For years, the City of Carmel has been talking about constructing a roundabout at 96th and Keystone Avenue. After the May election, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has the backing of the new council and has already applied for federal funding to start this project.
But how might this construction affect car dealerships nearby the proposed roundabout?
Tom Wood Ford, at 3130 E. 96th Street at the Northwest corner of the intersection, has filed with Carmel planning officials to construct a 24,000-square-foot building addition and add a second floor to another building.
The issue was on the agenda for the July 7 meeting of the Carmel Plan Commission but has been tabled until Aug. 4.
In addition, another nearby dealership, Penske Chevrolet, is moving forward with plans to add 100 parking spots. Penske is also located at the Northwest near Tom Wood Ford and Penske plans to use vacant gas station land to expand their property.
It could be possible that some of the dealership’s expanded parking spaces at Penske could end up being needed to construct the roundabout, said Carmel Planning Administrator Adrienne Keeling.
Keeling said Penske understands the risks and city planners support this project.
City Engineer Jeremy Kashman said the city has been working closely with the car dealerships to explain what the roundabout could possibly look like and what land could be affected. He said they’ve seen the plans and that Tom Wood Ford management has tried to avoid building on any land that would be needed for right-of-way.
