HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #154 Huntington Chase HOA Board
Page 1 of 2
Mr. Mike Hollibaugh November 6, 2024
Department of Community Services (Planning & Zoning)
City of Carmel, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN. 46032
Dear Mr. Hollibaugh,
The Board of Directors for Huntington Chase Homeowners Association represent the 125
single-family residences in our West Carmel neighborhood. We have been discussing
information regarding the current proposal for the Taylor & Morrison development of 142 units
at 126th Street and Towne Road (east side of Towne Road), Clay Cottages PUD.
The consensus among our neighborhood is that residents do not in any way support this
proposal / request. Specifically, a request for rezoning or a variance which would allow a high-
density neighborhood/development is not appropriate for this section of Carmel and is NOT
supported.
Residents in our neighborhood and many in surrounding subdivisions have chosen to live in
this area for the green space, low density single-family residences, suburban/estate areas
contained in this section of Carmel. Increasing density by allowing the development of higher
density developments and/or zero lot-line developments etc. will take away from the very
reason we built/purchased/moved to Carmel, specifically West Carmel.
We are 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-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, we
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
recent 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 60+%rental rate for the
Huntington Chase
Homeowners Association
Page 2 of 2
neighborhood. No details were provided 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.
We appreciate the efforts to continually improve and develop Carmel in a reasonable and
responsible manner which must necessitate a reasonable balance between the proposed
urbanization while maintaining the residential integrity of existing neighborhoods. 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 areas by increasing
density, which devalues existing suburban neighborhoods, does not make Carmel a city for all.
We hope that this feedback helps as you consider denying their request.
Regards,
Huntington Chase HOA Board of Directors
Brett Thomas Christine Jones Trish McGarry David Stonehouse Ken Barthel
Copy
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