Rental Changes, Historical Preservation, Budget Updates & More - 4/24/25

Hello neighbors,  

Read this for an important update about rentals in Carmel! And, if you missed it, check out my last blog for some fun events I was able to take part in.

As always, you can watch the entire City Council meeting here. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES

Recognition of Persons Who Wish to Address the Council

• Jack Russell of OneZone Chamber and Ed Shaughnessy both spoke in favor of a potential rental cap on homes in Carmel–read all about Ordinance D-2770-25 later on in this post

• Jim Thomas spoke in favor Ordinance D-2769-25 to limit car traffic near his neighborhood

• Scott McGlaughlin spoke in opposition to the Autumn Greenway that would go through his neighborhood. He believes the benefits aren't worth the cost, and he worries about the environmental impact on the wetlands in the area

Council Comments

Councilor Locke asked for an update on a food hall project proposed at the April 16, 2024, Council meeting, a little over a year ago. The food hall, which could potentially be managed by the Parks Department, would also include office spaces and parking. The Council and Director of Economic Development Nick Weber had a robust conversation about the project, but the basics are that:

• Council asked for funding sources that could support this project.  The city applied for two grants for the project; received one, but the money will be pushed out in two waves; the food hall could potentially be funded in wave two.

• They are currently looking for other sources of funding, but the project might have to be retooled to capture other grants. 

• I believe this project serves a need to provide an indoor gathering space next to the outdoor venues surrounding the Palladium.  There is a need for quicker and more eclectic food choices in that area of Carmel and more parking and office space.

Land Use Committee Update

Our meeting on April 23 included a discussion of the Resolution CC 02-03-25-07 which is an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that helps us as a community regulate group homes and provides important safeguards for perspective residents and community members.  This will be sent to the Council for consideration at our next meeting.  

We also recommend that the Council review our first set of amendments to articles 2.2 and 9.03 of the Unified Development Ordinance

We had a robust discussion of parking issues for the city of Carmel which included a discussion of parking regulations and addressing the need to prevent unpermitted parking on multiuse paths.  

Carmel Redevelopment Commission 

Redevelopment Director Henry Mestetsky reviewed development updates from the last month. All projects are proceeding as expected. Plus, the set of jazz musician statues has been finished, including a plaque that explains the biography of each musician and a gramophone that will play their music. I encourage you to visit!

"My Sixteen-Year-Old Jazz Dreams"

• Mestetsky also pointed us toward this map, which allows you to explore all the projects the Redevelopment Commission is working on.

• We also discussed making it standard to replace roads that have been taken over by projects and ways to make the public aware of the wonderful amenities that Carmel has to offer. 

Historic Preservation Commission

Mark Dollase of the Historic Preservation Commission updated us on their restoration efforts and other projects.

• The Wise House will be moved to Carmel resident Mr. Crowley’s property for restoration

• The Wilkinson House and a property on Cherry Tree Road will be preserved, but the Commission is waiting until they have a solid plan before they tell the Council 

• They have opened applications for their spring grants which will reimburse eligible homeowners on repairs they make to their historic facades

  • Learn more about the grants on this webpage 

  • If you believe you are eligible, here is the grant application 

The Wilkinson House

Finance Department Budget Update

City Controller Zac Jackson introduced Kristen Haney, the new Assistant Director of Budget Management, who came to us from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. I’m sure we are in good hands with her!

• He shared with us some major changes he’s made to both the budget and how he presents the information to the Council

• Overall, this makes the examination of the  budget less complicated so my fellow Councilors and I may make better-formed decisions 

• Most importantly, the finance department will start doing monthly revenue targets to better monitor financial performance

Old Business

Reading of Ordinance D-2762-25

• Remains in Land Use & Special Studies Committee

• This would establish 15-minute parking space or spaces at the beginning of each block along Main Street from Knoll Ct to 1st Ave SE, regulate parking on Range Line from Main Street to 1st Street, and remove inconsistencies and duplications of code

Resolution CC-02-03-25-07

• Remains in Land Use & Special Studies Committee

• This amendment would address the safety and security of Carmel citizens as it relates to group homes in residential areas

Ordinance D-2767-25

• Sent to the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee

• This would amend the ordinance regulating the Ambulance Capital Fund

New Business

Ordinance D-2768-25

• Approved

• This ordinance would add parking to the side of 1st Avenue S.E. and Supply Street without residential parking

Ordinance D-2769-25

• Sent to Land Use Committee 

• This would raise the fine for failing to display a valid permit for motor vehicle parking on a city sidewalk, multi-use path, or bicycle lane to increase compliance with the law

• One of my main concerns is that utility vehicles are parking appropriately, both according to city code and in ways that allow them to do their work

Ordinance D-2770-25

• Sent to Land Use Committee

• This would require owners of residential rentals to obtain a permit before renting and it would limit the number of authorized residential dwelling permits to ten percent (10%) of all homes within any subdivision and the City of Carmel as a whole 

• This is the rental ordinance spoken about by the constituents at the beginning of the meeting 

• This ordinance attempts to limit corporate buyers from purchasing a higher percentage of available properties.  The stated goal is to ensure that families in Carmel have a chance to own a home, by keeping more homes in the inventory.

• This will be an interesting discussion at Finance committee and then at Land Use committee as we try to ensure that the stated goals are met without causing a spike in rental rates for those who do rent.  I look forward to this discussion and encourage those who wish to wish to express their opinions on this issue to please come to both these meetings

• The ordinance would make exceptions for certain people like active-duty military or those who inherit property and want to keep it in the family by renting it out

• Councilor Taylor encouraged those in a Homeowner’s Association to work on their own rental caps before this ordinance is passed

City Council Appointments

We reappointed Xiao Ou Yuan to Carmel Clay Public Library Board of Trustees (A four-year term that expires 06/30/2029)

Update on the Tornado from Fire Chief Joel Thacker

Chief Thacker gave us a report on funds spent on tornado recovery from various departments. Those numbers were sent to the county who will work with the state on reimbursement. He also let us know we qualify for the State Relief Fund. 

Announcements from Council:

I appreciate the recognition by my fellow councilors on my being awarded the Interfaith Ambassador of Year award–it was a moving experience to be honored by so many people I respect. You can read my full remarks at that event here.  

Events Around Carmel

• Come to the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony at the Tarkington on April 24 at 12-2pm to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust

• Please come say hi to me at the Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate our partnership with our sister city, Kawachinagano, Japan, on May 4 at 1-4pm 

  • You’ll enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, and martial arts!

Thanks for reading–it’s crucial that Carmel residents stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the city. As you read at the beginning of the blog, you have the opportunity to speak in favor of or in opposition to any ordinance or resolution the Council is pursuing. You should feel empowered to make changes in the community; the first step is staying informed!

Caring for Carmel,

Dr. Anita Joshi

If you have a fifth grade Carmel student who would like to give the mayoral update at a council meeting next year please reach out to me and I will be happy to put your student's name forward.

As always if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me. I’m always here to listen and advocate for you. If you wish to review the details of our city meeting, the recording is available here, and the meeting agenda is available here! If you’d like to attend a city council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar!