Carmel Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - March 12, 2026

The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission met on March 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Members present included Fred Swift, Nick Kessner, Emily Ergott, Barry Simich, Matt Uber, Mark, and Alex. The meeting addressed a demolition delay request, budget updates, scheduling changes, preservation planning, and other business.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided testimony.

Discussion Items

• Financial Report: Alex reported a current budget of $42,018.99 and a non-reverting fund balance of $233,434.64. These figures are subject to change pending finalization of a previous project. Alex also noted that an invoice for commission services had not yet been submitted.
• Demolition Delay – 1013 Almond Drive West: Patrick Chittenden, the applicant, presented a request to demolish the existing structure. The property is identified as individually significant in the city's survey, but the surrounding Almond Drive neighborhood was not designated as a historic district due to extensive demolition and deterioration (approximately 50% of homes had been demolished). The demolition delay hold (submitted January 20, 2026) expires March 20, 2026. Chittenden stated he plans to build a roughly 3,000-square-foot, two-story home similar in style to recent infill construction in the area, though no specific plans or renderings were provided. He indicated the property is deteriorating and that he intends to move forward promptly. Commissioners expressed concern about vacant lots if building does not occur, but ultimately staff recommended allowing demolition. A motion to adopt the staff recommendation passed unanimously.
• Meeting Date Change: The commission will begin meeting on the fourth Monday of each month starting in April 2026, in the caucus room. Due to Memorial Day, the May 2026 meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26 (the day after the holiday). Recording equipment in the caucus room will be tested.
• New Survey Properties: Alex reported that a resolution to add newly surveyed properties to the official inventory is being drafted with the city attorney. Approximately 500 mailings have been sent for the facade grant program.
• Rangeline Road Preservation Plan: Staff are continuing historical research and reviewing a draft plan. A key discussion focused on coordinating with existing overlay requirements to streamline the review process for property owners. Commissioner Emily Ergott noted that some exceptions to overlay rules have allowed inappropriate alterations. Staff will meet with city officials to propose a unified design review process.
• Other Business: Mark received a call about the Blue School (historic structure), but the caller did not leave a name; a voicemail was returned with no answer. Discussion ensued about the school's potential relocation to Hazeldell Landing Park, which is being considered by the parks department. This is not yet confirmed. Additionally, Matt Uber raised questions about the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process for his own designated property at 13725 Grisham Drive. He plans to submit a COA for exterior changes (railing, garage) at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved as written.
• Demolition Approval: Motion passed to allow demolition of 1013 Almond Drive West.
• Meeting Schedule: Changed to fourth Monday of the month starting April 27, with a special Tuesday meeting on May 26. Venue shifted to the caucus room.
• New Survey Properties: Resolution to be drafted and brought before the city council for adoption.
• Rangeline Road Plan: Ongoing work; staff to coordinate with city attorney and land use committee to simplify the review process.
• Blue School: No new action; staff will follow up on the call.
• COA Process: Matt Uber to bring a COA application for his property at the next meeting.