HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PC 05-17-11Of CA2
A
A ❑V
/NDIANp
City of Carmel
CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
MAY 17, 2011
City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
6:00 PM
Members Present: John Adams, Leo Dierckman, Jay Dorman, Brad Grabow, Judy Hagan, Steve
Lawson, Kevin "Woody" Rider, Steve Stromquist, Sue Westermeier, Ephraim Wilfong
Members Absent: Nick Kestner
DOCS Staff Present: Director Michael Hollibaugh, Angie Conn; Legal Counsel John Molitor
Also Present: Ramona Hancock, Plan Commission Secretary
Minutes of the April 19, 2011 meeting were approved as submitted
Legal Counsel Report, John Molitor: House Bill 1311 was recently signed by the Governor; will be
taking effect and will present some opportunities and challenges in the next year.
Dept Announcements/Report, Angie Conn: Two tabled items Legacy PUD, Turkey Hill Minit Market
auto fueling station, tabled to June 21 and Woodland Terrace CCRC, also continued to June 21
Distributed this evening are letters regarding The Bridges PUD petition, and First and Sixth NW Primary
Plat petition.
Welcome to John Adams, new Plan Commission member.
H. Public Hearings
1. Docket No. 11030008 PP: First and Sixth NW Primary Plat.
The applicant seeks primary plat approval for 2 lots on 0.98 acres. Also, a waiver is requested
from the Subdivision Control Ordinance:
2. Docket No. 11030009 SW SCO Chptr 6.05.01: lot width at road right of way.
The site is located at 610 First Ave NW, and is zoned R- 2/Residence within the Old Town
Overlay Character Subarea. Filed by Justin Moffett of The Old Town Design Group.
Present for Petitioner: Justin Moffett, Old Town Design Group.
Overview:
Site located at First Avenue NW and Sixth Street NW
First Avenue NW is the eastern border of the property; the Monon Trail is the western border,
S:/P1anCommission/M inutes/ P1anCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17
WWW.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 -571 -2417
approximately two blocks south of Eighth Street NW, a/k/a/ 136 Street and Smokey Row Road
Proposal splits the property into two home lots —one is the existing home, the other lot would be
vacant at this time
The proposed division plan would create an east and west lot rather than a north and south lot
If the property were developed following the Zoning Ordinance exactly, there would be two lots
approximately 60 feet wide and 357 feet deep
Waiver request is appropriate in this circumstance which allows existing landscape to be retained
and large, mature trees can be preserved
Proposed lots will be %2 acre each; western lot would have a 20 -foot wide access drive from First
Ave NW back to the lot
Existing garage to be razed and a new one constructed for the older home
A 5 -foot landscape buffer will be included between proposed, new drive and property to the
north
In addition to mailing required public notices, the petitioner contacted Carmel /Clay Historical
Society and offered to meet with the Director —the Director was personally in favor of the
proposed plan but could not speak for the Society
Proposed home would be a custom home with value of $500,000/600,000 and required to go thru
Site Design Review process
Remonstrance/Favorable:
Russell Schwartz, 510 First Avenue NW, supports the proposal and believes the petitioner has
been sensitive to the historic nature of the existing house preserved the streetscape
Jeff King, 431 First Avenue NW, supports the proposal and believes it will be an enhancement to
the neighborhood
Remonstrance, General/Unfavorable:
Sumera Baker (Khan) owner of property located at 634 First Avenue NW; concern with
preservation of trees /shrubs, safety of her children in the yard, closeness of adjacent driveway,
and unsightly tank on the property. Ms. Baker requests petitioner provide a 6 -foot fence for
security, prevent cars parking in her yard, and preservation of trees.
