HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Two Sisters, lU
110 3 "A Ave NE
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 311- 816 -1010
FAX: 311 -816 -1013
December 12, 2003
To: Carmel /Clay BZA Members
Re: Docket 03110007, Request to allow Tight office designation and signage
Docket VIII -03 #03110006, Request to allow current driveway parking
Here is our zoning variance application for 110 3 Ave NE in Carmel. To the best of
our ability and understanding, we've completed all forms, contacted adjoining
property owners, prepared drawings, measured, photographed, and planted
according to code guidelines. It's been a great learning process for us and having
done all the work we feel even more convinced this variance would be not only in our
interest but also the interest of our neighborhood and community.
When we purchased this property, our intent was to improve the structure and
enhance the appearance and use of a residential area that was somewhat rundown.
Our property is one of two at the end of the block and the only one facing 3 Avenue.
It faces one side of the Masonic Lodge, and abuts a Carmel High School parking lot, a
commercial office building, and a house zoned B3 and used as an office on 1St
Street. Not surprisingly perhaps, homebuyers looking to move into the neighborhood
generally tried to get `deeper' into the neighborhood and further away from
commercial development. Our property sat for months, was completely overgrown
and altogether in disrepair.
As part of the Old Town Overlay Zone, the requested variance for our property
promotes the purpose and intent of that zone as set forth in Chapter 23D.0 of the
Zoning Ordinance by:
1. Rehabilitating and developing a lot that, due to awkward placement adjacent
to commercial endeavor made residential re -sale difficult. Slow re -sale caused
the property to become more rundown bringing down its sales price and
accordingly, t neighborhood property values.
2. By allowing small business owners to acquire affordable properties, it spurs
commercial activity without causing breakdown of the residential areas. It's a
limited way of attracting new business to Old Town while upgrading flagging
neighborhood areas by providing a `buffer' zone between residential areas
and full commercial endeavor.
As a property allowing Tight office use, we have people in our house, in our
neighborhood during the day when many neighbors are gone to work. Earlier
neighborhood complaints of CHS students trampling through yards, congregating
around empty houses, are no longer problems. When the neighbors return from work
in the evening, our office is closed. That means less traffic during the evening and
weekends when families are out, with the bonus of a structure that adds value and
curb appeal to the neighborhood.
It is our intent and commitment to improve all properties we acquire. We own a
Carmel business and we live here. We have a stake in making our city a place known
for supporting its businesses AND maintaining its neighborhoods. One way to do
that is by allowing appropriate and creative changes, like this light office zoning
variance, that enhance both.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
L f n M. Long
Christina R. Mowery