Resident questions ‘affordable housing’ definition, warns against single‑officer zoning approvals

Bruce Shire, a Carmel resident, told the Common Council he was concerned about the city’s approach to housing affordability and zoning in development plans that affect neighborhoods near the Meridian Corridor.

“I wanted to know is what is the definition of affordable housing?” Shire said. He said in his view affordable single‑family housing would cost “somewhere between $150,000 and $200,000,” which he said would let younger households buy and move up the housing ladder. Shire contrasted that with condominium and home prices he cited as far higher, saying many local households cannot afford current market prices.

Shire also raised process and zoning concerns. He said much of the targeted redevelopment is proposed as C‑3 mixed‑use zoning and warned that C‑3 allows a broad range of uses — “houses, condos, apartments, small shops, maybe a gas station or a vape store” — that nearby residents might not want. He told the council the draft plan appears to permit decisions by a single hearing officer rather than review by the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals or the Carmel Plan Commission, and urged that zoning changes go through those groups and the city council.

Why it matters: Shire framed his remarks as both a question of housing affordability and of procedure, saying broad zoning classifications and concentrated administrative authority could permit uses inconsistent with neighborhood expectations.

Discussion only: The council did not take action on zoning policy at the meeting. Shire’s comments were part of the public‑comment period and raised issues the council and staff can consider as the subarea plan and related zoning changes move through plan‑commission and council review.