Final EIS for US 31 released.

http://www.us31hamiltoncounty.in.gov/feis.html

Only two roundabout interchanges after all that study.

There are a few things wrong with this project. First is the new alignment. That is completely unnecessary given that it will replace an existing four lane divided highway with sufficient ROW.

Second, the interchange with SR 32 takes up FAR too much space and will require demolition of buildings. Why a compact SPUI wouldn't work there is beyond me. It would save plenty of money in land acquisition costs.

Brainard's state of the city speech for this year is now online:

mms://sms7.omniproductions.net/carmel1/StateOfTheCity2008.wmv

This is a must-listen event. The beginning is a tad dull, but once he gets going he really effectively makes the case for what we need to be doing as a region, not just as one small but affluent part of it.

By the way, one of the ideas he wants to implement is to bury all the power lines in Carmel. That's right, all of them. This is still a ways out though.

http://www.carmel.in.gov/government/newsrelease/12-20-08b.htm

Martin Marietta Settlement

Carmel, IN--At Monday's City Council meeting, the Carmel City Council passed a resolution supporting the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) settlement with Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

This settlement puts a long-range plan in place that resolves a series of zoning issues involving operations at various Martin Marietta properties along Hazel Dell Parkway near 106th Street. The settlement, in part, provides for the protection of Carmel residents from adverse impacts that may result from future mining expansion, while at the same time permitting Martin Marietta to continue to provide construction materials for Carmel and the surrounding area. In addition, under the settlement, about 100 acres at the northwest corner of Hazel Dell Parkway and 106th Street will be donated to the city when the sand and gravel extraction is completed for a lake and green space. The lake that will be created will protect, preserve and recharge the underground aquifer from which Carmel gets its water.

“We are pleased that we were able to achieve a settlement between the City and Martin Marietta that will protect the property values of Kingswood and other nearby neighborhoods while ensuring the continued business operations of a valued member of our business community,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.

City seeks a stimulus of $120 million

Share of proposal would aid existing and new road work

By Robert Annis
robert.annis@indystar.com

The economic stimulus package that the Obama administration is proposing could fund numerous road improvements and create 3,500 jobs in public-works projects in Carmel.

The federal government has asked local governments for shovel-ready projects that could benefit from money from Washington. Carmel requested the most aid of all municipalities in the county, asking for $120 million for several new projects as well as financial help for existing projects, including $44 million for the Keystone Avenue upgrade.

Collectively, Hamilton County entities hope to snag more than a quarter-billion dollars through the massive infrastructure improvement plan the next administration is putting in place to stimulate the sluggish economy.

Current estimates call for $675 to $850 billion to be spent nationwide on infrastructure projects this year and next, although no one seems to know the exact details of the plan.

Hamilton County, Carmel, Westfield and CIRTA, the entity behind a proposed mass transit system connecting Noblesville with downtown Indianapolis, have made more than $250 million in requests.

Noblesville, Fishers and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization didn't respond to requests for information Tuesday, and Indiana Department of Transportation spokesman Bruce Childs declined to say what projects would be considered.

The federal government typically pays about 80 percent of approved project costs, but Ehren Bingaman, executive director of Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, believed that because the package is designed to stimulate the economy, federal officials may be willing to pay all of the costs for projects.

If all of the projects were to be chosen -- a highly unlikely event -- it could save Hamilton County taxpayers around $50 million.

Hamilton County Highway Engineer Jim Neal said the metropolitan planning organization was given little guidance about the process for requesting funds, so it was unable to give his department much direction on the types of projects to submit.

"We haven't been given a lot of guidance as to what strings are attached and if we're going to have to go through the normal federal aid process," Neal said.

"We just picked projects that we thought could be shovel-ready in 180 days. Some of them would have to go through some pretty quick engineering, but it wouldn't be insurmountable."

The county suggested about $30 million in projects, including the next two Riverwalk Trail phases, several bridges and small structures, as well as the planned road resurfacing for 2009.

The regional transportation authority requested nearly $100 million for light-rail projects, including $21 million for four stations, $26 million for 22 miles of new track and $41.5 million for three new trains.

Even if CIRTA received all of its requested funding, Bingaman said it would still be late 2012 before the light-rail system would be operating.

If funding is approved for the Carmel projects, city officials estimate nearly 3,500 jobs will be created.

The infrastructure stimulus package likely will boost employment and spending throughout the county, according to Neal.

"There are still some major projects still going on in the area, although from talking to contractors this winter, not many have jobs on the books to start the spring," Neal said. "It could be a definite boost, because a lot of the non-road building work they've done -- the commercial work, like parking lots -- has slowed down quite a bit. They're all looking for work."

Carmel projects

Public safety

Mobile video system, $400,000; jobs created: 3.

Citywide video system, $2 million; jobs created: 25.

Streets/Roads

Southwest Clay Township miscellaneous drainage improvements (joint project with Hamilton County), $900,000; jobs created: 27.

Southwest Clay Township multiuse path project -- Phase II, $950,000; jobs created: 28.

Guilford Road -- City Center Drive to 131st Street improvement: turning lane, storm sewers, curbs, $1,250,000; jobs created: 38.

River Road realignment from Medalist Parkway to 124th and River Road, $1.8 million; jobs created: 54.

106th Street and Ditch Road roundabout (joint project with Hamilton County), $2 million; jobs created: 60.

Southwest Clay Township multiuse path project -- Phase I, $2 million; jobs created: 60.

Hazel Dell Road miscellaneous improvements between 116th and 146th streets, $2.6 million; jobs created: 78.

Third Avenue Southwest improvements from City Center Drive to Second Street Southwest, $3 million; jobs created: 90.

126th Street from Shelborne Road to Towne Road, $3.6 million; jobs created: 108,

96th and Towne Road roundabout (joint project with Hamilton County), $4.5 million; jobs created: 135.

Shelborne Road from north of 116th Street to 126th Street, $6.5 million; jobs created: 195.

Keystone Avenue and 136th Street, $19.4 million; jobs created: 582.

Keystone and 131st Street interchange construction, $24.6 million; jobs created: 738.

Carmel Heights projects, $40.5 million; jobs created: 1,215.

Water project

Wind turbine project, $4 million; jobs created: 25.

Total

$120 million 3,461 jobs created.

Brainard's state of the city speech for this year is now online:

mms://sms7.omniproductions.net/carmel1/StateOfTheCity2008.wmv

This is a must-listen event. The beginning is a tad dull, but once he gets going he really effectively makes the case for what we need to be doing as a region, not just as one small but affluent part of it.

By the way, one of the ideas he wants to implement is to bury all the power lines in Carmel. That's right, all of them. This is still a ways out though.

Arenn,

Thanks for posting this weblink. Mayor Brainard definitely gets it. It was interesting to watch how he was able to present his ideas of what constitutes a livable city and offer practical and reasoned examples of how those ideas have been or can be realized in Carmel. He seems to be very effective at communicating the need for change and big ideas without appearing far-fetched or illogical.

Hopefully, Mayor Brainard has career aspirations to become Mayor of Indianapolis some day.

Hopefully, Mayor Brainard has career aspirations to become Mayor of Indianapolis some day.

