Historic commission allows interim protection on 10750 Hazeldale Parkway to expire to enable house move preparations

The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission voted to allow the interim protection on 10750 Hazeldale Parkway to expire effective tomorrow, clearing a regulatory hold that had been blocking demolition- and utility-related permits and other preparatory work.

Commissioners discussed whether to extend the protection after hearing updates from parties involved in a proposed donation and relocation of the structure. Tom Crowley, who described plans to relocate the house to the northwest corner of the site and said he had arranged a house mover, described a two-step approach: move the main, two-story historic portion and remove a later rear addition. Crowley said parts of the house could be cribbed and stored on-site until reclamation work is finished.

Representatives for Martin Marietta and the property owner told the commission that lawyers for all parties were still negotiating a donation agreement and that the parties hoped to complete that agreement by April. Morgan Casitas, identified in the meeting as Martin Marietta, and other company representatives said the mine operator must keep its overall mining schedule and that any delay could affect the site’s mine permit obligations later in the year.

Commission staff explained the effect of the commission’s interim protection: while it remains in place the city will not process demolition permits or associated utility work such as vacating wells or terminating septic systems. Staff recommended allowing the parties to proceed with preparatory work if they are aligned and asked the commission to consider whether an extension to the next meeting was needed.

After discussion and questions about the legal and scheduling risks, a commissioner moved to allow the interim protection to expire tomorrow so the proponents could begin preparatory work; another commissioner seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The commission’s action removes the demolition-related hold the commission had placed on the property, which staff said prevents the city from scheduling well and septic abandonment and other ancillary work tied to a demolition permit. Staff and the proponents said they would continue negotiating the donation/relocation agreements and that, if an agreement is reached before the scheduled move, they would work with the city to proceed without demolition.

Commission staff also said that if the parties later return seeking demolition, the commission would again have the opportunity to review that request under the city’s demolition-delay process. Parties in the meeting said they expected to return with a finalized agreement by April; commission staff said they will continue to coordinate updates and any follow-up filings required for preservation or landmark designation.

Notes: the commission’s interim protection had been in place since 2018 and was placed on the smaller parcel containing the structure to allow the commission time to explore alternatives to demolition. The commission discussed the potential for a preservation covenant and future designation of the relocated structure if the move and rehabilitation proceed.