ST9602-CS000331March 31, 2000
Michael C. Wagner, Manager Real Estate
Baptist Foundation of Texas
1601 Elm, Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 752014718
RE: Denton Tap / Bethel Road CMAQ Project
Dear Mr. Wagner:
Attached to this letter is a memo from myself to our city attorney, Bob Hagar, describing a
situation where there appears to be approximately 15 square feet of land whose ownership is
unclear. The memo explains in detail that in 1967 the Baptist Foundation purchased 37.02 acres
of land immediately west of Denton Tap and north of the railroad tracts. The purchase in 1967
included what is now Bethel Road. It is very clear that in 1967 the northern limits of that
property went to the north line of the J.A. Simmons survey. In 1973, the Baptist Foundation
dedicated property to the City of Coppell for the right-of-way of Bethel Road immediately west
of Denton Rap Road. The right-of-way dedication indicates that the northern line of the right-of-
way is "along the north property line of said Baptist Foundation 37.02 acre tract of land and
proposed centerline of Bethel Road." The northern limits of the right-of-way dedication to the
City of Coppell has a slightly different metes and bounds description for the property that was
acquired in 1967. However, it is obvious from reading the original purchase in 1967 and the
right-of-way dedication in 1973 that the intent of the Baptist Foundation was to dedicate right-of-
way for Bethel Road immediately adjacent to and along their northern property line.
For several years now the City of Coppell has been working with TxDOT on an intersection
improvement project that would add a free right turn lane for southbound Denton Tap onto
Bethel Road. During the property research by the surveyor for TxDOT, they have discovered
what they state is a discrepancy whereby there is still 15 square feet of land which is not
contained within the right-of-way dedicated to the City by the Foundation nor contained within
the tract of land owned by the Alexander Trust north of Bethel Road.
To help clear up any confusion over the 15 square feet, the City of Coppell is requesting that a
quit claim deed be executed by the Baptist Foundation so that the 15 square feet can be included
in the existing right-of-way of Bethel Road. Based on the intent of the 1973 dedication to the
City by the Baptist Foundation and the utilization of that 15 square feet for over 20 years now as
right-of-way there could be some validity to the fact that the City already has prescriptive rights
to utilize the 15 square feet for the future construction of Bethel Road. However, TxDOT has
been insistent upon the fact that ownership of the 15 square feet be clarified. We are trying to
move this project along and start construction in the very near future.
If you should have any questions concerning the issue please feel free to contact me at 972/304-
3686. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely, .
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
Director of Engineering/Public Works