TOP STORY
SOUTH BELT LINE RECONSTRUCTION ZONE South Belt Line Road is a major thoroughfare in Coppell. The project’s scope includes the replacement of existing pavement, intersection enhancements and more.
support those businesses, such as Belt Line Bingo, which encourages patrons to visit a number of busi- nesses located along or near the con- struction zone for the chance to win a prize. The council also approved two business assistance grant programs: the Coppell Business Rent/Mortgage Assistance Grant Program and the Coppell Business Revenue Recovery Assistance Grant Program. The Coppell Business Rent/Mort- gage Assistance Grant Program launched in May and is designed to assist small businesses that have endured inancial distress due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can receive a one-time grant up to $10,000. Due to an overwhelming response, council dedicated an addi- tional $1.8 million to the program. “That was wonderful that they allowed any business to apply for it,” Valentine said. “It helped us meet payroll. I was very, very grateful to receive it.” The Coppell Business Revenue Recovery Assistance Grant intends to speci ically aid businesses nega- tively impacted by the reconstruc- tion project, Director of Community Development Mindi Hurley said during an Oct. 11 presentation. The council identi ied approx- imately 70 businesses along Den- ton Tap Road and South Belt Line Road that are located between I-635 and Sandy Lake Road. Applica- tions opened Aug. 25 for businesses located directly in the construction zone and Sept. 8 for surrounding businesses. The council went on to approve expanding eligibility to businesses located north of Sandy Lake Road. Recipients can receive a one-time
CONTINUED FROM 1
SOUTHWESTERN BLVD.
The project is anticipated to meet its summer deadline, Garza said. Business effects Business owners impacted by Cop- pell’s South Belt Line reconstruction project over the past several months will continue to receive inancial assistance as the project enters its inal stages. The major project has negatively impacted many of the businesses located near and along the con- struction zone, Valentine Premier Construction owner Kristi Valentine said. Construction has affected the ability for people to ind and easily access businesses in the area, Valen- tine said. Valentine’s company is located at 598 S. Denton Tap Road. While the of ice is not in the heart of the con- struction zone, businesses like hers that are located south of Sandy Lake Road have been affected by traf ic changes and alternate routes driv- ers must take to reach her of ice and surrounding businesses. Businesses located directly in the construction zone are suffering, Val- entine said. “My friend, she’s a physical thera- pist, and she’s over there right in the heart of it. Her business is hard to nd in the rst place. [People] couldn’t get to her even if they knew where she was,” she said. “The guy that owns that little Shell, … he told my husband that business was down 25%.” Assisting small businesses affected by the construction has been a priority, according to Coppell of icials. There are programs and incentives available to speci ically
E . B E L T L I N E
AIRLINE DR.
40K+ Cars per day
$18.6M Project cost
COPPELL
70+
$2.75M Investment from city to aid businesses
WRANGLER DR.
Businesses impacted by construction
WHAT’S NEXT
The South Belt Line reconstruction project is scheduled to nish by this summer. 2021 October Planned construction start date 2022 February Construction begins on South Belt Line Road November First phase of construction completed 2023 May Projected completion of second phase Summer Projected construction completion
E D
V IDENDDR.
635
N
SOURCE: CITY OF COPPELL COMMUNITY IMPACT
possible to increase accessibility and coordinating with businesses. While businesses can bene t from city funding, Valentine said people must patronize local businesses as well. “We really need to support and frequent our local businesses,” she said.
grant of $5,000 awarded on a irst- come, irst-served basis. A total of $2.75 million has been allocated by council for the two grants, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, according to the presentation. Applications for both programs will remain open until Jan. 31 or until funds are depleted. Garza said construction crews are keeping driveways as open as
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
Every legislative session is an education session.
Join us to get engaged in supporting our teachers, students, and schools.
Visit us at RaiseYourHandTexas.org
Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook