Editor,
Just two weeks after approving the controversial 146th & Monon Rezone, the Carmel City Council approved yet another highly contested residential rezone of property zoned only for single-family homes. The Jackson’s Grant Village Rezone will now allow townhouses, increased residential density and commercial development on 21 acres just northwest of 116th Street and Spring Mill Road.
A large number of nearby homeowners opposed this proposal, and concerns were raised about setting a precedent for city officials to impose so-called “neighborhood commercial nodes” throughout west Carmel. As usual, the city council did not require the developer to make any substantial changes to the proposal.
Councilors Kevin Rider, Jeff Worrell, Laura Campbell, Bruce Kimball and Adam Aasen voted in favor of the rezone (councilor Sue Finkam has typically voted in favor of residential rezones but was unable to attend the meeting). Councilors Tim Hannon, Tony Green and Miles Nelson voted against the rezone.
The usual group of city councilors voting in favor of the rezone acknowledged the strong local opposition to the proposed development in its current form but essentially stated that they (the majority councilors) know best. It appears that these councilors consider the zoning to be an inconvenient relic that can be sidestepped and ignored according to their objectives.
To Carmel residents: Please continue to let these city councilors know that their votes in favor of major residential rezones are not acceptable. Also, please remember how these councilors have voted when you choose your next city councilors in the 2023 elections.
Dave Fox, Carmel