Public Hearing Closed
Justin Moffet's response: The evergreens on the south property line were discussed, not the ones on the north
.-roperty line that are on Sumera Khan's property two different sets of trees. Sumera Khan owns but does not
live 'n the property, it is a rental, and no children have been seen playing in the yard. Previous owner had gravel
to the property line and parked an RV in that location. The property was well -known for being overgrown with
landscaping. The tanks are hog roasters being stored for a church that existing condition would go away
everything currently in the garage will be removed and the garage torn down. A 6 -foot fence along the property
line in Old Town Carmel would be out of place. A landscape buffer is being committed to that is above and
beyond the requirements of Subdivision Control
Department Comments, Angie Conn:
Department recommends approving this item subject to installation of a fence
Old Town Overlay regulations are for a 4 -foot tall, picket -type fence
Department recommends suspending the Rules of Procedure and approving this item after concerns are
addressed
S:/ P1 anCommission/ Minutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17 2
WWW.CARMEL. RGOV 317- 571 -2417
Commission Members Comments /Questions:
Confirm Fence Guidelines in the Old Town Overlay (Part of the lot is considered a front yard and the
fence height could not be greater than 3 %2 --4 feet tall; the fence could not be 6 feet the entire length)
Does the driveway stay exactly as shown or shift slightly? (driveway stays on the south side of the Hosta
plants —as proposed, existing drive would shift to the north a little but not toward the property line will
make that a commitment—petitioner will also commit to a 5 -foot landscape buffer along the driveway
the drive will be as much as 20 feet away from Sumera Khan's property /existing house —the drive will
clear the light pole)
Site Design Review? (Administrative Review to maintain the character of Old Town)
Existing Garage —torn down and re- located? (Will be torn down and a new one constructed for the
older home —newly constructed home will have a garage structure as part of the home)
Pine tree shown on Sumera's property —trunk hidden behind light pole petitioner will trim tree that
overhangs but would not remove the tree
Fence Dept says if fence is truly in the side or rear yard, it can be six feet tall and is not required front
yard can be 3 '/2 -4 feet picket fence style
Justin Moffett: The Urban Forester has done a site review; the petitioner also has an arborist for the site the
tree preservation plan and landscape plan have been approved by Urban Forester. Note: Petitioner will
incorporate preservation measures for Pine tree on adjoining property
Motion: Woody Rider to suspend the Rules of Procedure to allow additional public comments from Sumera Khan
(Baker) seconded by Ephraim Wilfong; 10 in favor, none opposed, Motion Approved.
Sumera Khan (Baker) asked for clarification as to what would be done with the tree that is on the property line.
Ms. Khan showed pictures of parked cars along the property line in the yard and rusted tanks.
Motion: Woody Rider to suspend the Rules of Procedure in order to vote on this item this evening, seconded by
Ephraim Wilfong; voted 6 in favor, 4 opposed (Westermeier, Hagan, Grabow, Lawson) Motion Denied
Justin Moffett commented that if the tree is not his sole property /ownership, he does not have the right to cut it
down. Commission member suggested angling the drive to by -pass and preserve the tree. The site plan has not
yet been finalized and making a commitment regarding positioning the drive is not appropriate at this time. The
pine tree is a white pine, a good screen tree —not expensive --can either be replaced or branches trimmed.
Docket No. 11030008 PP, First and Sixth NW Primary Plat, and No. 11030009 SW were referred to the
Subdivision Committee for further review at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
Motion: Sue Westermeier to allow Subdivision Committee to cast a final vote on Docket No. 11030008 PP, First
and Sixth NW Primary Plat and No. 11030009 SW, seconded by Leo Dierckman, voted 10 -0 Motion Approved.
3. TABLED TO JUNE 21: Docket No. 10110012 DP /ADLS: Legacy PUD -Turkey Hill
Minit Market.
The applicant seeks site plan and design approval for an automobile fuel station, retail store,
carwash and also seeks the following zoning waiver approval:
4. TABLED TO JUNE 21: Docket No. 10110013 ZW: Section 9.02, Legacy PUD
ordinance Z- 501 -07, maximum 15 -ft front yard building setback. The site is located at
7729 E. 146 St. (at River Rd.) and is zoned PUD/Planned Unit Development. Filed by
Charlie Frankenberger of Nelson Frankenberger.
