North End Phase 2 project requests multiple variances for senior housing development

The Carmel Plan Commission meeting on May 20, 2025, focused heavily on the proposed Phase 2 development of the Viva Bene project at North End, which aims to enhance housing options for residents aged 55 and older. The plan includes an apartment building with 170 units and seven townhome-style buildings containing an additional 72 units, all situated at approximately 300 West Smokey Road.

During the meeting, several variances were discussed, including requests for adjustments to front yard setbacks, side yard setbacks for parking, and building footprint sizes. Notably, the developers sought to exceed the maximum building footprint from 15,000 square feet to 57,000 square feet, which raised questions about the project's scale and its fit within the community's zoning regulations.

Justin Moffitt, representing Old Town Companies and Avenue Development, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with city staff to address previous concerns. He emphasized that many outstanding issues had been resolved through discussions with the Department of Community Services, led by Alexia Lopez. The team made several modifications to the project based on feedback, including adjustments to architectural elements and landscaping.

One significant point of discussion was the parking requirements, where the developers requested 1.25 parking spaces per dwelling unit, slightly above the city’s requirement of 0.5 spaces. This request reflects the developers' understanding of the needs of future residents, particularly those who may rely on personal vehicles.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the project, as the commission members recognized the importance of providing more housing options for older adults in the community. The approval of the site plan and design for Phase 2 is seen as a step towards meeting the growing demand for accessible and suitable living arrangements for seniors in Carmel.

As the project moves forward, it will be essential for the developers to maintain open communication with city officials and the community to ensure that the development aligns with local needs and expectations. The next steps will involve finalizing the design and addressing any remaining concerns before construction can begin.