HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #177 Michele Behme
Butler, Bric
From:Michele Behme <mmbehme@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, January 6, 2025 12:13 PM
To:Butler, Bric; Robert Behme
Subject:Opposition to the Clay Cottage Development
Good morning Mr. Butler,
My husband and I are 20-year residents of the Village Of West Clay (VOWC). We are very much opposed to
the Clay Cottage Development proposed by developer and builder, Taylor Morrison. As previously shared in
other communications, the developer and builder, Taylor Morrison, is asking the city to rezone to a PUD
(planned unit development) and is currently in a contract with the landowner contingent on zoning approval.
They are asking to be rezoned from S1 to a PUD with the equivalency for R4 zoning and asking for variances
that could provide lot coverage anywhere from 75%-90% with minimal green space or minimal or no
amenities.
In the filing with the city, the petitioner references that Clay Cottages would be meeting the objectives of the
Comprehension Plan and some of the criteria of the Carmel Housing Task Force Findings and
Recommendations.
They claim: 'proposing an “ in-fill” development that should protect the existing and surrounding residential
communities in the form the Clay Cottages PUD that contains specific architectural guidelines and standards,
modeled after the “Village of WestClay Residential Building Guidelines” so that the new homes in Clay
Cottages will be compatible in architectural design and character to the surrounding homes in the area – which
also addresses objectives in the Comprehensive Plan related to the protection of existing neighborhoods.'
We disagree. This is a drastic jump in zoning and neither compatible with nor comparable to surrounding
neighborhoods, not in architectural design, amenities, green space, or price point.”
Lastly, we understand that the recent report from the Carmel Housing Task Force calls for more housing,
particularly affordable housing geared towards empty nesters and first-time homebuyers. This project as
proposed is not following the Unified Development Ordinance or the Comprehension Plan, despite what the
petitioner has stated in their description and objectives for Clay Cottages.
The Carmel Housing Task Force Report and Findings should not be treated as policy, and the Planning
Commission should consider the zoning the city has set forth for development in West Carmel.
Respectfully,
Robert "Bob" and Michele
Robert J. Behme and Michele M. Behme
Email: mmbehme@yahoo.com
Email: r.behme@icluoud.com
Mobile: 317-750-9692
Mobile: 317-674-6906
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