We can only pray.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090205/LOCAL0101/902050457

Beast of a roadside prank merely attack of a hacker
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: February 5, 2009

CARMEL, Ind. -- Rush-hour traffic, construction cones, restricted lanes, lowered speed limits and higher speeding fines are stressful enough for drivers along Keystone Avenue.

But level-headed motorists remained calm for three days as "RAPTORS AHEAD CAUTION" blinked from a portable electronic sign in the southbound lanes north of 116th Street.

At least it wasn't a warning of a zombie attack, as with signs displayed in recent days in Austin, Texas, and a St. Louis suburb.

"They are so clever," city spokeswoman Nancy Heck said about the creativity of the warnings. "They are so outrageous."

A warning about extinct velociraptors was a better prank than putting up a message to send motorists the wrong way amid construction to add roundabouts to Keystone, Heck said.

Despite the giggles, transportation officials nationally have expressed concern about online instructions for the signs. An automobile blogger at jalopnik.com on Jan. 28 posted "How to Hack an Electronic Road Sign." Posted a week earlier on i-hacked.com was "Inside programmable road signs," with photos showing how to change the messages.

Carmel's sign normally rotates the messages "106TH CLOSED AHEAD," "PROCEED WITH CAUTION" and "SPEED LIMIT 40 MPH," said Keystone project manager Jeremy Kashman.

"I did not hear of accidents happening from rubber-necking or gawking (at the sign)," Heck said.

Neither, she said, were there any raptor attacks.

I missed this one: http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/government/newsrelease/01-16-09.htm

News Release

Date: January.16, 2009
Contact: Nancy Heck (317) 571-2494
Release: Immediate

Construction to begin on 136th & Keystone Interchange

Carmel, IN – Construction will begin Monday, January 19th at 136th Street and Keystone Avenue with the clearing of right of way. Utility relocations are expected to begin shortly thereafter. Large scale construction activities are expected to begin in the spring with work continuing through the summer.

The Carmel Board of Public Works (BPW) signed the construction contract for the renovation of the 136th Street and Keystone Avenue intersection with Walsh Construction Company at the BPW meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Walsh Construction Company was the low bidder for the interchange at approximately $14.3 million. This bid amount was 6% below the engineer's estimate.

This interchange is being funded from the second installment of $20 million from the State of Indiana as part of the agreement to transfer jurisdiction for Keystone to the City. Mayor Jim Brainard worked diligently to accelerate the February 2009 payment from the State so that City received the $20 million payment on December 17, 2008. Under State of Indiana law, the City must have deposited the funds necessary for a contract prior to signing it.

The bids were fully reviewed by Carmel’s Engineering Department and by American Structurepoint, the project’s design engineer. The current contract allows for the likely closure of Keystone for a period of 45 days. This will save the City approximately $640,000 and allow the interchange to open before the beginning of the 2009 school year. Substantial completion of the 136th Street interchange is anticipated for August 1, 2009.

It is important to the overall schedule for Keystone that construction continue in a timely manner to avoid further delays and any further price increases that could only hinder the project funding. Moving forward with the 136th Street interchange at the present time allows the contractor to accomplish work that is vital to the timely relocation of utilities.

The 136th Street interchange is part of the second phase of a three-year project to lower the grade of Keystone Avenue under six major interchanges along the five-mile stretch. When completed, the north-south traffic on Keystone Avenue will be free-flowing with no traffic lights between 96th Street and 146th Street, and tear-drop shaped roundabouts will manage the east-west traffic flow.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090206/LOCAL0101/902060406/1150/LOCAL0101

CNN takes pulse of Carmel's economy
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: February 6, 2009

CARMEL -- John King, CNN's chief national correspondent, wants to know what people are talking about in the country, and he chose to focus on Carmel this time around.

This Sunday's "State of the Union with John King" will showcase Carmel and include interviews with Mayor Jim Brainard, local business owners and community members about the economic stimulus debate taking place in the capital.

The weekly news program "offers a blend of newsmaker interviews, political analysis, national and world affairs, cultural segments, media analysis and commentary," according to information sent by CNN.

King and his camera crew spent Thursday touring Carmel and returned home this morning after completing more interviews.

"One of the things we're trying to do every week is tell the debate from outside the Washington perspective," King said. "My personal philosophy with this new show is to get out and listen to the people because we often speak a different language in Washington."

As King travels to each city he seeks out local ideas on what jobs need to be created and what different communities need money for, including new roads, schools, sewage facilities and more.

"This (Carmel) was a good place because it's in the middle of the country and you have a Republican mayor in a state that normally votes Republican for president, but now voted for Obama this time," King said. "It's an interesting perspective.

"Carmel is doing pretty well," he said. "Unemployment is going up but not as much as state or country, but every community is feeling the pinch."

The program will air from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday on CNN.

Great job CNN, go to one of the wealthiest counties in the country to assess the economic climate.

Oh, and King, Hamilton County went for McCain by over 20 points. How about visiting St. Joseph's or Vigo Counties instead?

CNN and King are fucking morons.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090310/LOCAL0101/903100346/-1/ARCHIVE

More driving delays in Carmel
City says damaged concrete beams are hurting Keystone project
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: March 10, 2009

CARMEL, Ind. -- Winter weather damaged concrete beams holding up two overpasses under construction on Keystone Avenue, city officials said Monday, further setting back a project already beset by delays and a dispute over its cost.

The city believes Milestone Contractors, the business hired to change the 106th Street and 126th Street intersections into roundabout interchanges, is in default of its contract and has not taken steps to put the work back on schedule, according to a statement issued by the city administration.
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The damaged beams could be replaced in two to three weeks, but City Council members said the delays would cause more headaches for Carmel motorists and businesses already frustrated by traffic disruptions since construction began last spring.

"With a worst-case scenario, you're looking at at least four intersections closed at the same time. You've got two ways to cross Keystone: 131st and Carmel Drive. That's it," said Carmel City Council President Eric Seidensticker.

The result "would be horrible for this city and for people using Keystone on a daily basis" and would hurt business at Merchants Square mall along Keystone.

Milestone has not returned several calls to its Indianapolis office since last week.

The crossings, which Milestone agreed to build for $29 million, were the first two of six Keystone intersections to be converted to five roundabout interchanges under Mayor Jim Brainard's plan.

The overpasses' beams were exposed to freezing and thawing, leading to "serious but correctable issues," according to the news release from Carmel spokeswoman Nancy Heck. The city believes Milestone "did not assign the appropriate number of workers to the project or make equipment available to move the project along as scheduled."

Word of the structural flaws comes after city engineer Mike McBride told a business group last week that Milestone would have to delay reopening Keystone Avenue from this month to June. The release said the city declared Milestone in default on its contract -- a step that could lead to a lawsuit.
(2 of 2)

Milestone could face additional penalties. One provision of the contract calls for "liquidated damages" of $10,000 for each day of delay, the release said.

The city also could fire Milestone and have another contractor finish the work, City Attorney Douglas Haney said in the release.
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Milestone will pay for the beam repairs, but the release did not say whether Keystone would need to be closed for the replacement work. Heck did not return calls seeking clarification.

Cross traffic at the two intersections was cut May 27. The original deadline to reopen the intersections was delayed in December because of utility relocation problems.

