Hotel Carmichael is Getting a Facelift
Updated: Sep 25
Hello neighbors,
For those of you who observed Yom Kippur, I hope you had a meaningful fast and that this time brought you peace and introspection.
And for my Jain and Hindu friends, my wish is that you had a reflective Das Lakshana and a joyful Ganesh Chaturthi.
Also, I want to extend an invitation to support J.D. Ford’s campaign for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District on September 25. Learn more by checking out the flyer attached below!
Also, we celebrated Carmel's 50th Anniversary with an ice cream social on September 18. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Carmel for organizing this incredible event!
Friendly reminder that you can watch the entire City Council meeting here.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATES
Persons Who Wish to Address the Council
We heard a lot of great feedback from a group of electric unicyclists about the micromobility ordinance and their specific needs.
A community member advocated for safeguards to ensure that Flock cameras will not be abused to harm neighbors.
Mayoral Comments
Mayor Finkam extended her heartfelt thanks to city employees for working long hours and using their creativity to solve problems after the terrible flooding we faced.
City, state, and federal organizations worked together to prevent a flooding catastrophe in our city. Now, it’s time to focus on recovery and rebuilding. Though we face significant infrastructure challenges, we can overcome them as a community.
A Word from FEMA
Alan Wren, FEMA representative, shared three helpful fact sheets, which you can see below.
He wanted everyone to know that each FEMA inspector has a badge, and while you cannot take a photo of it, you can ask to see it.
Please be aware that 4933 is the FEMA emergency number for Indiana.
Land Use Report
Many of the public comments tonight addressed the complexity and yet necessity of completing and passing a micromobility ordinance.
We have worked closely with the police department, the legal team and the public to create an ordinance that addresses the complexity.
We know that the technology is advancing faster than the law and we are making every attempt to draft something that will keep all our citizens safe!
Carmel Redevelopment Commission
The Commission voted to accept the Hotel Carmichael expansion.
They will expand the restaurant and add 60 rooms, an additional boardroom, an additional ballroom, and a kitchen and laundry.
The Redevelopment Commission believes this is the right move for the city because, while the City’s ownership will drop from 50% to 45%, nothing will happen at the hotel without city approval. The new value is $20.9 million, which means Carmel’s share is much higher. In addition, the City will not put any additional money into the expansion.
New Business
Ordinance D-2846-26 & Resolution CC-09-21-26-01
Approved
This ordinance amends Article 4, Sections 2-99, 2-100, 2-108, 2-123, 2-124, 2-138, and 2-152 of the Carmel City Code by repealing previously established, unneeded, or defunct funds, and the resolution transfers remaining fund balances to the General Fund.
The questions about the two funds that had significant left over balances are the 405 Road Bond Fund with just under $40k. I asked about whether it would be better to earmark these funds for infrastructure improvements which I will advocate for during the budget discussions. The Support for the Arts funds contained $19k which we were told were not restricted grants or donor directed uses. I will absolutely push to have those funds allocated to the arts during the budget cycle.
Events Around Carmel
Carmel International Arts Festival is on September 26 in the Arts and Design District.
Please come to Carmel Diwali Fest on October 10th at Carter Green for a night of colors, dance, and food.
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 October, Tuesdays at 6 pm, and Thursdays at Noon & 6 pm.
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!
Comments