Re Property Owner's Comments RE Case # PD-250R3R-HI assume everyone on our team is supportive of this project and the
particulars associated with tomorrow night's case. Have you heard
anything to the contrary?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 18, 2012, at 8:58 PM, "Keith Marvin" <KMarvin@coppelltx.gov
<mailto:KMarvin@coppelltx.gov> > wrote:
Yes.
Keith Marvin, P.E.
City of Coppell
On Jul 18, 2012, at 8:57 PM, "Clay Phillips"
<CPhillips@coppelltx.gov <mailto:CPhillips@coppelltx.gov> > wrote:
Did his original email "run on" like the attached?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 18, 2012, at 8:39 PM, "Keith Marvin"
<KMarvin@coppelltx.gov <mailto:KMarvin@coppelltx.gov> > wrote:
FYI... I don't know who this went to.
Keith Marvin, P.E.
City of Coppell
Begin forwarded message:
From: "srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net> " <srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net> >
Date: July 18, 2012 8:27:09 PM CDT
To: <srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net> >
Subject: Property Owner's Comments RE:
Case # PD-250R3R-H
Reply-To: <srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net> >
Dear Commissioner,
Regarding July 19th's Case No.
PD-250R3R-H, [Entry Feature Sign], Lot1RX, Block B:
As a substantial property owner in the
Old Town Coppell area, and one of many in Old Town who either stand to
benefit or lose from the decisions boards like this one make towards
future design affecting this area of Coppell, I think we have benefited
from much of the City of Coppell's forward thinking. When the City
enacts public infrastructure bonds to eventually build sidewalks,
improve roads and parking, add tasteful landscaping, (and in Old Town
Coppell's case) period piece lighting to enhance the historic appeal, we
all benefit. When the City hires an architectural design firm like
Looney-Ricks-Kiss which emphasizes urban land revitalization and and
adaptive reuse, then implementing a land use plan with full
participation and consent of all business and property owners as well as
interested residents with a stake in the Old Town, we all benefit as
well. We might not see those assets initially because their effects are
long term and less tangible, especially when development doesn't
immediately take place. So, when the City ostensibley purchases land
adjacent to the historic district to oversee/maintain control of its
eventual development, I think we can see a potential benefit and an
intent to protect and preserve adjacent land as it "develops out". But
I suspect that something happens when a City sits on its own non-tax
generating property long enough, and ideas abound as other Cities
condemned/ purchased land to develop publicly or in a public/ private
relationship to generate profit for that City and the private developer,
et al (IE. the city of Boston)...well, that is called gambling, maybe a
more enlightened form, but a gamble non the less--and who's to say who
benefits and when, other than the developer... I do know who will lose
if this doe
As a substantial property owner in the
Old Town Coppell area, and one of many in Old Town who either stand to
benefit or lose from the decisions boards like this one make towards
future design affecting this area of Coppell, I think we have benefited
from much of the City of Coppell's forward thinking. When the City
enacts public infrastructure bonds to eventually build sidewalks,
improve roads and parking, add tasteful landscaping, (and in Old Town
Coppell's case) period piece lighting to enhance the historic appeal, we
all benefit. When the City hires an architectural design firm like
Looney-Ricks-Kiss which emphasizes urban land revitalization and and
adaptive reuse, then implementing a land use plan with full
participation and consent of all business and property owners as well as
interested residents with a stake in the Old Town, we all benefit as
well. We might not see those assets initially because their effects are
long term and less tangibsn't work--that will be the tax payer, and as a
substantial taxpayer in the area, let me be on record as saying I do
want this development to succeed. It now has to succeed, and that
should be a problem for anyone who is a taxpayer in the City of Coppell.
I'll return to the original point of this letter regarding the above
proposed sign; a sign notable for its non-conformity to any Coppell
building code standard or design guidelines proffered by LRK
(Loony/Ricks/ Kiss) and adopted by the City in January of 2007, a sign
which symbolizes the developer's triumphal signature on his development.
For us in Old Coppell, it provides one last attempt, no matter how
feeble, to require a developer to (at the very least), reference the
area in which he is conducting business in, and which will potentially
affect all owners and businesses in this historic core from now on.
