|
CITY OF CARMEL NEWSLETTER - Aug. 22, 2025 |
|
Public safety leaders join Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Executive Management Training Program
Carmel Police Department Chief Drake Sterling and Carmel Fire Department Chief Joel Thacker have been selected for the ninth class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. These City leaders join Mayor Sue Finkam, who is one of 47 mayors from 17 countries and the only Indiana mayor, in the multipartisan professional management training program.
Read the full news release at this link.
Carmel Police Chief Drake Sterling. Photo courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
|
|
'Butterflies on the Monon' unveiling
Join the City of Carmel as we formally unveil 14 brand-new mosaic butterflies created by local artist Nancy Keating — with a little help from the community!
Today, 1:30 p.m.
591 Monon Boulevard, facing the Monon Greenway
|
Mayor Finkam advances redevelopment project
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission advanced plans for the City’s newest development to the Carmel City Council at the Aug. 11 meeting. Signature55 Carmel, a public-private partnership among Rebar Companies and Develop Signature, the City and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, covers more than four acres on Old Meridian Street, just north of the Carmel VFW Post 10003 and west of Carmel Middle School.
Read the full news release at this link.
|
|
|
|
Carmel Fire and Police and other City of Carmel teams joined local, state and federal public safety agencies to engage and educate the public on city services, safety and emergency preparedness. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered and enjoyed the day!
|
|
Rain on Main barrels move to the Farmers Market
The Rain on Main barrels move to the Carmel Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 23.
|
|
Brews on the Boulevard this weekend!
The City of Carmel is hosting its fourth annual Brews on the Boulevard event, presented by Allied Solutions on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 5 - 9 p.m. in Midtown Plaza and along the Monon Boulevard.
Breweries from across the state will be serving unlimited samples of beer with the purchase of a tasting ticket. Sample selections from each brewery with the opportunity to purchase items directly from your favorites. Local food vendors will be present and there will be live entertainment on two stages.
Read the full news release at this link.
New this year: DORA at Brews!
Carmel recently launched its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and it will be in effect during Brews on the Boulevard.
This means you can enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors within the defined DORA boundaries—but only if they’re in a DORA-designated cup or official event sample glass. Look for signage and stay within the permitted area as you sip and stroll through Midtown. Cheers to a more walkable, fun-filled event experience!
|
|
|
|
TOWNE ROAD UPDATES (weather- and progress-permitting):
- 136th Street is closed through September
- Glebe Street is expected to open by end of day Aug. 25
- 141st Street will close after 136th Street opens
- Towne Road Bridge over I-465 is an INDOT project that has an expected completion of early 2026
CLAY CENTER BRIDGE
The bridge south of Main Street and north of the Claridge Farm neighborhood entrance will close on or after Monday, Aug. 25 through October.
96TH/REAL STREET
Beginning on or after Monday, Aug. 25, 96th/Real Street will be closed to through traffic between College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard for two weeks. A detour route will be provided utilizing College Avenue, 91st Street and Westfield Boulevard. Access to properties along 96th Street will be maintained from the west via College Avenue.
|
1ST STREET NE
On or after Monday, Aug. 25, 1st Street NE will be closed to through traffic between 1st Avenue NE and 2nd Avenue NE to allow utility work. A detour route will be provided utilizing 1st Avenue NE, 2nd Street NE and 2nd Avenue NE. The closure is expected to last up to four days but will only be in place during daytime working hours with the road opened each evening. Properties on 1st Street NE will remain accessible from 1st Avenue NE during the closure.
|
MAIN STREET RESTRICTIONS
Monday, Aug. 25, westbound Main Street will be closed between 1st Avenue NE and Rangeline Road to facilitate sign installation. A detour route will be provided utilizing 1st Street NE, 1st Avenue NE and Rangeline Road. The closure is scheduled only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
|
PROJECT BIDDING OPPORTUNITIES
Attention: Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) Certified Vendors
If you are a certified OMWBD vendor, you have the opportunity to bid on the following project in Carmel. Bid documents can be accessed at the link below.
136th Street Multi-Use Path Construction, Morphey Construction
NEWS FROM HAMILTON COUNTY HIGHWAY
The Hamilton County Highway Department is responsible for all roads, bridges and small structures (less than 20-foot span) within Hamilton County which are not state highways and which are not within the corporate limits of a city or town.
126TH STREET BRIDGE REHABILITATION
126th Street between Brookshire Parkway and Royce Court is closed for bridge rehabilitation with an expected completion date of mid-late October.
Local traffic will continue to have access to their homes, while thru traffic is asked to utilize the posted detour of Keystone Parkway – 131st Street – Gray Road.
|
|
|
|
FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (INDOT)
The Level Up 31 project is located on the northside of Indianapolis in Marion and Hamilton counties. The project includes an interchange modification to the I-465 and U.S. 31 interchange to add capacity and increase efficiency and safety by eliminating traffic weaving and merging.
The main source of information about INDOT's project should be the Level Up 31 website but below are other ways to connect with INDOT:
Level Up 31's impact on Carmel
As this project reaches Carmel, we will keep you informed in this newsletter and our social media channels. Beginning on or after Sept. 2, the interchanges at U.S. 31 and 106th Street and U.S. 31 and I-465 will have limited access.
|
|
City of Carmel, Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel Clay Public Library Host Virtual Revenue Update
The City of Carmel, Carmel Clay Schools and Carmel Clay Public Library will host a 60-minute virtual presentation about the expected revenue impacts in 2026 on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
This event will be broadcast on the CarmelTV channel, the City of Carmel Facebook page and the City of Carmel's YouTube channel.
