By Maria Cook
A proposal to build approximately 200 dwellings on 59 acres at the northeast corner of Keystone Parkway and 136th Street will go before the Carmel Plan Commission after receiving a 3-1 favorable recommendation Dec. 4 at the committee level.
Carmel-based Old Town Companies is requesting a rezone from residential to planned unit development for The Overlook. The site was previously eyed for development by Beazer Homes, but its proposal was withdrawn in January.
Justin Moffitt of Old Town Companies presented his plan to the committee while addressing previously raised concerns, such as density, tree preservation, outdoor lighting and possible increased traffic on surrounding roads.
Committee member Nick Kestner cast the lone vote against the rezone.
“I think we’re trying to squeeze something in that doesn’t fit,” he said. “I don’t have any problems with the design or the layout of the project, I just have trouble trying to deal with the traffic situation.”
Brad Grabow, president of the Carmel Plan Commission, said tree-preservation areas needed to be more clearly marked in plans for the area.
“I just think about someone waking up and see trees that were there yesterday are gone today,” he said. “I just want to clarify so that we can set realistic expectations about where those preservation areas will be.”
Updates made to the PUD include prohibiting construction vehicles from driving through surrounding neighborhoods and delineating that condos will only be built west of the development’s main thoroughfare.
Old Town is planning to preserve a historic home built in 1834 on the east side of the property and at least 3 acres surrounding it for community park space. It could be used for a neighborhood gathering space, clubhouse, office or other use.
