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Council OKs Lennar PUD After Developer Cuts Density, Drops Townhomes
Summary
After months of revisions and public input, the council adopted an amended planned unit development (PUD) permitting 50 single-family homes and rental restrictions on the Lennar project at 146th and Towne Road.
The Carmel Common Council voted 9–0 Feb. 3 to adopt an amended ordinance creating the “146 In Town” planned unit development (PUD) for a Lennar Homes project at 146th and Towne Road.
John Davosha of Nelson & Frankenberger, representing Lennar Homes of Indiana, told the council the developer had removed townhomes entirely from the plan, reduced density from 87 homes to 50 and revised product types so most homes in the core product would include a primary bedroom and full bath on the first floor. The amended ordinance sets architectural standards and includes a rental-restriction commitment that was negotiated with commission and council members.
Councilor Snyder, who led the Land Use and Special Studies Committee, said the project’s changes illustrated that “things can always be improved” when developers and the public engage in the review process. Snyder said the land-use committee gave the amended ordinance a unanimous positive recommendation.
Developer and planning staff described other elements that remain unchanged from prior submissions: tree preservation, common areas, amenities and a southeast preserved area of the site. Lennar said the new homes are targeted at “move-down” buyers and smaller families and that prices would start in the mid-$600,000s for some product types shown in the PUD exhibits.
Councilors who spoke in favor cited the removal of higher-density townhome units, the addition of first-floor primary bedrooms and rental restrictions as reasons for support. The council voted to accept the amendment and then to adopt the ordinance; recorded votes were 9–0.
What to watch: Development moves to permitting and site construction pending final plan approvals and permits from the Department of Community Services (DSC). Rental restrictions and product exhibits in the ordinance will be enforceable at permit review and by staff.
