HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT REPORT
May 17, 2011
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.
The applicant seeks development plan amendment approval to modify the previously approved extension of the
internal access road, Walnut Creek Drive, south to 98 St. from 99 Street. The petitioner will return at a later date
for Plan Commission approval of the buildings and site plans. Just north of this site is Burger King and Home Depot,
which are part of the West Carmel Marketplace retail center, managed by Casto, Inc. Please view the petitioner's
latest information packet for further detail.
Carmel Zoning Ordinance Chapter 23C: US 421 Michigan Rd. Corridor Overlay Zone states the following:
"Frontage roads and common entrances shared by several businesses and developments shall be encouraged and
may be required at the discretion of the Commission." The extension of this frontage road will help relieve some
traffic congestion on Michigan Rd. and give patrons of these businesses easier access amongst them. Also, from a
public safety standpoint, emergency vehicles would have an additional access point.
When the Plan Commission last heard and voted to approve this very similar item in October 2010, there were
these comments: Oct. 19, 2010 Plan Commission meeting recap
a. The Plan Commission is in favor of this project.
b. There were mostly favorable comments from the public.
c. Discussion about West Carmel Marketplace, to the north of this subject site, regarding Walnut Creek Drive its
frontage road.
d. Legal counsel for West Carmel Marketplace stated that they have not agreed to the extension of the private
drive; a private contractual agreement still needs to be worked out to negotiate liability, maintenance, etc.
Casto, Inc. has stated their willingness to extend their pavement to their south property line, once the issue of
cross access is worked out with Mr. Armstrong.
e. Does West Carmel Marketplace want financial consideration for the extension of this drive?
f. Will this always be a private drive?
Staff's outstanding comments for the petitioner:
1. Eventually, a replat of the current platted lots will be required to shift property lines and add the easement for
the private drive, once you finalize each outlot location and boundaries.
2. While the Engineering Dept. is not thrilled with this alternate design, they understand the reasoning behind it.
Recommendation:
The Dept of Community Services (DOCS) recommends that the Commission votes to suspend its rules of
procedure and then votes to approve this item this evening, subject to Engineering Dept approval of the final
construction documents.
Note: Findings of Fact must be submitted by the petitioner and signed by the Plan Commission president.
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