City Council members and Brainard have argued for several weeks over prices that have ranged from $90 million in September 2007 to $149 million in February 2008 for the entire project. The most recent estimate is $130 million.

Brainard has since stated that the $90 million was an estimate and not a promise. The council last month agreed to provide an additional $20 million, an amount council members say will be repaid from state funds.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090416/LOCAL0101/904160326/1001/ARCHIVE

Carmel's Performing Arts Center is now about 40% done
It's expected to open next fall; theater work has not yet begun
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: April 16, 2009

From the outside, the Performing Arts Center is an imposing frame of rusty metal beams and limestone columns, surrounded by dirt, cranes and earth-moving machines. But a step inside pushes the imagination past the endless scaffolding to picture rows of seats, performers on stage and stylishly dressed guests from across the region.

The Carmel center will include a 1,600-seat concert hall and 500-seat theater. It originally was forecast to cost about $90 million -- paid through an $80 million bond plus interest. Up to $45 million more will be needed to complete the project.

Development of the concert hall portion, at City Center Drive and Third Avenue Southwest, is well under way. The $118.5 million hall is about 40 percent complete and is expected to open in fall of 2010, said project construction manager Mike Anderson of Indianapolis-based Shiel Sexton. Work will begin on the center's theater in the future.

About 150 workers are working on the building five days a week to keep things on schedule, said Carmel City Council member Ron Carter, president of the city's Redevelopment Commission. That number will rise to 200 to 300 when workers in other trades and crafts are needed, he said.

The hall's three entrances will lead into an elegant lobby. A large rendering there shows its future: light blue and rose-colored walls form a backdrop for a bar where men dressed in suits and women in black dresses mingle.

The smooth main floor slopes down toward the stage and eventually will hold about 800 seats.

Also, three tiers with more seating and box seats will circle the center, letting some sit above and over the stage.

"They will see the face of the conductor," said principal architect Dan Moriarity of Carmel-based CSO Architects, as he led a tour through the hall and past the stage.

Most venues in the area are designed as two connecting rooms, Carter said, separating the stage and audience to allow for set and decor changes.

"In that setting, the music goes up above the musician's head and gets trapped," Carter said. "Here we are all in one room. The audience is immersed in the sound, whether it's music or spoken presentation.

"There are no true concert halls in Indiana," he said. "This fills a niche we didn't have."

One of the reasons a concert hall is so expensive to build is the extent builders must reach to protect the acoustics, Moriarity said.
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"The wall that divides the concert space from the lobbies and the noise of the world is made of a thick, massive material."

A normal doorframe is about 5 inches thick; doorframes at the center are about a foot thick.

A building to house the center's power supply and air-handling equipment was constructed away from the performing arts center to reduce the sound that inhouse heating and cooling equipment would have created in the concert hall and theater, Moriarity said.

At the top of the hall is a vertigo-inducing open area that will become a balcony and wrap around the south side of the building. From the balcony, guests will enjoy views of the Village Green, an outdoor park area where people can stroll, as well as Veterans Memorial, Monon Greenway, the next-door theater and Carmel City Center.

As Moriarity moved from the balcony to the edge overlooking the main level and stage, he said he was looking forward to completing the building and filling it with guests.

"The best seat is on the floor, but there are different opinions, different experiences," he said. "The best seat is your favorite seat. We want every seat to be the best seat in the house."

I happened to be up in Carmel yesterday for an appointment and took a spin around the construction site for City Center and the Performing Arts Center. I probably hadn't been by there in almost a year. It was a little hard to picture when the site was just flat cleared land, but these combined projects are GIGANTIC. They're only working on the northeast corner of the City Center right now, a chunk of buildings that look to be in the 6-7 story range:

http://www.carmelcitycenter.com/images/project_images/Northeast%20Corner_24x24.jpg

Last time I was up there the City Center project looked stalled. I wouldn't be surprised if they ran into financing problems. The PAC is city-funded, so it is moving forward.

Last time I was up there the City Center project looked stalled. I wouldn't be surprised if they ran into financing problems. The PAC is city-funded, so it is moving forward.
Maybe I was seeing things but it certainly looked like there was work being done on both sites.

Carmel is a nice place. It isn't one big subdivision anymore. I would love to live there. The city is perfectly set-up for a rail line.

I drive by City Center at least once a week. Last week they had a concrete pumper doing some work.

Carmel is a nice place. It isn't one big subdivision anymore. I would love to live there. The city is perfectly set-up for a rail line.

Would you rather live there than Indianapolis? The construction in Carmel is amazing, but I've always wondered if it has been at the expense of redevelopement in Indianapolis.

araman, there is something in what you say, but Indy has to stand on its own two feet - it can't rely on the suburbs not improving themselves.

I happen to think Carmel is a big "secret weapon" for the Indianapolis region. It is much nicer than equivalent communities in Cincinnati (say, Mason) or Columbus (say, Dublin).

http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/government/newsrelease/04-15-09b.htm

Ribbon Cuttings for 126th and 106th Streets at Keystone Parkway



What:
A celebration for the opening of the interchanges at 126th and 106th Streets and Keystone Parkway. Ribbon Cutting prize drawings, hot dogs, refreshments and entertainment will take place at both locations. Prize Entry forms available at participating Merchants Square area retailers or online at www.CarmelLink.org.


When:
Saturday, April 18th

2 p.m. - 126th and Keystone Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting
(Come early for hot dogs and refreshments from 1:30 – 2 p.m.)

4 p.m. - 106th and Keystone Ribbon Cutting
(Hot dogs and refreshments served after ceremony ends)

Where:
126th and Keystone Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting:
Arrive from the east and park in the First Baptist Church parking lot. (Roadway will open to traffic later in the evening weather permitting.)

106th and Keystone Ribbon Cutting:
Arrive from the west and park in the King of Glory Church parking lot. (Roadway will open to traffic shortly after ceremony concludes.)



Who:
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Mayor Jim Brainard, members of Carmel City Council and other local dignitaries, representatives from area neighborhood associations and churches, representatives from American Structurepoint, Inc.

Musical entertainment by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet.


Background:
The 126th and 106th Street and Keystone roundabout interchanges are part of the first phase of a three-year project to lower the grade of Keystone Avenue under six major interchanges along the five-mile stretch. When completed, the north-south traffic on Keystone Avenue will be free-flowing with no traffic lights between 96th Street and 146th Street, and tear-drop shaped roundabouts will manage the east-west traffic flow.

In September of 2007, the State of Indiana relinquished Keystone Avenue to the City of Carmel. The City wanted to assume control of Keystone Avenue to make sure that reconstruction of the road made it safer, better connected the east and west sides of Keystone and that it would be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods. This new design will make it safer and easier for all traffic to cross Keystone, including pedestrians and cyclists.


The Public is invited to attend

araman, there is something in what you say, but Indy has to stand on its own two feet - it can't rely on the suburbs not improving themselves.

I happen to think Carmel is a big "secret weapon" for the Indianapolis region. It is much nicer than equivalent communities in Cincinnati (say, Mason) or Columbus (say, Dublin).

I agree. The other benefit to central cities "competing" with suburbs who are more willing to better themselves is that it puts more pressure on the central city to better itself as well.

