Regarding the abandoned Old Meridian development project, why has the land still been cleared?

We asked the Carmel Redevelopment Department and they responded:

“It is unfortunate that the property owner chose to clear the trees and brush on that site before a project could occur. It’s not uncommon for commercial developers to demolish buildings and clear trees and brush to prepare a site for construction.

In this case, the project had Architectural, Design, Landscaping and Signage (ADLS) approval from the Department of Community Services and a storm water permit from the Engineering Department. The developer moved forward with clearing the site before informing the City that the project could not move forward as envisioned.

In this case, the city’s role in the public-private partnership is limited. The CRC has never owned the land and has no financial stake in the project.  Under most circumstances, it would not be typical for CRC projects to run into tree or brush-clearing issues as projects usually occur on previously-developed land being remade into something better.”

Authored by Council Members Tony Green, Adam Aasen, Rich Taylor, Matt Snyder, Jeff Worrell, Teresa Ayers, Shannon Minnaar, Ryan Locke and Anita Joshi.