HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 11-03-09 CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
SPECIAL STUDIES COMMITTEE
DEPARTMENT REPORT
NOVEMBER 3, 2009
4. Docket No. 09090018 CPA: 96 Westfield Subarea Plan Comprehensive Plan Amendment
The applicant seeks approval to amend the Carmel Clay Comprehensive Plan (C3 Plan 2009), to adopt
Land Classifications and a Subarea Plan for the 96th Street Westfield Boulevard Special Study Area,
which is located south of 99th St. north of 96th St., east of the Monon, and west of Keystone Pkwy. Filed
by the Department of Community Services, on behalf of the Carmel Plan Commission.
As you recall, the C3 Plan was adopted earlier this year with several locations designated as "Areas for Special
Study" per the Land Classification Plan Map. The function of this amendment is to update the Land Classification
Map and to adopt a Subarea Plan for the area surrounding 96 Street and Westfield Boulevard for inclusion in Part
5: Critical Corridors and Subareas. The proposed plan includes a Proposed Land Classification Plan Map (pg 45
of the C3 Plan) and proposed 96 Street and Westfield Boulevard Subarea (to be added to Part 5). Please
view the informational packet for further detail.
Public Input/Background:
On September 24, 2009, the Department held two public meetings at the Monon Center to hear input and ideas
about the area from residents and property owners. Between the two sessions, over 100 people attended. In an
effort to track representation we asked most in attendance to identify their property on a map. We found that those
in attendance were fairly evenly distributed geographically across the study area.
The main goal behind the meetings was to identify topics or areas of consensus as a basis to move forward with a
proposed Plan. The strongest areas of consensus were the need to protect stable neighborhoods and the desire for
better pedestrian and bicycle connectivity through the neighborhoods to other areas of the City. However, the main
topic of conversation was the future impact of potential large -scale commercial development along the south side of
96 Street in Marion County. Most in attendance agreed that properties on along the north side of 96 would be
affected, but there were many opinions about how to properly transition between potential office towers on the
south side of 96 to the neighborhoods located north. The proposed Plan is a result of the input received and
discussions held at the meetings. The Department believes the plan strikes a balance between potential
redevelopment along 96 Street and offers solutions to protect the area's neighborhoods.
The Dept of Community Services (DOCS) recommends that this item is forwarded to the November 17 Plan
Commission meeting with a favorable recommendation, after all comments /concerns are addressed.