Right -- and likewise with all of the other surrounding suburban communities around Indianapolis. They know if they want to do well and grow and attract new businesses - they need to be doing the right things. Many look at Carmel's example and try to duplicate it. Fishers and Westfield for example are doing many of the same things Carmel does in terms of transportation, particularly the multi-use paths everywhere. Plainfield is building many of these also. Some of the "County Seat" communities, like Noblesville, Danville, Greenfield, Lebanon, Shelbyville and Franklin have their County Courthouse squares to build around. Zionsville and Mooresville are doing a lot of nice things focused around their Main Streets. Greenwood, Avon and Brownsburg are trying to make good plans to help them become more walkable and to help them attract more businesses. Anderson is doing its own things to help both its downtown as well as its "suburbs". Indianapolis is competing against all of them. All of the communities learn from each other and copy the good things from other areas when they can - and try to come up with other new, good ideas that will help bring good attention to their particular community.

araman, there is something in what you say, but Indy has to stand on its own two feet - it can't rely on the suburbs not improving themselves.

I happen to think Carmel is a big "secret weapon" for the Indianapolis region. It is much nicer than equivalent communities in Cincinnati (say, Mason) or Columbus (say, Dublin).

I agree. The success of Carmel isn't at the expense of Indianapolis. A better Carmel only enhances the attractiveness of the metro area, including Indianapolis.

Carmel will never become large enough to challenge Indy- most estimates place Carmel's maximum population at buildout to be 120,000.

Keystone drivers celebrate opening of 2 roundabouts in Carmel

Carmel throws parties as roundabouts open at 106th and 126th streets

By Bill McCleery
bill.mccleery@indystar.com

CARMEL, Ind. -- Traffic began flowing Saturday through roundabouts at two newly designed interchanges along Keystone Avenue -- though the city's motorists will have to contend with delays into next year as workers build four additional Keystone interchanges.

At two ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the 106th and 126th street intersections, Carmel officials tried to engender good will with motorists who have been forced to take time-consuming detours during construction work.

The officials gave away hot dogs and chips, brought in an antique firetruck and had a community band playing happy tunes such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

Mayor Jim Brainard told his constituents he understands their frustrations.

"The short-term inconvenience will result in long-term benefits," Brainard said at the 126th Street site. "We certainly do appreciate everyone's patience."

The two new dogbone-shaped interchanges -- each looks like two small roundabouts connected by a bridge over Keystone -- opened four months past the date Brainard originally projected. They also are expected to cost about $120 million, which is more than Brainard initially proposed. State officials gave Carmel $90 million for the project.

Among the few hundred people at Saturday's ribbon-cuttings, most seemed inclined to cut Carmel officials some slack for earlier miscalculations.

"A major project like this, I figure there's bound to be some delay," said Bill Loeffler, 54, Carmel. "The thing is, something great has come from it. It will be a great benefit in the long run."

Brainard said last year's spike in the prices of fuel and construction materials drove up costs. Subsequent falling prices, however, have helped keep expenses in check, he said. The Carmel City Council voted in January to hire a consulting firm to audit the project following statements by Brainard that the city would need additional funds for the project beyond the $90 million provided by the state.

Several people, some of whom were riding bicycles or walking their dogs, expressed enthusiasm Saturday for the paved pedestrian paths that cross over Keystone, which are part of the raised roundabouts.

"Now you can walk across Keystone without fear of losing your life," said Mary McKown, 61, Carmel.

Enhanced safety is the project's most important attribute, Brainard said.

"We're going to save injuries and fatalities by having safer intersections," he said. "We've had almost 200 accidents per year on Carmel's small portion of Keystone Avenue."

Not everyone at Saturday's ribbon-cuttings came to give city officials pats on the back, however. Colette Bracken, Carmel, paraded around the 106th Street event holding two signs with capital-letter slogans such as "Don't forget: promised Dec. 1; delivered April 18." Another read, "Mayor B. is great for breaking promises."

Bracken said she doesn't buy Brainard's explanation of why the project took longer and cost more.

"Perhaps people who are in the public eye should err on the side of caution and not give deadlines there's no way they can meet," she said.

Diane Dougherty, 45, Carmel, came to the 126th Street event to join in the celebration but also was disappointed at how long the project took. She has been forced to take long detours day after day, she said, to get from her home to her daughter's preschool -- despite the fact that it's just across Keystone from her neighborhood.

"I'm just really glad to have it done," she said.

For others in Carmel, frustrations will continue for a while. Arnie Lewin, 60, manages the Hamilton Beverages liquor store in the Merchant Square Mall at 116th Street and Keystone, where roundabouts will be constructed in the project's upcoming phases. He fears business at his store will dry up.

"For me, it's the beginning of the nightmare," said Lewin, who did not attend either ribbon-cutting Saturday. "I'm willing to ride it out, but it needs to be done by November."

When all six new interchanges are completed, the north-south traffic on Keystone will be free-flowing, with no traffic lights between 96th and 146th streets.
Additional Facts
WHAT'S NEXT:

» Workers aim to complete Carmel's 136th Street interchange with Keystone Avenue by Aug. 1, followed by the 116th Street interchange in November. Carmel Drive interchange will follow in early 2010, and then the 131st Street interchange.

Looking around on the Keystone Construction Corps website, I stumbled upon some renderings of the new apartments being built in Downtown Carmel.

http://www.keystone-corp.com/projects/bigpic/1227544985.jpg

http://www.keystone-corp.com/projects/bigpic/1214915643.jpg

Location:
Main Street & Monan Trail

Square Footage:
350,000 sq foot

Project Info:
This development is a private/public partnership which consists of a six-story mixed use building including two floors of underground parking. This building will also include 150 luxury apartments, 40,000 square feet of retail space, a 20,000 square foot courtyard and 468 parking spaces (68 street level, 400 underground).

The building�s rooftop will incorporate plenty of green space including trees, flora and grassy areas catering to the apartment residents. In addition, this will be the first Silver LEED Certified Building in Carmel.

I thought it was pretty cool considering they are going for LEED Certified.
Here is the link:
[URL="http://www.keystone-corp.com/projects.php"]

Location:
Main Street & Monan Trail, Carmel, Indiana

Size:
440,000 sq ft

Project Info:
This development is a private/public partnership which consists of a seven-story mixed use building including two floors of underground parking. This building will also include 202 luxury apartments, 60,000 square feet of retail space, a 20,000 square foot courtyard and 468 parking spaces (21 street level, 411 underground).

The building's rooftop will incorporate plenty of green space including trees, flora and grassy areas catering to the apartment residents. In addition, this will be the first Silver LEED Certified Building in Carmel.

[URL="http://www.keystone-corp.com/projects.php"]

New Renderings have been added... I do not particularly care for the architecture of these renderings. What does everyone else think???

Nice tiny renderings. The density and form look right-on, and from the tiny details it appears to fit the Carmel vernacular. I wouldn't want that on Mass Ave or anything, but it's a nice project for Carmel.

