CARMEL — The City of Carmel is going to court in an effort to stop large events at the Lucas Estate.
The estate, at 116th Street and Ditch Road, is owned by Lucas Oil Company Founder Forrest Lucas.
In a press release, the city says the Lucas family is conducting a for-profit business by hosting large-scale events at the estate that are in violation of residential zoning ordinances.
"it doesn't matter who you are, we owe it to the residential neighbors in the community to require compliance from the Lucases," said Mayor Jim Brainard. "The neighbors rely on the city to enforce the zoning ordinances in place, which help protect their property values."
The city is filing requests for a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop large events at the estate.
According to the city, "the events at the Lucas Estate have repeatedly created large volumes of traffic, generated noise complaints and violated the zoning ordinance. While the Lucases claim that they are only making the venue available to close friends and business clients, it does not appear that this is the truth as advertisements for the space have appeared in wedding guides. It is also listed on Facebook and a website as the location for a concert series."
RTV 6 reached out to the Lucas Oil Company at its California headquarters for reaction to the legal action.
We were told "no comment" at this time.
