ST9902-CS060720
(8/10/2007) Ken Griffin - Re: Sandy Lake / Trees
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Jim Witt
Ken Griffin
7/20/2006 1 :41 PM
Re: Sandy Lake / Trees
Nice job as usual. Thanks!
>>> Ken Griffin 7/20/2006 12:35:21 PM >>>
Mr SachsThank you for your inquiry concerning trees along Sandy Lake Road. Before I answer your exact questions, I would like to
provide some information on the project and the trees.We received our preliminary construction plans in 2001 and at that time I
begin reviewing ways to save trees. One alternative that I looked at was to eliminate the median from Denton Tap to Coppell Road
so the actual road took up less space. The problem was that it did not save very many trees and the road, without a median, would
be less safe. Without turn lanes and a median, vehicles would stop in the road to turn (this is what happens today). However, in
the future the road will be improved and the vehicles will be traveling faster creating the opportunity for an increase in rear end
accidents.The second approach I looked at was to install a portion of our trail system, on the south side of Sandy Lake, on HOA
property from Georgian Drive to Coppell Road. Relocating the trail to HOA property would potentially allow us to save numerous
trees along the south side of Sandy Lake. If the trail is installed in the right of way of Sandy Lake, all the trees along the south side
will need to be removed. We will have about 10 feet of right of way behind the curb and the trail is 10 feet wide. Therefore,
everything behind the curb has to come out to construct the trail. The trail is wider than a normal 5 foot sidewalk because it is part
of our Master Trail System for the city. The approach made sense to us/ however, the first HOA we approached was not in support
of the trail on HOA property. This is the section from Georgian Drive to Whispering Hills. I continue to work with that HOA. If they
eventually allow us on their property, then we will contact the other HOA that controls the section from Whispering Hills to Coppell
Road. It's important to note that even if we go behind the trees, some of the trees will still need to come out because of grade
changes in Sandy Lake to correct visibility issues, especially near Cottonwood Drive. But, going behind the trees does give us an
opportunity to attempt to save some trees.We also looked at planting new trees behind the current trees now so they would be
more mature when the other trees are removed. However, there is not space to plant trees behind the existing trees because the
City has a major water transmission line running about 5 feet off the front of the existing brick walls along the south side of Sandy
Lake and trees cannot be planted on or near the water line.Now for your answers: 1) The trees marked across from Albertson's
were not marked by the City. There are two developments currently proposed for that property. One has already poured their slab
and will be working on the rest of the site soon. The other development is a proposed residential development that goes along
Sandy Lake from the new concrete slab to the Verizon building and goes south behind MacDonald's and KFC all the way to the
Wynnpage subdivision. It has not received approval yet. It is being presented tonight at Planning and Zoning and if it obtains
approval it will go to Council in August. I believe that proposed development is the one who tagged the trees. Some of the marked
trees are in the city right of way and would need to be removed with the Sandy Lake widening. Both of the developments did
submit tree surveys and will be required to replant trees or pay money for the trees removed on their property. 2) The trees are
too large to be successfully transplanted.3) We have a tree pallette in our ordinance that specifies the type of tree that can be
planted. The developer can choose trees from that pallette to plant.4) We do have a landscape plan to plant trees and shrubs in
the median of Sandy Lake once it has been widened. The plan is similar to the landscaping along Sandy Lake from Denton Tap to
MacArthur. That concept has low water requirements and has been approved by Council.! would be happy to meet with you to go
over the plans for Sandy Lake at your convenience. Just contact me at the phone number or email address below.Again, thank you
for your interest in the construction of Sandy Lake Road.Ken Griffin, P. E.Director of Engineering/Public Works972-304-
3686kQriffin@cLcoooell.tx.us Good afternoon, I appreciate the widening of Sandy Lake. Let's hope it doesn't confuse people further
at 121. There are tens of full grown trees along Sandy Lake Blvd, between Denton Tap and Highway 121/ that are going to be
destroyed due to widening of the road. There are several trees on the south side of Sandy Lake, across from Albertson's with
orange ribbons. I assume these will be destroyed as well. Will they be dug up and replanted elsewhere? Are these trees to be
replaced with similar trees (Le. same size and species)? I hope that they will not be replaced with generic suburb crepe myrtles
and hedges. Is Coppell replanting the area? Is the construction company replanting the area? Thanks, Howard Sacks