SEVEN stories!!! Hell yes!! It's great to see Carmel densifying. When you start running out of room, the only place to build is UP.:cheers:

SEVEN stories!!! Hell yes!! It's great to see Carmel densifying. When you start running out of room, the only place to build is UP.:cheers:
"seven" is really FIVE, if you read the description 2 of the 7 stories are underground parking garage floors...i wish it were 7 stories above ground and 2 below, would be nice to see something over 40' in carmel besides city center which is taking entirely too long

Drove up Keystone Parkway this past weekend. Wow --- the underpasses with the overhead round-abouts looked fantastic. Love the circular cuts in the bridge support structures - and the matching circles on the sides of the underpass cuts. With just two interchanges completed, it already speeds up traffic flow quite a bit. Hopefully in another year, another two or three interchanges will be complete. Looks really good!

Drove up Keystone Parkway this past weekend. Wow --- the underpasses with the overhead round-abouts looked fantastic. Love the circular cuts in the bridge support structures - and the matching circles on the sides of the underpass cuts. With just two interchanges completed, it already speeds up traffic flow quite a bit. Hopefully in another year, another two or three interchanges will be complete. Looks really good!

Garfield, they are totally first class. I walked around them this weekend and took an extensive photo series for a blog post. Did you notice the city seal in the bridge rail? Also, that the 106th interchange uses a blue highlight color while 126th is red? What other colors will they use?

Sadly, these cost less than the Washington St. interchange downtown and were even designed by the same firm.

Yes -- everything about the Carmel Keystone Parkway interchanges looked very first class. And sadly, that's definitely not the term that comes to mind when going through the Washington Street entrance to downtown coming off of the I-70 / 65 exit ramp. I think the Washington Street work is eventually going to look at least alright - but the fact that it is taking so long doesn't help matters at all. The rough, second to last coat of asphalt that has been down for six months - doesn't help matters. Hopefully before the end of 2009, the final coat of asphalt will go down to smooth out the very rough drive, over the many raised manhole covers.

The other really sad thing is the horrible condition of the former Bank One east-downtown banking center at Washington and New Jersey. Its one of the first impressions tens of thousands of people see every day as they enter downtown from the near east side. Completely weed covered and delapidated. Whoever owns it ought to show a little bit of pride and at least come through and cut down all of the weeds.

Anyway -- back to Carmel. Keystone Parkway looks fantastic - and once the remaining interchanges are done, I believe most of the local population will fairly quickly stop remembering about the cost over-run and will be thrilled to have such a beautiful and efficient roadway in their community. I didn't notice that the circles on the side were different colors. I remember the blue one - but didn't note that the next one was red. Interesting. Also - didn't see the city seal in the bridge rail - I'll have to check it out on your blog Aaron.

Carmel really is amazing in so many facets. While many of the Indy fans on this board will trash Carmel at the drop of a hat, I have to say that I have an abundance of respect for the place, its mayor, and its planning director. Quite honestly, Indy could learn a lot from its northern neighbor. Among these:

- Not all development is good development.
- Having an educated and informed Plan Commission, quite obviously, yields much greater results.
- Citizens, when informed and educated about a vision, will buy into that vision.
- Retrofitting suburbia is possible when a strong vision is present and ardently pursued.
- http://www.carmelsmartcode.com/files/carmel_smartcode_guide_draft.pdf

I had not seen that site. Thanks for posting.

I had not seen that site. Thanks for posting.

Are you talking about Carmel's Smart Code site? Dude, it's masterful, and it BLOWS AWAY any kind of zoning in this region. Indy should honestly be ashamed at their 1960's Euclidean zoning when they look at this...

Are you talking about Carmel's Smart Code site? Dude, it's masterful, and it BLOWS AWAY any kind of zoning in this region. Indy should honestly be ashamed at their 1960's Euclidean zoning when they look at this...

Yes, I was referring to the smart code site.

So ive started to wonder... I was told that my mayor (Brainard/Brainless..jk) has a brother in law that owns a brick company. I believe there could be some secret reason as to why most of carmel's codes require brick???? anyone else heard anything about this? just curious...

^^No idea, but that sounds like a joke/old wives tale. Someone saw all the brick and was like "I bet he has an uncle in the brick business."

Most similar upscale suburbs around the country require brick construction.

And I'm pretty sure a lot of those brick colonial government buildings were put in place before Mayor Brainard was elected. Those have been there at least ten years or more. (City Hall, the Fire Station, etc.)

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090730/LOCAL0101/90730038/1150/LOCAL0101

Residents wary of proposed Old Town development
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: July 30, 2009

A proposal to put in five homes where there were once three is causing neighbors to complain about higher density housing ruining Old Town Carmel.

Developers are seeking approval from the Carmel Plan Commission to replat about three fourths of an acre, just north of Fourth Street along Rangeline Road.

“Originally there were three houses there,” said Angie Conn, Planning Administrator for the Department of Community Services. “Two of them have been demolished already. They (project organizers) want to replat it to have five platted lots.”

The first floor of each building could have offices or commercial areas, while the second floors would be for residential use, Conn said. The height of the buildings hasn’t been determined yet, she said.

The project leaders listed with the Plan Commission are Carmel attorney David Barker, Mark Thorpe, an engineer with Schneider Engineering, and Steve Schutz, of Steve Schutz Builder. Barker was out of town and unavailable. Schutz could not be reached, and Thorpe did not return calls.

Residents in the area spoke up at last week’s Plan Commission meeting, complaining that the new homes will not only increase density, but also ruin the area made up of older historic homes. Another meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday where a Plan Commission sub-committee will discuss the request in more detail.

“Carmel is a very old town,” said Judith Bowman, who lives one street over from the properties in question. “We have an Old Town district and it ought to be preserved... To have production homes — or five of them — sitting there is just unconscionable.”

Bowman said that the yards surrounding the old homes didn’t seem spacious, even with only three houses on the land.

“It is scary they are putting in five where there were three,” she said.

Part of the plan is to also place the city’s historic Peele House on the southeast corner of the block, Conn said. The building is already on the lot and a foundation has been poured for it, she said.

The city’s plan, though, was to place it on a lot similar in size to its original location, but Bowman and others have complained that the land is much smaller than it deserves. She is also concerned that the foundation has been poured, yet the Plan Commission hasn’t approved the plan.

“I’m curious about what’s going to happen and why they didn’t put it on a lot equal to its old one,” Bowman said.

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Comments
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IndyAmazed wrote:
I understand the concern that putting in five homes causes - it'll result in more tax revenue, better use of public resources, allows better architectual features, fits better with the downtown nature of the neighborhood, and represents a higher and better use of the land than 3 units. All bad.

Let's continue promoting sprawl so that we can enjoy the benefits. And let's enjoy the "historic homes" mentioned above. Since I also live a block away, I just thought these were crappy homes because that's what they look like, but I'm glad that I've been re-educated on the matter. I used to think that "historic home" meant "on the National Register of Historic Places", but I'm glad to learn it really means "poorly-maintained out-of-place crappy home". More kool-aid, anyone?

Someone please pay the protesters their shakedown money, or promise them no people of color will live in the new units, or no one with an income below a certain level will live there to satisy their real demands.

