived at 12560 Branford St. for almost 20 years. The Stout Farm
is in our "backyard." We have always known that at some point in time that property
would be developed, but we took consolation in the various iterations of the Carmel
Comprehensive Plan. That Plan has consistently treated West Carmel differently than
the rest of Carmel with larger lots. lower density, and less commercialization. In light of
those assurances, we cannot begin to express our shock and opposition to the proposed
development of the Stout Farm to be heard by you on December 17.
Our biggest concern is the density of the project and the impact that density will have
on all of the surrounding properties. How is a project with 90% or greater lot coverage
appropriate for West Carmel? The project is supposed to be attractive to families, but
there are no amenities planned which would appeal to families with young children. In
the Village of West Clay, we pay significant assessments quarterly to pay for our parks,
playgrounds, walking trails and other amenities, all of which will be "fair game" for Clay
Cottage residents who have none of their own. The density of the project will also
create untenable traffic situations. It is already difficult to turn left at several key
intersections near the Village of West Clay (e.g.,Hoover Road and 116th St.) and a
project of this size will invariably multiply the issue exponentially.
Our second major concern is the quality of construction and price point of the proposed
homes. They are not consistent with homes in West Carmel or the Village of
WestClay. It is foreseeable that the homes will be attractive to real estate investors
looking for rental homes. The instability of rentals and the lack of maintenance by
absentee owners is a huge concern. These factors are likely to have a serious
deflationary impact on the value of homes in surrounding neighborhoods.
In our judgment, what belongs on the Stout property is a development like those that
surround it. We recognize the Mayor has goals to provide more affordable housing in
Carmel, but to plop a neighborhood like this in the middle of an area with homes
averaging $900,000 or more in value is a huge mistake.
By the way, how many of you have actually visited another Taylor Morrison
community? Is that what you really want in West Carmel?
We are asking you to vote NO on this project.
Debra and Paul Minott
1
12560 Branford St.
317-817-0445
Debra Minott (317) 709-1502 (cell)
2