Hi neighbors! Happy New Year! As I begin the exciting opportunity of serving as your new city councilwoman, I want to make sure that you always remain informed on the work and happening of our city council. After each meeting, you can find need-to-knows, news updates, and upcoming events on this blog! Take a look below and stay informed on what’s happening in your city.
In the first session of 2024, each council member received their committee assignments. I’m proud to announce that for the 2024 session, I will be serving on the Land Use and Special Studies Committee! I’m excited to be in this position during a time of rapid growth and look forward to ensuring our city develops in smart ways that work sustainably for all residents. Resident input This session, we heard from Carmel residents across the city about ongoing concerns they wished to highlight. Many members of the Hunters Glen neighborhood expressed their concerns about the Grammercy project development. That project has now been withdrawn and will be reexamined by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC), new administration and city council. The Valentina project, which was proposed north of Gradle Drive between the Monon Greenway and 3rd Ave. SW, has also been withdrawn and will undergo the same reevaluation. I think it is appropriate that the mayor and council take a fresh look at projects that will be developed under a new administration. I also feel it is important that residents get more opportunity to weigh in and to determine what would be in the best interest of all when it comes to development.
The Council passed a resolution to reexamine park impact fees and create more collaboration between the parks department, city council and CRC on how these fees should be best used. I believe it is important to examine how we support the parks department to sustain and increase our green spaces in Carmel to keep it a beautiful and active community. The Council also approved a request by Mayor Finkam to establish and reorganize some executive departments of the city government. A total of $158,000 was added to the budget to account for these positions, which will allow for more oversight and help create long-term efficiencies in city government.
Finally, there are some major events coming up that Carmel residents are invited to attend:
Please join us for a meeting of the Carmel Climate Action Committee on Jan 24th at 6pm at City Hall to get involved in addressing Climate vulnerabilities in Carmel. It’s important that each resident make their voices heard in this effort and I hope to see you there.
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of Carmel is organizing a Yogathon from Jan 13-28th where people can participate in yoga and learn techniques for health and wellness. Please see the HSS of Carmel's Facebook page for more details.
On Jan 10th at 6pm, Councilman Jeff Worrell is organizing an event at Carmel Public Library on the topic of Civility in Society featuring a discussion with author Alexandria Hudson. I’m excited to attend and hear from her on such an important topic.
That’s all the updates on this exciting first week! Remember, 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’d like to attend a city council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website and view the calendar.
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