The community is invited to submit questions using the fillable form linked to the button below, by Aug. 27 at noon. Dr. Oestreich, Mayor Finkam and Director Swanay will address as many submitted questions as possible during the presentation.
|
|
Calling all young artists! Design a new patch for CPD
|
|
Save the Date: Community Engagement Day for Seniors
|
|
|
The Carmel Climate Action Committee is tasked with advising and making recommendations regarding the implementation of the Carmel Climate Action Plan (CAP). Strategy PE-1 of the CAP involves public education about sustainability and the environment. This section of the newsletter helps to meet this goal by providing useful information, tips and resources for residents.
The month of August's focus is "Importance of Solar Energy." Click here or on the box above to take the Smart Irrigation Quiz and be entered in a drawing for a digital rain gauge.
|
|
Hamilton County offers free native plants after invasive removal
The Hamilton County Invasives Partnership (HIP) and the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are teaming up to help residents restore their landscapes—one tree at a time. Through the Invasive Species Trade-In Program, property owners who remove invasive plants from their Hamilton County properties are eligible to receive free native plants from the SWCD’s fall native sale.
To learn more about the program details and how to apply, this link takes you to Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District's news release.
|
|
|
On the big screen in Midtown Plaza
Enjoy a movie on the big screen each week in Midtown Plaza. Thank you to our sponsor, Allied Solutions, for making this fan-favorite series possible!
"Sing 2"
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 28, noon and 6 p.m.
This link takes you to the full movie schedule.
|
|
|
Bike Carmel presented by IU Health, encourages everyone to participate in events for all ages and all levels of comfort on two wheels.
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Slow Roll Dinner Cruise
Adults! Join Bike Carmel for a relaxing, one-hour bike ride around town. Meet at Midtown Plaza at 5:30 p.m. to check in, depart at 6 p.m. for a casually-paced ride then grab dinner and a drink at one of Midtown's restaurants after the ride. We welcome cruisers, e-bikes or whatever two-wheeled bike you have in your garage! The event is free but please register at this link.
|
Saturday, Sept. 13: Roundabout Ride
Join us for Bike Carmel’s Roundabout Ride, starting and ending at Midtown Plaza. Choose a 25-mile or 50-mile route, both showcasing Carmel’s bike-friendly streets and scenic views.
Learn more about the Roundabout Ride and register at this link.
|
|
|
We love our volunteers!
Whether you're looking to make a difference on your own, with a friend, or as part of a larger group, there are an array of events that cater to different interests and schedules. Volunteers are crucial in making our community events successful and we appreciate your commitment to supporting Carmel.
|
|
|
|
Founders Park is closed and is expected to reopen by Oct. 31, 2025 as Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation begins some exciting improvements.
Learn more at this link.
Christkind Scholarship Program
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is accepting applications from high school and college students for the Christkind Scholarship Competition! This long-standing tradition is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and carry the honor of bringing a beloved German holiday tradition to Carmel, Indiana.
Learn more about the Christkind and how to apply.
|
|
Click on the image to view a larger version.
The Bishops
Wednesday, Aug. 27
7 - 9 p.m.
Carmel International Arts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 & 28
Impact your community and volunteer at this year's Carmel International Arts Festival. For more information, this link takes you to CIAF's news release.
|
|
Carmel VFW POST 10003 to host inaugural military ball
Carmel VFW Post 10003 is hosting an inaugural Military Ball and would like to cordially invite the community to join them for a spectacular evening and event. While this event was originally reserved for military and Gold Star families, the VFW has generously opened it to the public with an invitation from a veteran or VFW member.
Saturday, Sept. 13, 5 p.m.
502 East Event Centre
502 E. Carmel Drive
Proceeds from this event will go towards the multi-faceted work that VFW Post 10003 does to support our local veterans.
This link takes you to the VFW's event website where you can learn more about the event, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchasing.
|
|
|
Calling all creatives!
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts invites Indiana-based artists, organizations to submit proposals for New Works
New Works is an initiative to promote and sustain local artists and arts communities by supporting the creation of new works in various disciplines.
A panel of judges will select one winner in the visual arts and three winners in the performing arts, which can include music, dance, theater and other fields. The four winning proposals will receive $2,500 each to create and premiere the works during a livestreamed public event May 30 in Allied Solutions Center’s Tarkington theater. The winning visual arts piece, which can be two- or three-dimensional, will be displayed for one year in the main lobby of the Payne & Mencias Palladium concert hall.
The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Further details and application instructions are available at this link.
|
Carmel has much to offer in the way of the performing arts. From world-class venues like The Palladium to more intimate theatres like The Cat. For details about all performances, be sure to visit the websites listed below.
|
|
|
Board of Zoning Appeals - Monday, Aug. 25, 6 p.m.
Central DORA Committee - Tuesday, Aug. 26, 4:30 p.m.
Mayor's Advisory Commission on Senior Living - Wednesday, Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m.
All public meetings take place in the Council Chambers in City Hall, unless otherwise indicated. Public meetings are broadcast live on Carmel TV and YouTube.
To view archived Government Meetings with Closed Captioning, visit the City's video archives.
|
|
|
###
About the City of Carmel, Indiana
A thriving community acclaimed for its distinct amenities, robust business environment and excellent schools, the City of Carmel was named the #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Highly regarded by its residents as a safe community offering an exceptional quality of life, Carmel is home to an award-winning parks system and a wealth of cultural options. Carmel is built for big dreams. Find out more at www.carmel.in.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
