Coppell City Council denied a zone change request that would have allowed for seven lots on 0.946 acres of land located at the southwest corner of Main Street and West Bethel Road. Three of the proposed lots were to be mixed-use office and residential, two for mixed-use retail and residential, one retail building and one parking lot, according to the Dec. 13 agenda item.
Two motions were made for an amendment, both failed 3-4. The zone change request was ultimately denied after a 3-4 vote, with council members Kevin Nevels, Cliff Long and Don Carroll voting in favor.
The development would have needed to remove the existing buildings at the site, which included the former Coppell Baptist Church. The buildings are noted in the Historic Resource Survey but are not listed on the state or federal registries for historic buildings, according to the agenda item.
Coppell’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change with conditions Nov. 17.
A public hearing was held prior to the Dec. 13 council vote. A number of residents spoke in favor or in opposition of the proposed development. Many of the speakers in favor said the area is in need of change and Old Town needs more foot traffic. Those in opposition cited a desire to save the church and other buildings from demolition because of its historical significance and the need to preserve Old Town Coppell’s character.
Developer Chris Collins said he did not intend to demolish the church, but relocate it, if possible.
Nevels said the Old Town area needs a jolt and expressed support for the development.
“We’ve got to start doing something. As it sits right now, it’s not quite the oomph that I think some people are looking for,” he said. “What I see is a developer who is investing in Old Town, who is trying to step up and put money into the development and really get some things going down there.”
Council members Mark Hill and Brianna Hinojosa-Smith said foot traffic is needed in Old Town Coppell but opposed office space.
“We’re at a crossroads in Old Town,” Hill said. “The city has made a significant investment in the development of Old Town. A certain critical mass is needed down there. We need retail and restaurant on the first floor of any buildings that are there.”
