Frustrated With Parking? Interested in Micromobility? We Hear You - 8/8/25

Hello neighbors,

I had the pleasure and honor of hearing from former Congressman Beto O'Rourke about the pressing issues facing Texas. He was so inspiring and encouraged each of us to be engaged, involved, and vigilant. I believe the only way to achieve a government that recognizes the dignity of all is to make every person’s voice heard. This way, we can build a nation that is for, by, and of the people; I strive towards this goal every day. 

As always, you can watch the entire City Council meeting here. 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES

Asking for your input

The Mayor is asking the public to weigh in on the proposed redevelopment project for 80 acres, the former campus of CNO Financial Group, which is still the owner. Please carefully review each of these three proposals and share your honest opinions. 

Make your voice heard here, and don't wait because submissions are only open until August 11.

Persons Who Wish To Address the Council 

• Mark Dewart spoke on behalf of the Spring Lake Estate HOA about the U.S. 31 Sub-Area plan. He asked us to hold a town meeting to explain this process and the implications of changing zonings. 

• Bruce Shire spoke in favor of affordable housing for lower-income workers and younger people. He also expressed concern about the speed and variety of projects that the city is working on. 

Mayoral Comments

• Soon-to-be 6th grader Finley Urback of Northpoint Christian Academy was our deputy mayor for the day!

  • Finley let us know that Mayor Finkam went to Forth Worth to accept the Best Overall award at the 2025 Sister Cities International Awards, which recognizes Carmel’s outstanding approach to citizen diplomacy. 

  • She also visited the Stratford, a community for older adults where she told residents about happenings in the city and solicited their feedback. 

  • Mayor Finkam held a city pop-up event at Woodland Springs, which connected citizens to city government in a more relaxed, accessible setting. 

    • Look out for more pop up events yet to be announced. 

Deputy Mayor Finley addressing the council

Carmel Redevelopment 

• Henry Metesky, Carmel Redevelopment Director, let us know that our development projects are moving forward as planned. 

  • He also encouraged the public to check out Carmel’s newest piece of roundabout art, “Taking Flight,” at Main St and Richland Ave. 

• Taking Flight Video

• The council had a solid conversation about various parking issues in the city. 

  • Please be aware that there are two parking areas near the Indiana Design Center–a parking lot to the South and an underground garage

    • The parking lot is entirely the Design Center’s and is for use by customers and employees of the Design center. It is monitored by security guards. 

    • The garage however, is available to the public. Half the spaces have free three-hour parking.

  • Director of Engineering Brad Paisley is undertaking a study on parking options we could implement on 2nd St NW. We are looking at several possibilities including 15-minute parking, no parking, unloading zones, and residential parking permits. 

    • We also discussed using technology in order to observe and enforce 24-hour parking.

  • The council is aware of issues with Ubers and other rideshares taking up too much space on streets and we’re looking into ways to fix this issue. 

Land Use and Special Studies Committee  

• The committee met on Wednesday at the public library and covered two main topics.

  • 1. Drafting an ordinance to prevent  vehicles from blocking the right of way

    • This would keep unpermitted vehicles from blocking the right of way anywhere in the city by levying substantial fines.

    • This ordinance would also ensure that any damage done to property by such work would have to be restored to an acceptable standard.

    • The ordinance contains an educational component and an ability to appeal to ensure fair treatment.

    • I believe this will go a long way toward fixing and preventing many issues occurring around the city.  

  • 2. Laying groundwork for an ordinance that addresses the safety consequences of micromobility, particularly golf carts

    • I can assure you that as a pediatrician, my first duty will be to the safety of children, cyclists and pedestrians. I am not in favor of Golf Cart Usage on main roads!

    • The discussion is just beginning and I would like to encourage you all to weigh in.

Events Around Carmel

• Come to Carmel Food Truck Nights at Ginther Green every Friday from 5pm to 8pm for great food and even better company!  

• Bring the family to the Secret Life of Pets 2 as part of the Movies at Midtown series at the Midtown Plaza on Tuesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 14.  

• Carmel Police and Fire Departments will join other local agencies to present our annual Public Safety Day from 9am to 1pm on Aug 16 at 11611 N. Meridian St. This free event will feature all-ages activities, demonstrations, and kits that might come in handy during an accident. 

• Come to the Carmel Summer Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8 am to 11:30 am until September 27. 

Thank you all for reading this recap, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have 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, please reach out to me and I will be happy to put your student's name forward.

If you’d like to attend a City Council meeting, committee hearing, or other council events, please visit our website for the calendar.