I couldn't find this information on the Keystone project website so I wondered if anybody on here knows the answer. I thought the plan was to remove all stop lights on Keystone. What about the light at 98th street? or 96th street? Is there any plans for these intersections. Besides those intersections there is also access at 99th street. Is the plan to make Keystone fully limited access like a freeway?

purdueboiler, 99th St. has already been converted to right in-right out. The access at 98th St. will stay until the 96th St. intersection is replaced, then it will be converted to right in-right out. Carmel wants to build a roundabout at 96th St., but this is unfunded. No word on when it will happen. The idea is to make Keystone free flowing between I-465 and US 31. It won't be built to true freeway standards, but it will effectively be one. Note that INDOT intends to retain signalization at Keystone/I-465.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090808/LOCAL0101/908080378/1150/LOCAL0101

Opening seen as a milestone
Intersection marks halfway point for Keystone project
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: August 8, 2009
Carmel's Keystone Parkway project has reached a major milestone, with half of the rebuilt interchanges now open to traffic.

The new roundabout at 136th Street opened Wednesday afternoon, and many neighbors are pleased with it -- and happy to not have to detour around those road closures anymore.

The city of Carmel held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the new roundabout, which was built by Walsh Construction for $14.3 million.

Dozens of people attended the ceremony to see the new roundabout and listen to city officials speak about the project.

"A lot of people avoided this intersection because it would back up and take forever to get through," said Carolyn Barrett about the old intersection, which had stoplights.

Barrett, who lives near the interchange, attended the ceremony and is happy with the new roundabout because it will improve traffic flow.

"It also reduces the emission we were all breathing in at the intersection," she said.

Roundabouts at 106th and 126th street already are open to traffic. Currently under construction is the intersection at 116th Street.

Robert Kaufman, who lives near Keystone and Carmel Drive, attended the ceremony to see the finished work.

"They are very convenient," he said. "The traffic flow is great -- rather than having to sit at a light for five minutes."

He also believes they will save the city money in the long run by cutting out maintenance expenses for stoplights.

John Wolfe, who lives across the street from Kaufman, said the road closures and detours are not a big impediment.

"We recognize it has to be done," he said.

The intersection was originally scheduled to open Aug. 1, but it was delayed a few days because as workers excavated Keystone, they found unsuitable wet soil, said project manager Jeremy Kashman. The city allowed Walsh Construction to take a few extra days to remove the soil and replace it, he said.

Kashman said Thursday that, while there may be some lane restrictions and temporary road closures for further work, the integration of the new roundabout went well. He noticed many drivers using it, and even 10 to 15 bikes within half an hour.

Barrett pointed out that as long as people observe the speed limit, the roundabouts are safe. Barrett's husband, Al, said he prefers roundabouts with single lane entries instead of two-lane entries, because the latter leads to drivers crossing lanes too much.

Wolfe and Kaufman believe the roundabouts are safer than intersections with stoplights, but maybe not right away.
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"It's a matter of people getting used to them," Kaufman said.

The Keystone Parkway reconstruction project's initial cost estimate was $90 million. The current price tag is about $112 million. The majority of the project is being covered by $90 million the state is giving the city to take over Keystone. The city is still trying to determine how it will pay for the final intersection at 131st Street.

Kaufman and Wolfe said they knew all along that the city wouldn't be able to accomplish the project with the initial $90 million estimate.

"It's not really going up in price because most of us already knew that it would," Wolfe said. "Maybe it was a surprise to the council, but not to us."

"We are not really happy about (the cost increase)," Kaufman said, "but in the long run it will be well worth it."

mms://sms7.omniproductions.net/carmel1/BelgiumTV_9-17-2009.wmv

This video talks about the stimulus money and how its being used in carmel, though in another language. Check out the last bit of the tape where the mayer is talking about going to washington to ask for more funds. He has a poster of a proposed roundabout interchange that looks like its for US-31/ Meridian. Does anyone know if indot ever decided on whether typical interchanges would be used or if some would be converted to the roundabout interchange design?

Thanks for posting - that's probably the Keystone/96th St. interchange - $78 million? WOW

All of the other interchanges combined were only $112M!

http://www.indystar.com/article/20091029/LOCAL0101/910290359/1150

Big street projects want federal funds
City needs $78.3 million to remove traffic lights, redo 96th and Keystone
By Melanie D. Hayes
Posted: October 29, 2009

Carmel's Keystone Parkway project is well under way, with more than half of construction complete and the last piece of the funding puzzle almost in place -- but while work continues, the city is seeking federal funding for another expensive portion of the roadway.

The City of Carmel is seeking $78.3 million to remove the traffic lights at 96th Street and Keystone Parkway and rebuild the intersection into a two-level roundabout type interchange.

"Safety is a big factor in the reason that we choose roundabouts over signalized intersections," said Carmel City Engineer Mike McBride. "We haven't seen a decrease in accidents. (Traffic) delay and reducing the emissions are big factors too."

According to analysis, the new interchange would reduce the number of accidents by 360 over a five-year period, McBride said.

This project is separate from the city's ongoing work along Keystone to rebuild six intersections into roundabout interchanges for about $112 million.

Carmel submitted its 25-page grant application in mid September for a TIGER grant, which is part of the stimulus act. Grant recipients will by announced by Feb. 15, 2010, McBride said.

The total funding that will be distributed through the TIGER grant is $1.5 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation website. The amount isn't a huge pool of funding, McBride said, considering he has heard there are applications for around 1,400 projects.

The city is paying for preliminary engineering and environmental fees in order to have the project more shovel-ready in case it receives the funding, according to the TIGER application,which breaks down the costs, as well as details of the project, and its benefits.

About $55 million will go toward the actual interchange, including land purchase, construction, inspection and other fees associated with the work, the application states. Improvements to 96th Street, east and west of Keystone, will cost about $18.1 million. And work to local access support roads, to maintain access to businesses, will cost $5.3 million.
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The cost of this intersection is much higher than any of the other intersections along Keystone, but it includes a lot more.

"It is larger and the design is slightly different," McBride said. "Keystone will be going over 96th Street, rather than the cross streets going over. The land value down there is much higher, more commercial.''
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The design work is about 30 percent complete, and work continues. Mayor Jim Brainard is seeking $1.2 million in a larger bond to use toward completing the design.

The timeline listed in the application shows that right of way land acquisition would begin in February of next year. The design would be completed in the spring of 2010, with construction beginning in late 2010 or early 2011. The project has to be substantially complete by February 2012.

"INDOT is coordinating our plans to upgrade the I-465 & Keystone Avenue interchange with Carmel's plans for 96th Street in an effort to minimize impacts to nearby businesses and the motoring public," according to INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield.

"If Carmel is not successful in obtaining funding for their road project, INDOT plans to widen Keystone Avenue/Parkway to three lanes in each direction north of I-465 to 98th Street with a modernized traffic signal at 96th Street," he said.

"Timing for construction on Keystone has not been finalized thus far, but we are working to accelerate the 465/69 Northeast schedule ahead of the published 2012 start date."

Call her at (317) 444-5538.

Is there any chance we could get a photo update on the City Center project? How far are they?

