Sandy Lk Cross L3-CS 890630SCH
June 30, 1989
Mr. Russell Doyle
Ci(~, Engineer
City of Coppell
POB 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
Re: Denton Tap Left Turn Lane for Sandy Lake Crossing
Dear Mr. Doyle:
Please accept this letter as our request for placement on the next scheduled meeting
of the City Council to consider the matter above. As we have indicated in recent
meetings, we feel that we have sufficiently demonstrated that the design solution we
have presented to staff represents not only a safe and convenient design solution for
left turns from north bound traffic along Denton Tap but actually is beneficial to
future potential traffic congestion that may build up at the intersection.
However, concerning some of the criteria that staff and Ginn, the city's consulting
engineer, have outlined - we offer the following comments:
1. We are not prepared to accept provisions for monitoring of traffic flow in around
the left turn lane beyond that normally accepted for any similar design solution lo-
cated elsewhere within the Metroplex, including Coppell.
2. Likewise, we are not prepared to accept criteria established for the potential
closure of the left turn lane beyond that authority which is normally exercised by
the cit.,,' when any median opening's safety becomes a legitimate concern.
3. We will be happy to have our plans for the left turn lane prepared by a
registered professional engineer who is currently registered in the state of Texas. In
fact, as we have stated on more than ()ne occasion, the design and construction
documents will be prepared by Kimley-Horn, a nationally recognized traffic en-
gineering firm.
DALLAS. [EX:AS 75202
I£I£PItON[ 214 720 0390
Mr. Russell Doyle
Page Two
4. We will not, under any circumstances, furnish to the City of Coppell, a hold
harmless and indemnity agreement in favor of the City of Coppell and Ginn, Inc.,
Consulting Engineers. We have demonstrated more than once through testimony of
our traffic engineers and through photographic evidence that the solution we have
proposed is a routine design configuration in common use throughout the
Metroplex (including Coppell) and clearly does not justify such legal constriction of
Mr. Ardinger. Arbitrarily requesting such a legally binding indemnity agreement is
beginning to suggest a certain discrimination of individual property owners.
5. Further, in specific reference to comments by Mr. John C. Karlsruher who has
indicated that this item is to be built to benefit a specific user - that is only partial-
ly true. We have clearly demonstrated in Kimley-Horn's Traffic Impact Analysis
that the median opening actually benefits traffic flow along Denton Tap and
relieves a potential future bottleneck with the Mac Donald's median opening to the
south. Such a bottleneck cz)aid eventually justify a signal - a most undesirable solu-
tion due to its proximity from the intersection.
In addition, Mr. Karlsruher suggests that the City of Coppell may be left with the
costs of the installation of the median opening. We have stated on more than one
occasion, including before members of the City Council that Mr. Ardinger is quite
willing to foot the cost of the median opening. We feel this is one more example
in a long string of examples of Mr. Ardinger's ultimate intentions for the site
as well as his level of respect and confidence for the future growth of Coppell.
As for the project failing to materialize, while respecting the dictates of the market,
the project has continued to progress precisely as it was designed as evidenced by
the sale of four parcels and the construction of the Mac Donalds and the imminent
construction of the Exxon Station and the Kentucky, Fried Chicken restaurant.
Lastly, we do not understand how this matter could possibly have any bearing on
property owners across Denton Tap. That they may not have ever installed or had
the opportunity to install similar median openings is simply because they were
never compelled to ask. It is clear to us that Mr. Karlsruher is having difficulty dis-
tinguishing between the inflexibility of existing construction and the flexibility
required in planning for future development and construction.
Mr. Russell Doyle
Page Three
Throughout this endeavor Mr. Ardinger has attempted to act in such a fashion as to
demonstrate his concern with proper development within the City of Coppell and
his relationship with that development. As a result, he does not make this request
lightly but rather has spent significant time investigating all aspects of the proposed
solution, satisfying himself that the solution represents a positive benefit for the fu-
ture development of his property and for traffic conditions along Denton Tap. We
ask that staff recognizes these factors and recommends approval.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Respectfully,
Stephen C. Hundley AIA Presidefft