Flooding: What You Need to Know

Hello neighbors, 

As you know, many in our community have been affected by horrible flooding over the past week. I am heartened to see so many of you step up by donating your time, money, and things to help your neighbors. If you are inspired to volunteer, please call the Hamilton County EOC at (317) 645-3261. If you wish to donate money, you can do so with the Community Fund.

SERVE Noblesville was taking supply donations at the Noblesville Fairgrounds, but so many of you have stepped up that they are no longer accepting donations.  

On a lighter note, the countdown to Carmel Diwali has begun! Save the date for October 10 from 4:30 to 9:30 pm at Carter Green. 

Friendly reminder that you can watch the entire City Council meeting here.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES

We were treated to an annual tradition by the Carmel Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) of tying a rakhi (sacred thread of protection) on each of us as city councilors to thank us and recognize us as community servants. It is a wonderful tradition that extends the values of oneness to us all as a community especially relevant to us during this flood emergency

Persons Who Wish to Address the Council

• Multiple residents expressed privacy concerns about Flock cameras in our community.

• In addition, several of our neighbors spoke against a proposed dismount zone on the Monon as part of our micromobility ordinance. 

  • This proposal came at the Police Department's recommendation based on community safety, but your honest feedback is always considered.

  • I encourage anyone with concerns to come to the Land Use Committee meeting on Thursday.  

Recognition of Outstanding Residents

• A private robotics team with members from four Carmel schools ranked 79 out of 420 teams at an international robotics competition! 

• These incredible kids received commendations from the city for their accomplishment. 

  

Mayoral Comments

• Mayor Finkam gave us an important update on the flooding:

  • 41 residents had to evacuate their homes, and another 44 had to evacuate a senior living community. 

  • When they return home, public safety staff will escort residents, and the city will waive all inspection fees. 

    • Overall, 220 homes were affected, but no lives have been lost in Hamilton County.  

  • The city will work with Hamilton County Emergency to clean up debris safely.

  • You have probably seen the dramatic footage of Hazel Dell Bridge. The bridge collapsed because the creek flow reversed due to pressure.

    • Because the water is moving so fast, the White River could reverse course when it meets the creek.

    • Carmel Utilities maintains a sewage main here, and it could be damaged, but luckily that has not been the case.

    • The city is already looking for developers to replace the bridge, a project that will likely take 2 or more years. 

  • Please be aware that our water is safe to drink. 

• The surge may reach our water treatment plant, but we can still provide safe water service through alternative means.

• The city plans to evaluate preparation for future catastrophes, but first it must address pressing matters.

  • These plans could include raising the power plant or building a levy near Hazel Dell. 

• Please do not cross police barriers; conditions are still dangerous and you will be arrested if found trespassing.

  • Park closures include:

    • Hazel Landing Park, Bur Oak Bridge, and the 106th St trails

    • River Heritage Park

    • The River Greenway north of the trailhead at 10400 River Road

    • Flowing Well Park 

    • Trails near the pond at Founders Park 

  • Do not kayak on the White River; you will be sucked in and dead in minutes.

  • 

  • 

Economic Development Commission

• The Commission voted unanimously to approve the bonds that will finance Rebar Development’s Signature55 Project on Old Meridian, which consists of 200 senior apartments. 

Public Hearings

Ordinance D-2844-26

• Approved

• This ordinance appropriates $389,000 to buy street sweepers and various trucks.

New Business

Ordinance D-2845-26

• Approved

• This ordinance would amend Article 4, Section 2-159 of the Carmel City Code to establish a Municipal Tourism Capital Fund. 

• Indiana General Assembly House Enrolled Act 1210 passed, and this will keep more tourism dollars in Carmel’s pocket. 

  • The Act requires the city to create a fund to deposit this revenue, which can only be used for tourism-related purposes. 

  • The city expects $1.3 million to go into this fund yearly. 

Appointments

• Approved

• Ryan Locke nominated Ryan Cadwell for a seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals. 

• Cadwell is a Carmel resident and commercial real estate professional. 

• This position goes until December 2027. 

Events Around Carmel

• Indy Greek Fest is on August 21 and 22 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Enjoy authentic Greek foods, pastries, and wines, and dance to Greek music. 

• Carmel Food Truck Nights brings together Indiana’s favorite food trucks every Friday from May 1st through October 16th, 5 pm to 9 pm. Come to 930 N. Rangeline Rd for great food and fun outside!

• Enjoy free outdoor movies at Midtown Plaza throughout the summer! Movies at Midtown runs from June through September, Tuesdays at 6 pm, and Thursdays at Noon & 6 pm. 

Thank you all for reading this recap. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions.

Caring for Carmel,

Dr. Anita Joshi

If you have a fifth-grade Carmel student who would like to give the mayoral update at a council meeting next year, please reach out to me, and I will be happy to put your student's name forward.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to me. I’m always here to listen and advocate for you. If you wish to review the details of our city meeting, the recording is available here, and the meeting agenda is available here! If you’d like to attend a City Council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar!