Villages C P3&4-CS 950521May21,1995
Mr. Ken Griffin
City Engineer/City of Coppell
255 Parkway Blvd.
Coppell, TX 75019
Re: Official updated notice, via certified mail, to all parties concerned regarding the slope failure
behind my home located at 981 Parker Drive, Coppell, Texas
Dear Mr. Griffin:
This letter is being sent to update you on the current progression of the slope failure and
chronology of events beginning July 1994.
The portion of my backyard where the slope failure is occurring has been left in it's natural state
since the occupancy of my home September 25, 1993. All landscaping improvements have been
made to the immediate backyard bordering the house.
In July of 1994, the slope failure was most obvious in Steve and Melissa Smith's ( 977 Parker
Drive) backyard where a flat section of the lawn meeting the slope gave way. This drop translated
into a crack midpoint in my lower backyard. As the problem progressed the Smith's yard broke off'
closer to the house and the cracks in mine became slightly wider. I broke up the dirt around the
area with hand tools to fill in and level out the ground as much as possible to mitigate any
potentially dangerous situation. Since early March 1995, the situation has progressed at a rapid
rate and changes noticeably days after each rainfall. The initial cracks now mark a separation and
drop off`of up to 3 feet at the steepest part. As of May 21, 1995 there is a 3 to 2 foot drop
extending approximately 20 feet into the yard, a 1 foot drop for the next 13 feet connected to
crack for another 9 feet.
After consultation with several Geotechnical Engineers (April 1995), I have been informed that
the failure will continue and there is nothing that I can do slow it down. The property will
continue to fail unless a barrier is present to prevent the soil from receding into the creek. My
neighbors and I request that a substantial retaining wall (similar to the one which was built by
Craig Olden, engineered by Ron Reed, and paid for by the developers, Hammon Heath for house
built by Huntington Homes at 920, 924, 926 & 932 CreekCrossing, Coppell,TX ) be constructed
behind our homes. The cost would be in excess of $100,000 and my neighbors and I do not
believe that this is our financial responsibility.
During the upcoming dry season months (summer), the creek is typically at a level which would
facilitate construction of a retaining wall. Access is also currently available in a vacant lot at 973
Parker Drive. You or your representative, with proper identification are welcome to access my
property for inspection. Please leave word with my Secretary at (214) 518-6823 when you plan to
visit.
I look forward to your rapid response. This is becoming a serious situation posing risk to the
existing structure and any persons walking in the yard.
Sincerely,
This letter is being sent to the following parties:
Tipton Engineering
Reed Engineering
City of Coppell
Home and Apartment Builders Association
Westchester Homes
Grand Homes
Lakes of Coppell Home Owners Association