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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 09-09-04 CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE DEPARTMENT REPORT September 9, 2004 4. Docket Nos. 04070027 OA: Amendment, US 421/Michigan Rd Ordinance The applicant seeks to amend Chapter 23A of the Carmel/Clay Zoning Ordinance. Filed by the Carmel Department of Community Services. The Department recommends that the Subdivision Committee forward this item back to the full Plan Commission after all comments and concerns are addressed. An extra copy of the amendment has been enclosed with this report. Background: US Highway 421/Michigan Road carries a substantial amount of traffic, and is envisioned to serve an increasing number of trips in the future. The Indiana Department of Transportation has planned for and is currently in the process of improving the thoroughfare across the full extent of our jurisdiction and beyond. While these improvements may adequately serve the transportation needs of the near future, steps must be taken to ensure the long -term viability of this corridor so that it can function efficiently. Given local and regional development trends, and the resulting traffic from such, planning for future US 421/Michigan Road improvements is imperative. The proposed ordinance amendments—increase required gr-eenspace—and— planting- s--- along- the— US- 42-1/Mich gan—Road corridor. These proposed changes further define allowable development near the roadway so that if future expansion is necessary such can be accomplished more efficiently and result in an appropriate transition in front of future businesses. These changes will also work to increase the aesthetic and environmental quality of the corridor. In an effort to maintain traffic flow efficiency, the amendments propose that access to US 421/Michigan Road be permitted only through frontage roads, as opposed to allowing individual direct access. Less traffic conflict points will help maintain safety and travel efficiency. To assist in tracking and guiding new development in this corridor, the amendments require any building or development that expands by more than ten percent to submit a new development plan or development plan amendment (currently this is only required when expansions exceed thirty percent). The proposed amendments also alter parking standards for this corridor by increasing space sizes (increasing from 180 s.f. to a more acceptable current standard of 200 s.f.), and by limiting parking in required front yard setbacks. These proposed amendments are an early preventative measure to ensure that this corridor remains viable, attractive, and can adapt to serve future development and traffic. SCAN Committee Report 2004 -0909 r FD