ST9905-ES040809August 9, 2004
T H ~ .~-F v · o r
COPPELL
Robert E. Hager, City Attorney
Nichols, Jackson, Dillard, }lager & Smith
1800 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard
Dallas, Texas 75201
RE:
Bethel Road I / Project # ST 99-05
Parcel 3 - Right-of-Way
Parcel 3E - Slope Easement
Parcel 3El Temporary Construction Easement
Dear Mr. Hager:
The City of Coppell has been attempting to acquire right-of-way from the subject property since August 2003. An
inttial offer letter (see attached) was sent October 6, 2003 for an amount of $33,583.67. This amount was based on
values shown on the Dallas County Appraisal District's website. I spoke with representatives of this property on
November 20, 2003. At that time it was very clear that the offer would not be accepted and that the representative
for the properly was attempting to negotiate ordinances in exchange for the property. In particular, the
representative of the property was concerned about the tree ordinance.
Because it xvas very clear that the City would be unable to acquire the right-of-way, I retained the firm of
Evaluation Associates to perform a detailed appraisal of the property. That appraisal was provided to the City in
May 2004 which showed a total compensation of $50,047. On June 11, 2004, an offer letter was sent to the
representative of the property in an amount of $50,047.13 to obtain the necessary right-of-way. To date there has
been no response to that offer letter.
With this letter I am providing you copies of the two offer letters from the City of Coppell and a copy of the
appraisal from Evaluation Associates. It is my opinion that it will take a process of eminent domain to acquire this
right-of-way. The timeline for this project is such that it is anticipated to go out to bid later this year. Therefore, it
is imperative that the right-of-~vay be obtained tn an expeditious manner.
Once you have received this information and have bad an opportunity to evaluate it, please contact me so that we
can develop a timeline on going through the process of eminent domain to acquire the necessary right-of-way. If
you have any questions please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
Director of Engineering/Public Works
Office 972/304-3686
Fax 972/304-7041