Compiled by Karen Kennedy
What happened: The proposed Atapco development was passed.
What it means: Despite a prolonged remonstrance by a group of neighbors, the Council approved the development by a 4-3 vote with Councilors Ron Carter, Carol Schleif and Eric Seidensticker voting against it. Councilor Kevin “Woody” Rider reminded the remonstrators that a failure to pass the PUD would have resulted in the loss of landscaping and intersection improvements that came out of the negotiation process. Snyder added that the land was previously zoned for a manufacturing facility.
What’s next: Atapco is cleared to proceed with its development plans.
What happened: The financing was approved to extend Illinois Street.
What it means: The bonded amount of $7 million will allow the city to extend Illinois Street south from 116th Street prior to road construction on U.S. 31 that will limit access to West Carmel. The known project costs are $6.535 million and the remainder of the bond would either be used for potential cost overruns or sent back to the council for a new use at their discretion. A special-benefits tax was utilized to secure a lower interest rate for the bond, but Councilor Luci Snyder said the city use TIF or rainy-day funds before allowing a tax increase.
What’s next: Construction will begin next year.
What happened: Proposal to authorize the city to issue a $12 million bond for the Legacy development.
What it means: This bond would be used to pay for infrastructure for the Legacy development area. According to Snyder, the city is not responsible for repayment of this bond. The developer is required to repay it, and their financing bank will be responsible if they do not.
What’s next: It will be heard again at the Nov. 18 council meeting.
What happened: A proposal to spend $70,000 for the purchase of the Brookshire Golf Course swimming pool.
What it means: The pool is inseparable from the city-owned golf course’s clubhouse. The nonprofit Brookshire Swim Club owns the pool currently, and the group purchased the pool for $100,000, said Leo Dierckman, a member of Carmel’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
“It’s totally inappropriate to have separate ownership,” he said.
What’s next: It will be heard again at the Nov. 18 council meeting.
What happened: New speed limits were established for Illinois Street.
What it means: The council voted to suspend the rules and vote on the ordinance in the meeting after its first reading. The measure establishes a 40 mph speed limit on Illinois Street between 106th and 116th streets.
What’s next: The speed limit was adopted.
What happened: A version of the bike and multi-use path ordinance was approved.
What it means: Bicyclists cannot ride more than two wide, dog-walkers must use leashes no longer than six feet and drivers cannot make a right turn in front of a cyclist. Councilor Snyder spoke of the importance of remembering that Indiana state law grants motor vehicles the right-of-way and that stopping for bikes and pedestrians can actually cause accidents. The new law also has fines for offenders.
What’s next: Nothing, the ordinance is passed.