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Signed, sealed, debated: Proposed Main Street Coppell sign causes some business owners to voice concerns
By Marthe Stinton, mstinton@starlocalnews.com
Old Town Coppell has been garnering attention for the past several months. First as plans, next as a construction zone and now, as it is nearing completion, some business owners are fearful a proposed sign could derail the city's efforts for an "old-style Texas square."
Joe Shirley, owner of Bethel Road Barber Shop in Old Town Coppell, said the city hasn't provided enough information to residents regarding the proposed sign.
"The notice sent to property owners regarding the proposed zoning ordinance request for signage for the entry feature at the corner of Bethel Road and Main Street provides no real information to property owners about what is proposed," Shirley said.
"For reference, the Bethel Road Barber Shop just across the street to the north is 12 feet high, from ground to peak of the roof, and 12-feet wide from wall to wall across the front," Shirley said. "Therefore, the proposed billboard would very nearly be the size of the entire front elevation of the barber shop."
The sign would have "Main Street" written in exposed green neon lights and "Coppell" in red neon lights, giving what developer Greg Yancey calls a "vibrant, energizing look." Shirley disagrees.
"I believe that the size of the sign and the neon lights, which are allowed nowhere else in Coppell, are totally out of character for an old town area and instead look like they belong in an amusement park," Shirley said.
Yancey said developers and the city are combining finances and efforts to elevate Coppell's downtown, shopper-friendly status, but are faced with a handful of business owners who do not like the plans.
"They have complained that they aren't getting enough parking, about construction, about Darling Homes and about everything down here," Yancey said. "I honestly do not understand why surrounding businesses would be upset that their area is being so greatly enriched by the city's investment and by a private developer's investment.
"When you own real estate and someone is going to come in across from you and put in a $35 million project, I'm really dumbfounded as to why that would upset someone, particularly when you own an office or a retail establishment."
Shirley said the city removed two retail businesses, which were at the location of the Main Street entry feature on Bethel Road, by eminent domain.
"The developer has stated that he needed the entry feature to advertise two potential restaurants at the south end of Main Street," Shirley said. "Businesses along Bethel Road have been cannibalized to promote proposed businesses in another area."
Clay Phillips, Coppell City Manager, said contrary to Shirley's complaints, the city has received immense support from its residents.
"We wouldn't have worked on this project and made this investment -- emotionally and time-wise and financially -- had we not thought it was more than worth our while," he said. "It wouldn't have happened had there not been an interest in part of the community or without interest on the part of the city itself. Because it is off the beaten path, it's not on Belt Line or Denton Tap where the majority of the traffic is, so you have to go create the reason for going down there in first place."
Tony Moline, president of the Coppell Chamber of Commerce, agrees.
"I think before [the project] was here people were used to the status quo," he said. "In my opinion it helps businesses right now. We are excited that Old Town Coppell will continue to grow. The Chamber is looking forward to seeing new businesses come in and are looking forward to the diversity of those businesses."
The city will hold a public hearing regarding the project on Thursday July 19. For information, visit ci.coppell.tx.us.
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