Mr. Yancey needs to be held to a naming concession regarding the sign's
actual location at the very least. I think this issue is of critical
importance; because as small as an accurate, but correct name change
seems, we set a precedent for the remaining time left for--and adaptive
reuse of--Old Town. Will this be a development that stands in union
with and integrates into the existing historic core? ...or is it just an
attempt to opportunistically push aside its downscale neighbor for
grander possibilities outside the limitations of a quaint, but
antiquated part of town? Providing an excuse to eventual renovate
out-of-existence the remaining Historic core? On a lighter note: Neon
is fun. Is neon good in/ for Old Coppell? I don't know. Is a large
sign appended to a giant Entry Feature--a sign as large as the facade of
Joe Shirley's Barber Shop--a good idea? I don't think so and I surely
don't think it conforms to "pedestrian-scale street signage" as
envisioned in the Guidelines mentioned above (See starting at pg. 5's
New Construction: pg. 15-- N: 1, 3 (c.,d.,e.); pg. 16--(N cont.) 5 b.,
6, 7, 8 &
I'll return to the original point of
this letter regarding&nbs9.
I'm sure many of you may react to a
request to limit the size and scale of this sign with shrugged
shoulders--not to mention the non-standard neon component since it's new
and unique for Coppell--because the proverbial horse is already out of
the barn so to speak with the approval on May 8th of the "Entry Feature"
as proof of its moot point.
The fact is that no where on that sign
is mentioned the immediate local wherein it resides: that is a problem.
"Main Street, Coppell," could be located anywhere in Coppell. We have
been told by some Commissioners and City Councilmen, as well as the
developer that this project is integrated in with the historic core of
Coppell. "We are all Coppell, not Old Coppell...nor Main Street
Coppell...", to paraphrase a Council member at May's City Council vote
to allow the entry feature. (This Councilman, by the way, received
cheers of congratulation from his fellow Councilmen for this
observation)--I couldn't disagree more. On an obvious level, we are
Coppell; but we are also and more importantly, the original, the
historic Old Town Coppell district, not the Denton Tap business
corridor, nor Sandy Lake's residential area or the MacArthur/ Belt Line
corridor for that matter. We have our own unique character and
flavor--for better or worse....and I'd say most people notice its
difference in feel and look from all other parts of Coppell. When I see
the name "Coppell" alone, I think of everything that falls within the
City boundaries. When "Old Town" Coppell's name is used, it delineates
a specific local, to restate an obvious point. The Developer's own
wording (on the proposed neon signage) already belies something set
apart, more related to the rest of Coppell: "Main Street Coppell" The
developer, when questioned on this point, said he was already handing
out brochures and the web-site's on-line rendering already marketing
this very wording, "Main Street" "Coppell" and had beenThe fact is
that no where on that sign is mentioned the immediate local wherein it
resides: that is a problem. "Main Street, Coppell," could be located
anywhere in Coppell. We have been told by some Commissioners and City
Councilmen, as well as the developer that this project is for the last
several months (a little presumptuously, I might add). He side-stepped
the issue altogether, only saying it is too late to add this detail.
This tells me that despite protests to the contrary, he never planned or
considered partnership or integration in with Old Town much in the first
place. Did his marketing research lead him to conclude that word(s)
"Old"/ "Old Town") used in any pre-advertising blitz and "branding"
opportunity afforded by this Entry feature might taint his project? Who
knows. It is a sentiment to say something is 'one thing' as in the case
of the Council member saying we are all Coppell, but that doesn't
neccessarily make it so. What would it really hurt to have this
proposed sign, hopefully modified to scale, reference the area of which
it derives its existence in the first place? Maybe we could eventually
meld more as Old Town and Main Street in Old Town. Wouldn't this be a
"good-will" gesture easily afforded by the developer; a concession
graciously offered since he already has been granted his mock grain
elevator and silo, the imposing Entry Feature already having been
approved? Please understand that everything Old Town Coppell
represents, for better or worse, and whatever we are to become and still
currently enjoy through a shared heritage and a sense of place is
symbolized, in this case, by our name--Old (Town) Coppell. Why would
he want to stand apart?The fact is that no where on that sign is
mentioned the immediate local wherein it resides: that is a problem.
