Residents of Hunters Glen expressed significant concerns regarding traffic and safety at a recent government meeting concerning the proposed Carmel Marketplace development. Cara Polley, a resident and spokesperson for the community, highlighted that the addition of approximately 818 new housing units could lead to a substantial increase in traffic, potentially adding hundreds of vehicles to the area. Residents fear that the existing infrastructure, which has not been updated since a 2006 traffic study, may not adequately accommodate this influx.

Polley emphasized the importance of addressing traffic management, particularly as the community is already experiencing congestion from nearby developments. Fellow resident Megan Rolston echoed these concerns, noting that the anticipated traffic from both the Carmel Marketplace and the Gramercy housing development could overwhelm the local roadways, especially during peak hours when school buses are also in operation.

In addition to traffic issues, residents raised concerns about the safety of pedestrian crossings on Carmel Drive, particularly for the older population in Hunters Glen. Questions were also posed regarding the availability and ownership structure of age-restricted units within the new marketplace, with residents expressing a preference for homeownership over rentals.

City officials responded to the residents' concerns, indicating that traffic studies have been conducted and that plans are in place to improve connectivity in the area. They assured residents that the city engineer is committed to ensuring that the infrastructure will support the increased traffic and that safety measures, including roundabouts and raised crosswalks, are being considered as part of future developments.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between city planners and community members, with officials acknowledging the importance of addressing residents' concerns as the Carmel Marketplace project moves forward.