Carmel council narrows $25,000-plus property acquisition list to five parcels, approves resolution

The Carmel Common Council on March 3 amended and approved Resolution CC 02-17-25-01 to limit a previously broad list of city property purchases over $25,000 to five specific parcels tied to active projects.

Councilor Snyder, sponsor of the amendment, told the council the change removes most properties from the original list and leaves five parcels that have active and clear project plans. "These are ones that are actually needed for active projects right now," Councilor Snyder said, explaining the intent is to avoid alarming homeowners by publishing a long, speculative list of properties that might only require minor right-of-way slivers.

The amendment and final approval followed discussion in the Land Use and Special Studies Committee and questions from several councilors about process and notice. Jeremy Cashman, chief infrastructure officer, said the city will present preliminary line work for future acquisitions before bringing them forward, so property owners can see whether only a small sliver or easement—not their whole house—would be affected. Cashman described the proposed practice as similar to earlier bond projects that initially listed many parcels and then presented more detailed plans after preliminary design work.

Council discussion named the five parcels retained in the resolution: 4255 East Smoky Row Road (vacated/abandoned pool area proposed for a roundabout and future park), 10592 Lake Shore Drive (homeowners aware of upcoming work), and three parcels identified by parcel numbers for land near Old Meridian/Grand Boulevard and parcels adjacent to the VFW for the Veterans Trail expansion and Veterans Park (Parcel 1609260402009.000, Parcel 1609260404002.000, Parcel 16092604020008.000). Councilor Snyder said the city and parks department are working together on the Old Meridian parcel.

Councilors asked staff to pursue a sunset clause and additional clarity in future resolutions. Councilor Green asked whether the engineering team understood the intent to present more specific preliminary line work; Cashman confirmed the engineers support bringing grouped projects after initial line work so affected residents have better notice. Councilor Taylor noted Carmel Clay Board of Parks and Recreation had also expressed interest in one property; staff said the city was working in conjunction with parks on that parcel.

The council voted to approve the amendment and then the resolution as amended; both votes passed 9-0. The final vote action was recorded after the amendment passed in committee and additional council discussion.

The resolution returns only five properties to the council's acquisition authorization; other properties remain on hold pending additional design work, clearer specifications and potential future council action.

For follow-up, staff said future resolutions will include preliminary line work where feasible and that the city will continue coordinating with the parks department on parcels tied to trail and park expansions.