ST9902-CS050519City of Coppell
Kenneth M. Griffin
Director of Engineering/Public works
255 Parkway P.O. Box 9478
Coppell, TX 75019
kgriffin(ct!ci.coppell.tx.tls
5-19-05
RE: Sandy Lake Road / ST 99-02A
Lot 82, Block A, Oakbend Addition
Right-of Way / Sidewalk & Utility Easement
Dear Mr. Griffin:
After considering the comments in your letter dated September 29, 2004, I have several
concerns. When I purchased my property over ten years ago, I was under the impression
that I would have the the ten feet that you are proposing to take, as a cushion to protect
my home, the value of my property and the well-being of my family. I have reviewed the
plans and heard comments from the city on how you are trying to make this right-of-way
as safe and convenient as possible to all those affected. I understand the need to take the
property in the name of progress, but I am not convinced that the compensation is
adequate for the consequences it causes me.
Last year, I had my home on the market with one of the best realtor agents in the city,
Laura Barnett. I know that it ~vas exposed properly and was shown aggressively. In all of
the comments made by realtors and potential buyers, the threat of the ensuing road
construction curtailed or prevented the sale of the house. We spent over $20,000 on
flooring, paint and d6cor and always had the home ready for show. We instructed the
realtor to bring us all offers, again to no avail because of the aforementioned concerns.
In the December 7th meeting, I raised concerns about the safety of my property because
of the steep grade and the curve in the road just in front of the church entrance to the west
of me. I have a patio just on the other side of the church wall that we frequently use.
Without some adjustments to the plans, it is potentially dangerous if a vehicle loses
control and goes through the suspended brick wall that the church built. I had suggested
at least a two-foot retaining wall at that location. Has this been incorporated into the
plans?
We discussed the power lines being moved and the exorbitant cost of burying the power
lines. I have no problem with that. However, I do not like the idea of having power lines
and utility poles so close to my home. You had stated that the new poles will be spaced
further apart than where they are currently located, but could not specify where they will
be placed in relation to my property. I do not relish the idea of those being approximately
one hundred feet from my house and my son as he sleeps at night. There was some
discussion about putting them in the middle of the road. Is that still a viable option? If
not, I would like to know exactly where they would be located.
I was aware of the airplane and the street noise prior to pumhasing the house. Again,
without the ten-foot cushion and given the increased traffic, the traffic noise will increase
dramatically. There is really no way to correct this aspect of the construction. I would
like approval from the city to erect an arbor above the patio located on the northwest
comer of my property, ifI so desire to minimize inevitable noise disruptions. Also, it is
my understanding that traffic will not be allowed to turn leR out of Post Oak Drive. All of
that traffic will be directed in front of my house. It will be increasingly inconvenient to
exit and enter every time I leave and return. In addition, I recently extended my driveway
to allow for more parking to keep my children's vehicles off of the street. With the comer
being clipped, this increases the chances for accidents in front of the property. Some of
this could be alleviated, by allowing me to extend my driveway again to accommodate
one more vehicle. I cannot do that at this time because it is city property. If that variance
were granted, I would then have a storage issue. That could be resolved by allowing me
to erect a covered parking area with storage built in. All of which are at a cost. I would
like the option to pursue it if needed.
Lastly, in your letter you state that this acquisition of land will NOT adversely impact my
property. Given the circumstances, I think the settlement that you have offered is
inadequate. Of all of the properties on Sandy Lake road between Highway 121 and 1-35,
none have the ramifications that it does with my property. The formula you have used for
compensation does not consider the eminent challenges that I will face because of these
modifications. The value of my house has decreased by more than $25,000 compared to
those with exact floor plans in my area. I will have all of the inconveniences mentioned
and those that will occur during the actual construction. To suggest that $6,129.12 is a
fair settlement does not suggest a sincere willingness to resolve this matter. I propose we
schedule a meeting to discuss the compensatory aspect, as well as the items listed above
that have an affect on that settlement. I do not want to appear unreasonable. I ask that you
put yourself in my situation. Know that this has a significant impact on my financial and
the personal wellbeing of my family and I.
I can be reached at home at 972-462-7094 or more likely by cell at 214-718-1934. I travel
most weeks, so please give me as much notice as possible. I look forward to an amiable
solution.
Yours truly,
John Kellen
103 Oakbend
Coppell, TX 75019