S:/ PlanCommission/ Minutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17 3
WWW.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 -571 -2417
5. Docket No. 11040003 DP Amend: Walnut Creek Drive Extension Amend.
The applicant seeks development plan amendment approval to extend Walnut Creek Dr. south
to 98th St. and modify that drive's currently approved design. The site is located at the north-
east corner of 98 St. and Michigan Rd., just south of West Carmel Marketplace. The site is
zoned B -3 /Business within the Michigan Rd /US 421 Overlay Zone. Filed by Bill Armstrong.
Present for Petitioner: Brian Cross, Civil Site Group, 643 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis; Bill
Armstrong.
Overview:
Originally reviewed by Plan Commission October 2010
Have worked to provide other options for access extension of Walnut Creek Drive
Walnut Creek Drive is a private drive that runs thru West Carmel Marketplace
Petitioner has worked with DOCS Staff as well as legal counsel John Molitor to come to a
resolution as to how to make this access connect to 98 Street
Access drive is now a part of the City of Carmel with the annexation
Proposed new alignment shown to make connection possible
Property controlled by Mr. Armstrong is approximately 3.26 acres and includes Block H lot of
Carmel Marketplace
Proposed for amendment is the alignment
Petitioner will dedicate a public, City easement right -of -way to the City for the benefit of the
public, health and safety
Easement will encompass 36 -foot wide drive thru the alignment and up thru the connection to
Walnut Creek Drive on West Carmel Marketplace's development
Petitioner has re- designed storm sewer structure and investigated new utility re- locations due to
the alignment change
Alignment is in the best interest of property owner as well as the City of Carmel
Lane striping has been added as well as a double yellow line not a residential street, but it is 36
feet wide typical lane widths are 12 -13 feet and lots of room to maneuver
Typical lane signage is also being added
As agreed by DOCS and legal counsel, the Extension Amendment is best course of action for
petitioner City of Carmel to perpetuate extension of Walnut Creek Drive to 98 Street and also
meet the Michigan Road Overlay Ordinance requirement for connectivity
Favorable Remonstrance: one
Unfavorable Remonstrance:
Greg Ewing, Land Planner with Bingham McHale, 10 West Market Street, Suite 2700,
Indianapolis, representing West Carmel Marketplace, LLC, owner of West Carmel Marketplace
Shopping Center and owner of existing Walnut Creek Drive as a private street
West Carmel Marketplace recognizes that it may make good planning sense to extend Walnut
Creek Drive
West Carmel Marketplace also recognizes that any development plans for property south of the
current terminus of Walnut Creek Drive may need to consider its extension as an element of that
development
Independent of this petition but clearly related, to date there has not been fruitful discussions
S:/PlanCommission/M inutes/P IanCommissionMinutes/PCM inutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17 4
WWW.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 -571 -2417
between West Carmel Marketplace LLC and Bill Armstrong
To date, there is no cross access agreement in place between these two private property owners
Any commercial landowner with a private drive would have a variety of issues which need to be
resolved before another adjoining landowner is allowed to connect to that private drive
Issues include: liability, restrictions from tenants, drainage, etc
Regardless of the outcome of this petition, West Carmel Marketplace wants to be on record that
the cross access agreement between these two private property owners needs to be in place
before the extension of Walnut Creek Drive, a private drive, is physically constructed
Lou Visco of Casto, parent entity for West Carmel Marketplace, LLC Columbus, Ohio asked
Mr. Ewing to relay to the Commission Casto's continued willingness to engage in discussions
with Bill Armstrong toward a cross access agreement
Record shows that no cross access agreement exists at this time, and it is believed that it should
be in place before the connection is completed
Public Hearing Closed
Rebuttal, Brian Cross:
As indicated by the remonstrator, Walnut Creek Drive is part of the West Carmel Marketplace
development
Documentation from the recorded plat of West Carmel Marketplace shows that the intent of the
previously approved development plan of West Carmel Marketplace was the continuation of the
private drive for the perpetuity, thru to 98 Street that as the Development Plan approval in
2003
Another item to consider is that as previously stated, Mr. Armstrong owns Block H contained
within the plat of West Carmel Marketplace; as property owner, Mr. Armstrong has ability and is
already under certain restrictions within the plat of West Carmel Marketplace for access, not only
access for utilities drainage, but also with restrictions on use as it pertains to retail
development that could include tenancy, for instance, if there was an existing tenant in West
Carmel Marketplace, a competing tenant could not construct a facility on this lot
Mr. Armstrong purchased this particular piece of property from Duke in an effort to mitigate
these possible issues with West Carmel Marketplace
Because Mr. Armstrong is a property owner within West Carmel Marketplace, he has divisible
access to that road
This current proposal is the best solution
Rebuttal, Bill Armstrong:
Bill Armstrong, 10654 Sunset Point Lane, Fishers, stated that in the past, discussions have
occurred with Casto concerning the access that would align perfectly with Walnut Creek Drive.
