ST9302-CS 941011The Honorable Tom Morton
Mayor, City of Coppell
255 Parkway Blvd.
Coppell, TX 75019
October 11, 1994
Dear Mayor Morton:
When we began looking for a house in the Dallas area, we considered many
communigies-- but quickly narrowed our search go Coppell. We were drawn by Cop-
pell's low crime rate, excelleng school system, appreciating property values, and beauti-
ful neighborhoods. In August we purchased our new home, and we have been delighted
with our neighbors and with life in Coppell.
That is why we feel we must write to express our opinions about the power line
controversy.
We are firmly convinced that allowing TU to place ll0-foot, high-voltage power
lines along the median of the expanded Sandy Lake Road would be detrimental to the
entire community of Coppell.
Not only would ghe new lines be an eyesore --one easily visible from several blocks
away, and certainly from City Hall itself-- they raise some health concerns. But most
importantly, routing these enormous towers down Sandy Lake Road, through the very
center of Coppell and past many subdivisions (both established and newly developing)
will have a detrimental effect on property values.., and eventually on the high quality
of life Coppell now offers.
It is a well-established fact, demonstrated countless times in other communities,
ghat placing high power lines adjacent to residential areas lowers property values. Many
residents would sell; others would rent their property-- and because property values
would be diminished, owners would invest less in upkeep.
Thus the degerloration begins; and it spreads.
However, we were pleased to learn at the City Council meeting of October 3 that
ghe city has at least two acceptable alternatives.
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First, burying the line~: yes, this would be expensive. But it would eliminate the
eyesore and preserve property values, while minimizing the electromagnetic field. We
understand that burying the full length of the lines would cost homeowners about $200
per year for 30 years, on a house valued at $130,000. We would gladly accept this cost
to preserve the beauty of our city and the value of our property-- after all, it is only
the cost of a soda at lunch every day. In fact, the present value at 8% interest of a
30-year $200 annuity-due is $2251.56; suffering a loss in property value of a mere 1.75%
would be more damaging to the homeowner. (This analysis ignores federal income tax
effects, which could make the extra local tax even less burdensome.)
The second alternative, routing the lines through the southern industrial district,
would also solve the city's problem.., and less expensively. This is perhaps the best all-
around option for the city. Owners of industrial-zoned land could perhaps be convinced
to donate easements, or to sell cheaply, as a goodwill gesture to the city-- or in exchange
for considerations which would cost the city little. In this way it might be possible to
route the lines so that no residential areas are affected. Even if this is not possible, the
cost of going underground with the portion of the southern route near residential areas
should be comparatively small.
It is certainly in the best interests of the city to develop a reputation for fighting
to save its citizens' property values. There are two ways to do this: route the lines
south, or bury them. As new homeowners, we urge you to select one of the alternatives
which benefits your citizens and the future of Coppell.
Sincerely yours,
145 Lansdowne Circle
Coppell, TX 75019
cc: Rober~son~,
Stahly, Mayo, Watson