HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-1110; Historical SocietyKeeling, Adrienne M
From: Carmel Clay Historical Society [cchistory@indy.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 11:03 AM
To: Keeling, Adrienne M
Subject: Plan Commission
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11/12/2008
Dear Adrienne:
Please distribute the following letter to members of the Plan Commission. This is a
statement giving the position of the Carmel Clay Historical Societ regarding the Plan
Commission's ongoing consideratoin of construction practices in Carmel which
impact historic character districts, and individul sites now occupied by historical
structures (such as the Monon Depot Museum t 211 First St. SW.
Also, the Society would like to make available to the Commission a new
informational source which we have just received which can aid them in their
awareness of historical structures in Old Town: an architectural survey by the Ball
State University Architecture School just received here at the Society office. Thank
you.
Tom Rumer
CCHS Historian
Plan Commission Members:
The Carmel Clay Historical Society supports an "Urban Residential" zoning
designation for the site of our Monon Depot Museum and grounds at 211 First St.
SW, and the entirety of the surrounding neighborhood. It is also essential that
"Character Areas" in Carmel be described clearly in official language as banning
townhomes, and that the rule of five (5) units per acre be strictly adhered to during
future development.
Infill housing of greater than five units per acre would clearly be in stark contrast to
the historic context of this unique urban area. Since the Plan Commission recently
refused to rezone part of this Character sub-area, specifically to safeguard three
properties on First St. SW because of the negative impact such a rezoning would
have on this predominantly one-story neighborhood, it is now essential that all
Character Areas be firmly and permanently designated "Urban Residential" on the
City Land Use Map, and that townhomes not be allowed within these residential
areas.
We also alert the Commission to a new informational resource which the Society
has just acquired that can be of significant help to the Commission in identifying
historic structures in Carmel. The Architecture School at Ball State University is
finalizing an extensive historic architecture survey of Old Town. This study shows
that the majority of homes in the Character Area contribute to the historical
character of residential Old Town and that they are a valuable asset due to their
uniform and consistent urban form, as well as their massing, style, and history. This
survey is available to the Commission at any time; it is also a primary technical
sourse which we will make available to Old Town property owners who want to
continue to invest substantially in their historic residences.
Maintaining our cultural heritage, as represented in long existing notable
architecture as in Old Town, most assuredly should be an interest which the Plan
Commission consistently supports.
Thank you,
The Carmel Clay HIstorical Society
Nancy Childs, president
dchilds@indy.rr.com
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11/12/2008