Last conversation concerning the matter was with Linda Schwenger, Exec. V -P with Casto, who
informed Bill Armstrong that they would have some requirements that would be demanded prior
to any connection. In a 12/08/2010 email, Mr. Armstrong said he would look forward to
receiving those requirements and demands; nothing further has been heard from her
It is incorrect to say that we have not had efforts in the past to devise some way to connect to the
road
The current proposal is the most reasonable, alternate solution to connect
By all agreements in place, with the easement to the City of Carmel, we have the right to
S:/PlanCommission/ Minutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17
W W W.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 -571 -2417
construct the roadway easement into Block H
Dept Comments, Angie Conn:
This petition is similar to the one heard a few months ago
Dept recommends suspending the Rules of Procedure and voting for approval, subject to
engineering Dept approval of final construction documents
Motion: Woody Rider "To suspend the Rules of Procedure," seconded by Steve Stromquist, Motion
Unanimously approved.
Motion: Leo Dierckman "To approve Docket No. 11040003 DP Amend, Walnut Creek Drive Extension
Amend," seconded by Sue Westermeier, voted 10 in favor, none opposed, Motion Approved
I. Old Business
1. Docket No. 10100006 DP /ADLS: AutoZone Park Northwestern, Lot 1.
The applicant seeks site plan and design approval for a new 7,370 sq. ft. store on 1.59 acres.
The site is located at 10560 N. Michigan Rd. and is zoned I- 1/Industrial within the Michigan
Rd/US 421 Overlay Zone. Filed by Jeff Kauerz for AutoZone Stores, Inc.
Present for Petitioner: Nathan White, Innovative Engineering.
Overview:
Petitioner requests approval for site plan and design
New store is 7,370 square feet on 1.59 acres
Site is at 10560 Michigan Rd within US 421 Overlay Zone
Store is typical AutoZone —auto parts accessories
Store complies with Overlay Zone
Connection drive agreement is being worked out with adjacent land owner
Drive to LA Fitness will be made thru to Northwestern Drive
Submittal being made to Hamilton County Drainage Board for approval
Dept Comments, Angie Conn:
Dept recommends approval at this time
Subdivision Committee Report, Brad Grabow:
Petitioner has worked cooperatively with Committee Dept
Petitioner has bent over backwards to bring a project that could be viewed favorably
Architectural relief element on right side wall which is a 8 -foot bump -out
Bump -out adds no extra square footage to the interior of the store but petitioner is going to the expense
to provide a more attractive exterior to the store and comply with Carmel development standards
Stub road exists in front of LA Fitness behind Mike's Car Wash and Nat'l Bank of Indpls and dead
ends just short of Northwestern Drive the corner of this property
Petitioner, at his expense, will connect the road thru to Northwestern Drive for continuous access to
106'' Street, subject to negotiations with owner of LA Fitness property
Motion: Brad Grabow "To approve Docket No. 10100006 DP /ADLS, AutoZone Park Northwestern, Lot 1,"
seconded by Woody Rider, voted 10 -0, Motion Approved.
