Residents press town on tree removals, East Lake Boulevard safety and water odor during public comment

Several residents used the public-comment portion of the June 3 Town of Carmel meeting to press officials on neighborhood quality-of-life and safety matters.

Tree removal and parks: Laura Spelina asked about tree removals flagged near Michael Giri rink. Officials said Almstead Tree & Shrub submitted a quote of $14,040 to remove nine or ten trees; the board authorized the expenditure and instructed the town controller to make necessary budget adjustments. Staff said the contractor could likely schedule the work within one to two weeks.

East Lake Boulevard safety and streetscape: Resident Matt Spelina, who works in downtown revitalization, presented a streetscape proposal for East Lake Boulevard that included a one-way conversion, sidewalks, a planted buffer, a bike lane and designated parking areas to reduce double-parking and improve pedestrian safety. Board members noted that East Lake Boulevard is a Putnam County road and said the county would need to take on reconstruction, but town officials said they would advocate to the county and explore interim parking controls and enforcement options.

Water quality and historical society communications: A resident reported a rancid odor in tap water within Water District No. 2 and urged a moratorium on new hookups until plant issues are fixed. Town staff described ongoing water restrictions through September while tanks are being filled and inspected and did not adopt a moratorium at the meeting. Another commenter, president of the Historical Society, said she had not been included in recent town planning about a June 20 event and sought clearer communication; staff stated the roof repairs to the society’s building are complete and that a mold-remediation bid package is being prepared using sales-tax funds.

Audio/accessibility complaint: A resident asked the board to speak more clearly and improve microphone/audio so attendees with hearing difficulty can follow meetings; board members agreed to evaluate AV and microphone placement and to ensure the TV feed and in-room audio are audible.

What the board will do next: Town staff will schedule the tree removal and effect budget transfers as authorized; the town will pursue coordination with Putnam County regarding East Lake Boulevard and follow up with the Historical Society about event planning and the mold-remediation bid package.