"Main Street, Coppell," could be located anywhere in Coppell. We have
been told by some Commissioners and City Councilmen, as well as the
developer that this project is
If this one last, possibly already
belated, attempt to integrate the place name isn't required, I contend
there will be a slow but perceptible change occurring over the next
several years in the attitude of future Commissioners and Councilmen, to
eventually push aside the "limitations" of an antiquated design overlay
("which is already ten years old" to quote Gary Seib) and allow more
"visionary" approaches to this continuing problematic area, this eyesore
in Coppell...the pursuit of future tax dollars will influence this
direction, as well as a growing lack of historic connection to a visibly
poorer looking neighborhood (how many original owners or their relatives
are left in Coppell?) as compared to its thriving brother Main
Street...especially in lean years. I see do potentially higher tax
revenue for the City if this development is a success--and again, as a
tax payer, I do want its success. But without cooperation and
integration--forced if need be--upon this developer or any other for
that matter, Old Town Coppell will languish, becoming two, distinct
districts of town, delineated and perceptibly forming, albiet occupying
immediately adjacent territory to one another. Future rental rates will
remain virtually the same for the Old Town property owners, whose B but
mostly C class properties are more or less dictated by their improvement
quality, therefore less revenue for those owners in the immediate
future. I see property owners scrambling to keep up with these
increased costs with less/ little money for improvements and eventually
the forced sale or demolition of buildings (outcomes of an 'enlightened,
progressive approach' referenced above with newer Councils and
Commissioners). These properties wont be suitable as they currently
stand except as high scale service/retail
If this one last, possibly already
belated, attempt to integrate the place name isn't required, I contend
there will be a slow but perceptible change occurring over the next
several years in the attitude of future Commissioners and Councilmen, to
eventually push aside the "limitations" of an antiquated design overlay
("which is already ten years old" to quote Gary Seib) and allow more
"visionary" approaches to this continuing problematic area, this eyesore
in Coppell...the pursuit of future tax dollars will influence this
direction, as well as a growing lack of historic connection to a visibly
poorer looking neighborhood (how many original owners or their relatives
are left in Coppell?) as compared to its thriving brother Main
Street...especially in lean years. I see do potentially higher tax
revenue for the City if this development is a success--and again, as a
tax payer, I do wan required to justify the increased tax base and for
the costs of infrastructure/ construction required on these same lots
once these properties sell or are foreclosed upon and then demolished.
Who knows, maybe Main Street II will begin, as lots north of the
development are acquired at fire sale prices and remaining property
owners are squeezed out...its only one person's scenario/ opinion, but
then again, I'm not gambling--at least not with taxpayers money.
I hope you'll consider holding the
applicant to existing design parameters which would provide 1)
limitations on the proposed signage for "the Entry Feature" to be
located on the Northeast corner of Main Street as well as 2) additions
to the proposed sign referencing "Old Town" (or at the least, "Old") in
the wording next to the word "Coppell":
IE. "Main Street Old Town Coppell"/
Main Street Old Coppell
Thank you for your consideration,
Steven Chadick
Chadick Capital L.P.
214.543.3717
srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net>
he barn so to speak with the approval on May 8th of the "Entry Feature"
as proof of its moot point.
The fact is that no where on that sign
is mentioned the immediate local wherein it resides: that is a problem.
"Main Street, Coppell," could be located anywhere in Coppell. We have
been told by some Commissioners and City Councilmen, as well as the
developer that this project is integrated in with the historic core of
Coppell. "We are all Coppell, not Old Coppell...nor Main Street
Coppell...", to paraphrase a Council member at May's City Council vote
to allow the entry feature. (This Councilman, by the way, received
cheers of congratulation from his fellow Councilmen for this
observation)--I couldn't disagree more. On an obvious level, we are
Coppell; but we are also and more importantly, the original, the
historic Old Town Coppell district, not the Denton Tap business
corridor, nor Sandy Lake's residential area or the MacArthur/ Belt Line
corridor for that matter. We have our own unique character and
flavor--for better or worse....and I'd say most people notice its
difference in feel and look from all other parts of Coppell. When I see
the name "Coppell" alone, I think of everything that falls within the
City boundaries. When "Old Town" Coppell's name is used, it delineates
a specific local, to restate an obvious point. The Developer's own
wording (on the proposed neon signage) already belies something set
apart, more related to the rest of Coppell: "Main Street Coppell" The
developer, when questioned on this point, said he was already handing
out brochures and the web-site's on-line rendering already marketing
this very wording, "Main Street" "Coppell" and had beenThe fact is
that no where on that sign is mentioned the immediate local wherein it
resides: that is a problem. "Main Street, Coppell," could be located
anywhere in Coppell. We have been told by some Commissioners and City
Councilmen, as well as the developer that this project is for the last
several months (a little presumptuously, I might add). He side-stepped
the issue altogether, only saying it is too late to add this detail.