S:/PlanCommission/M inutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may17 6
W W W.CARMEURGOV 317 -571 -2417
Comprehensive Plan, and the inherently transitional character of The Bridges
There were two meetings regarding traffic; the Dept of Engineering's comments at this stage of
the zoning have been fully satisfied
The petitioner must return to the Plan Commission for DP /ADLS approval of all actual, future
development
In all instances, the petitioner must return to the Plan Commission prior to receiving any building
permits for DP /ADLS approval
Topic of traffic has been fully vetted exhausted
Under City C -3 Plan, this parcel is no longer designated as residential; however all areas west of
Spring Mill retain their estate /residential characterization
C -3 Plan identifies this parcel as a transitional site and places the parcel within the US 31
corridor and identifies as a main focus of US 31, the promoting of high quality employment,
development, and restaurants and service uses needed to offer residents workers options for
shopping and dining
Committee also reviewed transition: The Bridges embraces all forms of transition observed by
the Comprehensive Plan; roads, setbacks, use transitions, stair stepping down of building
heights, and landscape buffers.
Examples given of restrictions in PUD and revised concept plan; uses eliminated as permitted
uses; restriction of uses in commercial amenity use block
During Committee process, numerous comments were poured over and resolved; the cumulative
economic impact of all revisions taken together represents a very substantial, economic
investment
Examples given of restrictions in PUD and revised concept plan
Following uses eliminated as permitted uses: indoor theatre, dry- cleaning establishment with on-
site plant, and private helicopter land service facility
Following uses can occur only within the commercial amenity use block and within 300 feet of
Illinois Street: automobile service station, car wash, ve,erinary hospital with indoor kennel,
restaurant and drive -thru food sales and hotel
Office development capped at 200,000 square feet prior to the extension of Illinois Street south
to 111 th Street
If located within the office /residential use block, hospitals and hotels are permitted only within
600 feet of Illinois Street and in excess of 300 feet of 111 Street
Fire Stations have been prohibited; the cap on apartments has been reduced from 350 to 300
Definition of conceptual character imagery has been re•1 iced to state clearly that conceptual
character imagery, attached to and a part of the PUD Ordinance, are intended o establish a
benchmark for architecture and design of buildings; requirements reviewed for concealing
antennae; landscape buffer for landscaping
Requirements that antennae be concealed or camouflaged have been added
Landscape buffer requirements have been added south of the commercial amenity use block as
well as a requirement of an undulating mound with 8 -foot evergreens planted 15 feet on center
with respect to the buffer adjacent to 111 th Street and Spring Mill Road in the vicinity of the
existing neighborhoods discretion to cluster the evergreens in this area has been eliminated
Conclusion: The Bridges is a tremendous, mixed -use community and community asset with
community wide benefits
Petitioner requests forwarding to City Council with a favorable recommendation
S: /P1anCommission/ Minutes /P1anCommissionM inutes/PCM inutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17 8
W W W.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 571 -2417
Department Comments, Angie Conn:
Important Points touched on by Charlie Frankenberger
Over -all, DOCS feels this development is a net positive improvement for the City of Carmel
Dept recommends forwarding to City Council with a favorable recommendation
Special Studies Committee Summary, Steve Stromquist:
4 Committee Meetings held on this Development
First Meeting, traffic, which was an issue and continues to be a big issue
The Bridges went through a careful, lengthy, and thorough review process, unlike any previous
development
Committee members disappointed in multiple access off Spring Mill Road
Current full access had been talked about as right in -right out due to Engineering request
Email comments concerns submitted by entire Commission to Special Studies Committee
Petitioner did an excellent job of identifying and addressing points submitted by Commission
members
Petitioner agreed to modify the PUD to allow 300 apartment units
Extensive buffering was discussed a wall of evergreens will be used for buffer at 111 Street
and Spring Mill Road
No neon signage permitted anywhere in the exterior of The Bridges, no up- lighting, no cove
lighting, absolutely no neon signage tenant signage on inside of building would allow neon
Public Service facilities allowed include a police sub station or any other city expansion with the
