CARMEL, Ind. – Development of a luxury hotel and 100-year-old carousel have sparked a debate in Carmel.
Although Carmel Mayor James Brainard approves of the projects, proposed to be constructed near City Center and The Palladium, a change.org petition has collected nearly 900 signatures of people who believe tax payers shouldn’t be forced to contribute to the development.
The petition is spearheaded by Tim Hannon, a doctor who has lived in Carmel for 19 years.
"Our point is not that these projects should not be brought forward,” said Hannon. “Our point is there are alternatives to taxpayer funding and we should look at using dollars for more worthy projects like city fire, police, education, etc."
The city has proposed issuing revenue bonds to help pay for the projects without raising local property taxes.
"We have a lot of family of from out of state that would love to stay at the hotel. We had a carousel at one of our favorite places in Vegas,” said Sue Hill. “I love it, I'm for it."
On Monday, the Carmel City Council debated the proposal but no votes were cast.
RELATED | Carmel leaders debate approval of golf carts on city streets | Study: Carmel named No. 1 place to live in Indiana | Carmel cracks down on homeowners listing their property on Airbnb
