Letter to Jeff Davis from John Myers HNTB 3/5/91 HNTB225 HOWARD NEEDLES TAMMEN &. SERGENDOFF
ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS
New ers[n'.Street
Indianapolis,Indiana
46204-2135
March 5, 1991 (31-)636-i68
FAX(31')633-0505
Mr. Jeff Davis, President
Carmel-Clay Plan Commission
40 E. Main
Carmel, IN 46032
Re: Final Recommended Thoroughfare Plan
1990 Carmel-Clay Comprehensive Plan Update
Dear Mr. Davis:
As the Comprehensive Plan approval process is drawing to a close, we would
like to suggest a few final thoroughfare plan adjustments for consideration
by the Commission. They are briefly discussed below:
1. Parkways - Although the proposed minimum geometric design
standards (Table X.4) include both primary parkways (150
foot right-of-way) and secondary parkways (120 foot right-
of-way) , all parkways shown on the plan are indicated as
primary. Considering the overall pattern of roadways and
potential long-term needs, we would recommend the
following classifications:
Primary Parkways: 116th St. , 146th Street
Secondary Parkways: Towne Road, Gray Road, Hazeldell Road
2. Right-of-Way Limitations - Language is included in the
report text to indicate that plans are conceptual and
subject to adjustment based on project-specific
factors. Nevertheless, this concept is not well
communicated geographically. Therefore, a new symbol is
suggested (series of slashes) to indicate "probable right-
of-way restrictions," where adjustments to geometric
design standards may be necessary to minimize impact on
existing development. As a minimum, this symbol should
be shown on 116th Street east of Keystone Avenue. We
would welcome Commission and staff input on other sections
appropriate for this notation.
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Mr. Jeff Davis, President
Carmel-Clay Plan Commission
March 5, 1991
Page 2
3 . New Roadway Alignments - Based on the legal opinion
solicited by the Plan Commission, dashed lines do not
indicate specific route locations as the plan is currently
written and presented. We believe that the alternate
approach of leaving these routes off the map and
attempting to describe them only in text would seriously
undermine the clarity and utility of the plan. The
current approach (generalized, non-specific alignments
with qualifying notes) provides an effective means of
conveying information on the maps, while leaving
flexibility to accommodate site specific considerations
identified in more detailed studies. In our experience,
the precedent for this approach is overwhelming.
It should be recognized that many people will insist on
perceiving specific route locations in spite of all
efforts to indicate otherwise. We do not believe this
warrants a compromise of the plan. Clearly, the Plan
Commission will understand the plan's intent and will act
accordingly.
In a final attempt at clarity, it may be useful to add an
asterisk (*) to the words "new facilities" in the legend,
with a note (in the legend) saying "Specific alignments
subject to detailed studies. "
We hope these comments are helpful in developing final refinements to the
Thoroughfare Plan. We are prepared to discuss them in greater detail at the
March 5 plan review meeting.
Very truly yours,
HOWARD NEEDLES TAMMEN & BERGENDOFF
I' Jphn W. Myers,/ P.E. , AICP
roject Engineer
JWM/l j c
cc: Ms. Joann K. Green, HNTB
Plan Commission Members
DOCD Staff