Here's a link to some fairly recent photos of the Carmel City Center - from the project's web site. I was up there today. The Concert Hall is looking good. They've begun putting the limestone block facade on the structure. The Concert Hall along with the rest of City Center and its surrounding neighborhood is beginning to look quite impressive. Its beginnning to feel like driving into the urban center of an older city. The symmetrical plan and the architecture gives the place a kind of European feel. Also - they've begun building the structure that will fit between the Concert Hall and the existing mixed use mid-rise complex. I believe it is going to be a hotel. Here are the photos from the web site:

http://www.carmelcitycenter.com/pcd_ccc/photo_tour.aspx

Here's a link to some fairly recent photos of the Carmel City Center - from the project's web site. I was up there today. The Concert Hall is looking good. They've begun putting the limestone block facade on the structure. The Concert Hall along with the rest of City Center and its surrounding neighborhood is beginning to look quite impressive. Its beginnning to feel like driving into the urban center of an older city. The symmetrical plan and the architecture gives the place a kind of European feel. Also - they've begun building the structure that will fit between the Concert Hall and the existing mixed use mid-rise complex. I believe it is going to be a hotel. Here are the photos from the web site:

http://www.carmelcitycenter.com/pcd_ccc/photo_tour.aspx

It kind of reminds me of NewYork, NewYork in Las Vegas. Carmel tried to make it classy but it just looks fake. It looks like a casino. I especially like how they tried to make the buildings look seperate, even though they are one building... and its obvious that this is just one big building with many different colors. If this is Carmel's take on the Wholesale District, I give them a C-.

I agree, it does look like something out of Las Vegas. But I think that once the bottom levels are finished and the project matures that it might feel more natural. I do respect some of the details in the architecture.

Picture as of 12/14 of Keystone and 116th roundabout
http://hustonstreetracing.com/gallery2/images/116_1.jpg

Carmel arts center named The Palladium

By Chris Sikich
chris.sikich@indystar.com

CARMEL - Carmel officials announced today the city's $118 million concert hall has been named The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.

The 1,600-seat concert hall is scheduled to open in January 2011 and is part of the $150 million Regional Performing Arts Center.

The Regional Performing Arts Foundation, a nonprofit that will run the Arts Center, named the concert hall after talking with focus groups and residents.

“Although a number of options were considered for the name of the concert hall, participants from the focus groups kept coming back to ‘The Palladium’ as the name of choice,” said Steven Libman, executive director of the foundation, in a press release. “It was important to us to match the name with the architectural magnificence of the building’s design, so that the two are connected. The Palladium seems to speak to everyone because it is consistent with the concert hall’s size and spirit.”

According to the press release, performance facilities in Dallas, Hollywood, St. Petersburg, Fla., and London also are called The Palladium.

The architectural design of The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts was inspired by a villa designed by Andrea Palladio, the press release said. Built in the 1500s near Vicenza, Italy, the villa is known as "La Rotunda.”

“We put a great deal of thought into the design of the concert hall, modeling it after Venetian architect Andrea Palladio’s Villa Rotunda, which allows the structure to be pleasing from all sides,” said Mayor Jim Brainard in the press release. “It also blends well with the European style of the other buildings under construction in City Center. It was very important that this unique structure also complement the city design already in place in Carmel. It was equally important for the name of the concert hall to complement its stature – a goal I truly believe we have accomplished.”

The Palladium also will be home to Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Collection, acting as a museum, education center and a concert venue.

The project is being paid for with an $80 million bond and $45 million from the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, all from commercial property tax dollars. Mayor Jim Brainard has said no residential taxes will be used.

The concert hall will be among the best of its kind in the world acoustically, Arts Foundation officials say.

The Arts Center has drawn controversy lately.

A State Board of Accounts audit last month indicated the commission improperly granted $550,000 for salaries to the Arts Foundation.

The state board also indicated it would ask the attorney general's office to review whether Carmel taxpayers could wind up on the hook to pay back money the commission either has approved or has considered approving for contractors to build the center.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20100211/LOCAL0101/2110470/Carmel-arts-center-named-The-Palladium

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New Momentum for Carmel City Center:

http://www.ibj.com/new-momentum-for-carmel-city-center/PARAMS/article/19481

Anyone have some good pictures of the current status of the increasingly empty Merchants Square?

Let's not forget the Keystone construction is causing issues there right now. We'll see what happens when it is done.

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The past few times I have been by the Carmel City Center, I still find it fascinating. The only concern I have is the suburban-like shops/businesses around this complex. It is like putting Louis Vuitton next to Walmart. I kind of wish they would of utilized the space better. I would of liked to have seen the development sit about 30-50 feet more off the block of S. Range Line and City Center Dr, I just don't like the look/condition of the businesses across the street (on both sides) (You have like Ace Hardware, and the National Guard, some Granite store, and by the Palladium you have like this wanna be Salon)..let me roll my eyes a little bit.... With 50 feet you could have broken up old vs new with some dramatic landscaping or a nice plaza, more cafe street life...or a stone wall...Ha.

The roof of the Palladium is absolutely genius that is all I have to say (the best part of the development), its like fresh out of Florence and so clean, someone referenced a Turkish mosque earlier in this thread....Have you seen a Turkish Mosque?...lol.. Although I have not actually seen the New York, New York Hotel in Las Vegas only from pictures, I would have to disagree, half of that complex isn't even occupied space its vacant. I think what makes the City Center come off a little fake is the use of so many facades in such an abrupt manner...I think if they were longer and if they stuck with a more neutral color scheme like the north side, then it would of blended nicely..

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I would like to say this project reminds me a little bit of what Dresden (Germany) is doing with their "New Market" area. Just Dresden is killing it and well Carmel is definitely above the standard in terms of a transformation. I also went to the Arts District in Carmel today, I just wish it was a cool four blocks to the south...on top of the Ace Hardware...

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It's coming together...I want to see some green space, and lets start some more phases please...

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I just put the red ovals to show what is actually constructed on the site.
I took the site plan from their Facebook page.
www.carmelcitycenter.com for larger site plans...

I was clicking through the channels tonight and came across this show on PBS about the "Great American Songbook" and Michael Feinstein's efforts to support and promote this large genre of classic American "Broadway type" music. This may have been mentioned earlier in this Carmel thread - but the new home of this archive and museum of these Great American Songbook works will be at the Palladium in Carmel. While looking around for more info about this - I found this article from the LA Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/03/entertainment/la-ca-michael-feinstein-20101003/2

Its interesting to see the attention this Songbook is receiving and the attention that Carmel is receiving because of it. The American Songbook focuses on some of the classic music of the 30's through the 60's - sung by people like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, etc.

In the article, there is a link to a new web-site that will be starting up on Monday, October 11th, 2010 which will contain large amounts of this music, freely available to people all over the world. This web site might not have much to do with development in Carmel -- but it does sound like it should be a very interesting and helpful site, particularly for people interested in this realm of music.

If interest in this American Songbook effort and its music continues to grow - it should only be a positive thing for Carmel and Central Indiana.

Carmel was also in the Financial Times re:Roundabouts:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2aed3f06-c80d-11df-ae3a-00144feab49a.html

Road planners set to send US drivers in circles

By Alan Rappeport in New York

Published: October 6 2010 16:44 | Last updated: October 6 2010 16:44

US drivers are increasingly heading in new directions thanks in large part to an Oxford-educated small-town mayor who is leading the push to replace traffic lights with roundabouts.

