Some Carmel residents not happy about planned demolition

Some Carmel residents are crying foul on plans to tear down an old grain elevator located just south of Main Street, along the Monon Trail. The silo, which has been part of the Carmel landscape for about 90 years, is scheduled for demolition in the near future.

Lifelong resident, Ron Kern, believes the city is planning to tear down a piece of Carmel history.

"Some people see an eyesore," Kern said.  "I see beauty if it can be fixed up and be integrated into the redevelopment of this area."

The Carmel Redevelopment Commission, which drew up the plans for the site, said tearing down the silo will allow them to move forward with their Midtown Plan. That plan includes a new water tower and connecting the City Center with the Arts and Design District.


The Redevelopment Commission received approval for the demolition in December from the Carmel Board of Public works. And that is proving to be a sore spot among those who would have liked to see more public input on the matter.

Carmel City Council President, Eric Seidensticker said the Redevelopment Commission is moving forward with plans that require no approval from the public.

"There isn't representation on the redevelopment commission of the people because it's not an elected postion," Seidensticker said.

The Redevelopment Commission is a five-member panel. Three of the members were appointed by Mayor Jim Brainard. The other two were appointed by the City Council.

Responding by email and telephone on Tuesday, the Redevelopment Commission told FOX59 that it's not exactly clear when demolition will begin. It had been reported on Twitter and other online blogs that demolition would start this weekend. But the Commission says the final contract for the project has not yet been awarded.

Pre-demolition work is underway, including the removal of vinyl siding which contains asbestos.

The Department of Environmental Management tells FOX59 they have not yet received a notice of demolition for the project, which needs to be on file for 10 days prior to demolition.