Westchase-CS 990315Jeffrey P. Fegan
Executive Director
March 15, 1999
Dallas/Fort
L
Mr. Jim Witt
Coppell City Manager
City of Coppell
P O Box 478
Coppell TX 75019
Worth International
Airport
MAR 15 1°o99
RE: CASENO. PD-108R4, WESTCHASE
Dear Mr. Witt:
On July 16, 1998 and again on February 18, 1999, DFW International Airport Board ("Airport Board")
representatives wrote the City concerning rezoning of the Westchase property from commercial
development to single-family homes (located at the southeast corner of Bethel Road and South Coppell
Road, PD- 108R3 and PD- 108R4 respectively). Additionally, I have made presentations at two Planning
and Zoning Commission meetings voicing the Airport Board's concerns that cons~-uetion of single-family
homes at this site is not in the best interest of either the City of Coppell or DFW International Airport. The
proposed project, while located outside the Airport's 65 DNL, will at the very least create additional noise
complaints in the near future, undermining efforts by the Coppell Airport Task Force, the City of Coppell
and the Airport Board.
Also of great concern are several comments made at the February 18, 1999 meeting of the Coppell
Planning and Zoning Commission. Essentially, the Commission tentatively approved the project, less a
few administrative issues to be placed on the final plat and deferred fmal approval until March 18, 1999. In
response to the Airport's suggestion the homes be acoustically designed by an experienced acoustical
consultant, the project developer explained how, in lieu of any required sound attenuation design, he would
prefer to offer potential buyers the option of various noise reduction packages to reduce interior noise
levels. While this approach may appear reasonable at face value, it creates additional concerns. Should the
City of Coppell indeed approve a zone change allowing single-family dwellings be constructed on this site,
the Airport Board sla-ongly recommends two conditions of approval as requirements of the project in order
to address those concems.
First, the ALrport Board requests that noise reduction construction be made mandatory rather than deferring
to statements made between the builder and initial buyer during contract negotiations. Hopefully, this
approach will prevent the homebuyer from having to make a choice between decorating amenities and
noise reduction options, the latter of which may greatly influence their quality of living. Additionally,
while the developer may offer the initial buyer a range of options, their decision precludes alteration of
sound attenuation by subsequent buyers who may be mom sensitive to aircraft noise and overflight. Of
course, recall that structural sound attenuation properties will have no effect on exterior noise that may be
experienced in outdoor areas such as yards or parks.
Administrative Offices
3200 East Airfield Drive * Post Office Drawer 619428 * DFW Airport. Texas 75261-9428 * 9/2/574-6000
Mr. Witt
March 15, 1999
Page 2
Secondly, given the proposed project is only 0.3 statue miles east of Ranway 17L/35R and 3.9 statute miles
from runway end, the Airport Board strongly recommends buyer notification be required both prior to
contract negotiations, and added to the property title. In addition, the Airport Board requests an avigation
easement for the property be obtained and dedicated to the DFW International Airport Board, the City of
Dallas and the City of Fort Worth. Too oflen we hear from Coppell residents they were t-~st informed
about aircraft activity too late in the process, typically while at the home closing. Unfortunately, they tell
us they were misinformed by the seller / realtor / builder about DFW aircraft activity and proximity. As a
side note, these types of statements are what caused creation of the Airport Board's Real Estate Outreach
Program, a noise and flight tracking briefmg for local realtors, builders and title companies, similar to what
the DFW Noise Forum is for citizens.
In summary, we do not support the proposed zone change. However, should the City of Coppell permit
residential development at this site, we strongly encourage appropriate sound attenuation be designed into
the structures, advance buyer notification be made for initial and subsequent buyers, and an avigation -x15
easement be dedicated to the Ah'port and its owner cities. Again, even though the property is located
outside the 65 DNL contour for the airport, the property will be subject to routine and regular aireraf
overflight.
The DFW Airport Board urges the City of Coppell to assist the airport in reducing future noise problems.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you like to discuss this project in greater detail. As always, we
look forward to working with the City on this very important subject.
Sincerely yours,
Manager, Noise Compatibility
KLR:far