This tells me that despite protests to the contrary, he never planned or
considered partnership or integration in with Old Town much in the first
place. Did his marketing research lead him to conclude that word(s)
"Old"/ "Old Town") used in any pre-advertising blitz and "branding"
opportunity afforded by this Entry feature might taint his project? Who
knows. It is a sentiment to say something is 'one thing' as in the case
of the Council member saying we are all Coppell, but that doesn't
neccessarily make it so. What would it really hurt to have this
proposed sign, hopefully modified to scale, reference the area of which
it derives its existence in the first place? Maybe we could eventually
meld more as Old Town and Main Street in Old Town. Wouldn't this be a
"good-will" gesture easily afforded by the developer; a concession
graciously offered since he already has been granted his mock grain
elevator and silo, the imposing Entry Feature already having been
approved? Please understand that everything Old Town Coppell
represents, for better or worse, and whatever we are to become and still
currently enjoy through a shared heritage and a sense of place is
symbolized, in this case, by our name--Old (Town) Coppell. Why would
he want to stand apart?The fact is that no where on that sign is
mentioned the immediate local wherein it resides: that is a problem.
"Main Street, Coppell," could be located anywhere in Coppell. We have
been told by some Commissioners and City Councilmen, as well as the
developer that this project is
If this one last, possibly already
belated, attempt to integrate the place name isn't required, I contend
there will be a slow but perceptible change occurring over the next
several years in the attitude of future Commissioners and Councilmen, to
eventually push aside the "limitations" of an antiquated design overlay
("which is already ten years old" to quote Gary Seib) and allow more
"visionary" approaches to this continuing problematic area, this eyesore
in Coppell...the pursuit of future tax dollars will influence this
direction, as well as a growing lack of historic connection to a visibly
poorer looking neighborhood (how many original owners or their relatives
are left in Coppell?) as compared to its thriving brother Main
Street...especially in lean years. I see do potentially higher tax
revenue for the City if this development is a success--and again, as a
tax payer, I do want its success. But without cooperation and
integration--forced if need be--upon this developer or any other for
that matter, Old Town Coppell will languish, becoming two, distinct
districts of town, delineated and perceptibly forming, albiet occupying
immediately adjacent territory to one another. Future rental rates will
remain virtually the same for the Old Town property owners, whose B but
mostly C class properties are more or less dictated by their improvement
quality, therefore less revenue for those owners in the immediate
future. I see property owners scrambling to keep up with these
increased costs with less/ little money for improvements and eventually
the forced sale or demolition of buildings (outcomes of an 'enlightened,
progressive approach' referenced above with newer Councils and
Commissioners). These properties wont be suitable as they currently
stand except as high scale service/retail
If this one last, possibly already
belated, attempt to integrate the place name isn't required, I contend
there will be a slow but perceptible change occurring over the next
several years in the attitude of future Commissioners and Councilmen, to
eventually push aside the "limitations" of an antiquated design overlay
("which is already ten years old" to quote Gary Seib) and allow more
"visionary" approaches to this continuing problematic area, this eyesore
in Coppell...the pursuit of future tax dollars will influence this
direction, as well as a growing lack of historic connection to a visibly
poorer looking neighborhood (how many original owners or their relatives
are left in Coppell?) as compared to its thriving brother Main
Street...especially in lean years. I see do potentially higher tax
revenue for the City if this development is a success--and again, as a
tax payer, I do wan required to justify the increased tax base and for
the costs of infrastructure/ construction required on these same lots
once these properties sell or are foreclosed upon and then demolished.
Who knows, maybe Main Street II will begin, as lots north of the
development are acquired at fire sale prices and remaining property
owners are squeezed out...its only one person's scenario/ opinion, but
then again, I'm not gambling--at least not with taxpayers money.
I hope you'll consider holding the
applicant to existing design parameters which would provide 1)
limitations on the proposed signage for "the Entry Feature" to be
located on the Northeast corner of Main Street as well as 2) additions
to the proposed sign referencing "Old Town" (or at the least, "Old") in
the wording next to the word "Coppell":
IE. "Main Street Old Town Coppell"/
Main Street Old Coppell
Thank you for your consideration,
Steven Chadick
Chadick Capital L.P.
214.543.3717
srchadick@earthlink.net
<mailto:srchadick@earthlink.net>