exception of a fire department
Buffering of apartments at 111 th Street and Spring Mill Road will require petitioner to work with
Dept
Recommendation Vote of Special Studies to Plan Commission was 3 in favor, none opposed
Commission Members Comments:
All due thanks for time and effort from all parties, including public; would like to have had a
commitment from Mike McBride, Dept of Engineering on extension of Illinois Street to 100
Street sooner than 2016; traffic is still an issue; size of retail development is an issue, but
depends on quality of development; concern with C -3 Plan as far as linking/accessing residents
by biking walking to daily goods, but this can be worked out
In general, a lengthy process with a lot of input; developer has made concessions adjustments
in response to input; if done right, will be great for the area
Not sure a fire station can be excluded; Comprehensive Plan and a variety of studies reflect the
expectations of residents and developers along the Spring Mill Road residential corridor.
Expectation remains that Illinois Street is the western boundary of the commercial uses of the US
31 corridor and point of transition from Spring Mill residential to corridor commercial; all
development along the Illinois alignment has had to comply with this expectation, including the
Clarian Hospital PUD with has residential immediately north of this project. A special study
area was established on this site because a number of interests intersect on this site —that special
study has not yet been undertaken. This proposal is not consistent with existing plans or
expectations; no doubt any development would make an economic contribution to the
community in the short term, but is this the highest and best use on this site for the future? The
question is, "Is this the appropriate way to transition from the very important, commercial
corridor to the equally important residential development along Spring Mill Road? Definition
S:/PlanCommission/ Minutes/ P1anCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may] 7 9
WWW.CARMEL. RGOV 317 -571 -2417
of a PUD reviewed current PUD development is deficient in comprehensive development and
detail standards —it is open -ended and too broadly drawn. Parking lots studded with buildings
are no longer the highest and best use of land; large parking lots generate and attract traffic rather
than mitigate —swaths of asphalt are not open space; big boxes are not amenity nodes. There is
no commitment to owner occupied residential in the PUD. Traffic issues are not resolved;
Illinois Street construction does not have a time line yet; simultaneous development of all four
corners of Spring Mill Road requires a very comprehensive look at traffic management. A
roundabout with retail and institutional uses on four corners sounds like a roundabout that is
going to fail. Roundabouts should not be over loaded for future failure and pave the way for
larger, impersonal intersections. There is no shortage of appropriately zoned land or corridor
amenity space inventory; nothing precluding any of the corridor office buildings from providing
the retail or restaurants requested in their buildings already if the demand exists. Making use of
the number of existing vacant locations would strengthen the corridor properties. These points
were made in a draft of 2009 strategic plan task force document. As a Plan Commission, a
number of variances have been granted for height reduction in the corridor; current PUD
proposal would place taller buildings off the corridor. Carmel standards and expectations are the
creation of a walkable and human scale community. This community does not have to accept
every development that comes along in order to be financially sound. Our responsibility is to
think as long term as possible for the future economic health of both commercial and residential.
As noted in staff comments, the project concept plan is not quite consistent with the Dept or
community goals for a more human- scaled, walkable, and mixed use design; the contribution of
the proposal does not overcome its shortcomings.
A bike -path or pedestrian walkway should be worked out between the developer and the city. If
this is approved, rather than waiting until completion, the paths should be constructed up front.
....Experience the same traffic issues as residents in the area also live in an area of west Carmel
where first hand experience is the lack of amenities in this area....drives to 86 Ditch for a
drugstore or grocery— crossing Meridian is not an option with a 4- minute stoplight at 116 and
Meridian. Proposed project offers an amenity and convenience to residents of Carmel who live
near this area. Bike pedestrian access internal to this project is well thought -out and extensive
...problem not the fault of this petition is that it is not connected to anything outside the project.