American drivers tend to loathe driving in circles, instead favouring grids. But Jim Brainard, mayor of Carmel, Indiana, has made his town on the outskirts of Indianapolis the roundabout capital of the US, with 66 roundabouts in place after a 14-year campaign.

“There’s a bit of a learning curve, but the safety implications are huge,” said Mr Brainard, who became enamoured with the junctions while studying in the UK in the 1980s. “I could see virtually all intersections with a roundabout.”

Roundabouts are still rare in the US, which got its first one in 1995 and has only about 2,000, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In comparison, there are 20,000 in France, 15,000 in Australia and 10,000 in the UK.

“We have become aware that there are many more roundabouts in the planning and design stages, so the number built per year will likely increase,” said Ed Rice, of the US Federal Highway Administration. The FHA estimates up to 250 roundabouts are being built per year.

Roundabout backers argue that although people tend to fear them at first, they make nervous drivers slow down, reducing the frequency and severity of crashes. They also cut down on emissions because cars don’t burn fuel idling.

But opposition is still widespread. “What’s good for traffic is going to be pretty tough for pedestrians,” said John Freed, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, who led a campaign to stop six new roundabouts in 2007 and last July rganised protests against a proposed roundabout near his office building because he feared that it would put pedestrians at risk.

Eugene Russell, chairman of the Transportation Research Board Roundabouts Task Force, notes several US states have started “roundabout first” policies, where municipalities must show that a traffic light is a better solution if they wish to erect one instead of a roundabout He expects their growth to accelerate, pointing to research showing just 31 per cent of drivers support roundabouts before they are built but 63 per cent support them afterwards.

Still, resistance to new roundabouts is often fierce and online petitions abound with drivers raging against them as treacherous nuisances.

“People always think of that old Chevy Chase movie where they’re trapped for hours going around Big Ben,” Mr Russell said. “A lot of people don’t like change.”

As his roundabout drive has taken off, Mr Brainard has been asked to consult with mayors across the US on introducing them. Next year Carmel, home to 80,000 people, will host the National Roundabout Conference, where road planners can test drive the network of small traffic circles.

“In the beginning there was curiosity and some criticism, but now I’d be in great trouble if I tried to remove a roundabout,” Mr Brainard said.

And nice coverage from Tom Vanderbilt in Newsweek:

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/10/04/roundabouts-reduce-crashes-in-indiana.html

I got to tour the Paladium and City Center last week with a group of people. Once this whole complex is done, they are going to compete for a share of every major performing arts act that comes to this area. They have really went all out to create a space for this.

The City Center complex leaves a little to be desired, but I will reserve judgement until the entire vision is executed.

If anyone is interested, I have created a post at Urban Indy detailing my tour of the Palladium, with many photos.

http://www.urbanindy.com/2010/10/13/urban-indy-visits-the-palladium/
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I LOVE the Palladium! It looks very Classy!

Wish Indy would get it right like this, if to remain with these types of materials. Somehow,other cities seem more progressive, and the buildings have better detail than our capital city.

State of the City address text:

http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/government/mayorsstuff/2010/State%20of%20the%20city%202010.pdf

I drove by the City Center and Palladium today. Love both of them, but they are so massive. They stand out a lot on Rangeline.

Wow........Awesome...!
Very nice places.
Thanks for your sharing.http://sentersoftech.com/smileyhappy.ico

Hey everyone, I've been lurking on this forum for a couple of weeks and decided I wanted to get in on the action. I have to thank everybody for all of the info and conversation in this thread, it's all very helpful.

As I'm sure many of you are aware, the Palladium opens it's doors to the public today for free as a way to kick off the grand opening celebration. I've not been lucky enough to get a look inside the place but if reviews are to be believed then I think I'm in for a treat.

I live across the street from the City Center/Performing Arts Center complex and I'm thrilled so far with how things have come along. This area, combined with the Arts & Design District have really added to the quality of life for all of Carmel's residents, not just the lucky few of us that have chosen to make our home in the city core.

Now, if only they could get started on the next phases of City Center!

Anyone else planning on making it to the Palladium in the next few days or weeks?

I got to tour the Paladium and City Center last week with a group of people. Once this whole complex is done, they are going to compete for a share of every major performing arts act that comes to this area. They have really went all out to create a space for this.

The City Center complex leaves a little to be desired, but I will reserve judgement until the entire vision is executed.

Good info, I'm excited to see it myself. I was pleased to hear from Steve Libman that the idea behind not designing the Palladium or the other two smaller theaters to accompany large musicals or Broadway-style shows was to not compete head to head with the Murat or Clowes. I'm glad they went this route.

The only venue I could see maybe taking a hit is the Hilbert Circle Theater, though I've never felt like it was up to scratch from an acoustical point of view.

"Traffic gurus from around the world are in Carmel for conference on roundabouts"

Think of it as a pilgrimage of traffic engineers, drawn to a city that has become something akin to the Mecca of the roundabout.

An international group of 380 -- disciples of the traffic solution -- have come to Carmel from as far away as Japan and Australia for the seventh annual International Conference on Roundabouts.

Here, inside the Renaissance Hotel, the khaki-clad engineers start jockeying for seats at 8 a.m. for sessions such as "The Art of Plowing a Roundabout."

It's standing room only.

They're here in great part because of Mayor Jim Brainard, under whose watch Carmel has become the city with the highest concentration of roundabouts in the nation: 68 and counting.

Here's the full story:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110520/LOCAL0101/105200324/Roundabout-conference-draws-traffic-gurus-Carmel?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

A couple days ago the Star featured an article on the budding nightlife scene on the once-quiet streets of downtown Carmel. I'm just curious if anyone has anything representative of this nightlife--any summertime scenes of al fresco dining from Saturday evening, or even pictures of the kind of restaurant/retail mix that might be stimulating it. It's been awhile since I've been up there--would love to see how it has evolved.

you know, for all of the "disneyfication" carmel may be guilty for, i have to give them credit for pushing for development outside of the box, for something better. this tower and park idea really seems cool to me.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20111012/BUSINESS/310120002/Carmel-works-new-water-tower-into-Midtown-plans?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

Just a few things that were mentioned in Brainard's state of the city speech recently:

- Plan is to fill in the gap south of 116th St. on Illinois St. in 2010
- Plan is to build 96th/Keystone RAB interchange starting next fall after Allisonville/465 reopens. No funding specified.
- City wants to use both of those to have INDOT hyperfix the entire Carmel segment of the US 31 upgrade in 2014, with all roundabount interchanges.
- City is working with the IURC and Duke Energy on a plan to bury all power lines in the city, probably with a ballot initiative to approve the needed rate increase
- City is looking forward towards filling in the area along 3rd St. SW between the City Center and Old Town with new development, including the water tower project mentioned above. This stretch lies along the Monon Trail.

Info on a master plan Dublin, Ohio just rolled out. This is a suburb similar to Carmel on the northwest side of Columbus, Ohio:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/dublin-grows-up-the-bridge-street-corridor-plans-for-urban-development

I was excited to be a regular observer of the earlier changes happening in Carmel (around 2003 - 2005), but have not had a chance to visit since. It would be great to see some pictures of Carmel and what its new developments look like today. Overall it sounds like the momentum has been established, and things continue to improve in the city.