Plan Commission approves Gramercy East development plan and ADLS for multifamily Section C

The Carmel Plan Commission on April 15 approved architectural design, landscape and signage (ADLS) and development-plan applications for Gramercy East Section C and the overall Gramercy urban residential project, subject to finalizing outstanding project-document comments.

Attorney Rick Lawrence, representing Buckingham Properties, said the current submittal addresses the Gramercy development standards amended last year and that most outstanding questions have been answered. "We believe we've answered and addressed almost all of the questions that have come up in the past, couple meetings," Lawrence said.

Rachel Keasling of the Planning and Zoning Department recommended approval while noting one remaining design issue: bike parking and garage safety. Keasling described proposed long-term bike parking in an existing vehicular garage converted to double racks and estimated capacity: "I think it holds about a 60 bikes," she said. She told commissioners the department will continue to work with the petitioner to ensure the space is usable and secure. Keasling recommended approval subject to addressing final staff comments in project documents, including the bike-parking details.

Project specifics presented at the meeting included Section C's 13.449 acres and an overall development plan area of 19.33 acres; the applicant showed open space in Section C of about 4.9 acres and a variety of amenities in the plan such as multiuse paths, a pool, pickleball courts and a dog park. Petitioners said some amenities will be private to Gramercy East (key-fob access for pickleball and the dog park is anticipated), while multiuse paths and certain public open spaces will be publicly accessible.

Commissioners and staff discussed amenity distribution across Gramercy sections and future townhouse pads, noting parts of the broader development remain to be designed in coordination with future townhouse developers. Buckingham confirmed that maintenance bonds are in place and that the developer will remain responsible for agreed repairs and replacement plantings during the maintenance-bond period; Rachel Keasling said maintenance bonds last three years and staff will inspect and require repairs before bond release.

The commission approved the ADLS and development plan motions by voice vote, subject to resolving final staff comments in project documents. No public speakers opposed the applications at the hearing.

Votes at a glance: ADLS Gramercy multifamily Section C (PZ-2024-00241) — approved (voice vote; all present voted aye). Development Plan Gramercy (PZ-2024-00242) — approved (voice vote; all present voted aye).