If/when this project becomes reality, the hope is the City will up -date its transportation plan to
include pedestrian bike access that extends beyond this project to those who live nearby so we
can take advantage of it and not be isolated from it. Glad to see although disappointed —that
encouragement for reduced parking requirement due to mixed use nature of project could not be
taken further. This will be the first project in the City of Carmel that truly combines a location
where one can work, live, shop, and eat without ever leaving the area by car. The same number
of parking spaces would not be needed as the zoning ordinance currently calls for. The use of
asphalt could be reduced and more greenspace incorporated. The Ordinance as drafted leaves a
lot open ended, and can empathize with the remonstrators with the lack of precision that many
may find fault with in this petition. From the developer's standpoint, flexibility is a necessity.
The economy, types of tenants that might be attracted to this development, and a host of other
reasons, including financial, require the flexibility to make this project viable. The reality is, the
precision that most of us want so we can get comfortable with the facts and certainty are not
available to the degree that we might like at this point, but the process of architectural design,
lighting, and standards review that the Commission will follow as the project rises from the
ground will ensure that the standards of the zoning ordinance are adhered to as the project is built
and that is where the real test will be in making this a successful project.
S:/ PlanCommission/ Minutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes MCMinutes2011 /PC -2011 -may] 7 10
W W W.CARMEL.IN.GOV 317 -571 -2417
This project will be a good transition between Illinois and Spring Mill, especially with buffering
and the reduced height along Spring Mill and 111 Street corner. Restaurant uses will be great
for all the office workers in the area, and they will appreciate not having to cross US 31 or drive
farther to eat. One, over looked fact is that US 31 is currently being up- graded to an interstate
and at some point in the near future, the residents west of US 31 will have a very frustrating time
and may always go to 86 th Ditch because it will be impossible to go east. These services
would be a great amenity. A doctor that lives at 116 Hoover Road was very happy to hear
that these uses will be available in the near future and he will have less distance to drive to
provide for his family.
Fruitful discussions have occurred with the developer and the area residents; things were agreed
on, things were not agreed on. In every decision the Plan Commission makes, some form of the
population will be made unhappy. If The Bridges is approved at Council, it will be the engine
that drives the construction of Illinois Street. Once Illinois Street is built, it will create
opportunities for other things to happen in the corridor. We worked to get the buildings lower
along Illinois Street, closer to the residential neighborhood; a single story nation -wide is known
as good planning/transitioning —it is what you do.
This development has a lot of potential. The challenges are size, scale and scope; the developer
is asking for flexibility to move buildings within different blocks, but the City has not finalized
the alignment of Illinois Street. There is a variance process for the size of buildings; there is
building mass that is a concern. Traffic has been mentioned multiple times. There was nothing
seen in the PUD regarding hours of operation for delivery of products as was done when Kroger
wanted to construct a store on 421 /Michigan Road, and limiting hours of service trucks such as
trash pick -up at strange hours. Owner occupied is certainly preferable to a true apartment rental.
Comments to the public: Whatever vote is taken this evening, this item will be forwarded to the City
Council for public hearing and will then be reviewed by a Committee before final vote by Council.
Motion: Leo Dierckman to forward Docket No. 10120008 Z, The Bridges PUD to the City Council with
a favorable recommendation," seconded by Brad Grabow. The vote was 8 in favor, 2 opposed (Dorman
and Hagan) Motion Approved.
J. New Business None
K. Adjourned a 7.40 PM
r ro MV
Hancock, Secretary
S:/PlanCommission/ Minutes/ PlanCommissionMinutes /PCMinutes2011 /PC- 2011 -may 17
W W W.CARM EL.IN.GOV
WAP 1
Jay Dorman, President
317 571 -2417