Commission tables restoration and accessibility work at 1904 East Taylor, asks applicant for basic drawings

The Brownsville preservation commission on May 16 tabled an application from homeowners seeking restoration work and an accessibility ramp at 1904 East Taylor, asking the applicants to return with basic drawings and structural details.

Applicant Angelita Garcia spoke on behalf of her mother, who is bed‑bound and uses a wheelchair, and said the family sought a reroof, replacement siding, a wider entry and a ramp to allow her mother to access the house more easily. Staff and commissioners responded that a roof and window repairs alone could likely be approved, but that adding an accessibility ramp and widening a door requires a clearer plan and, because of visible sagging in the porch beam, probably structural review.

What staff asked for: Commissioners recommended the applicant submit simple site and elevation sketches that show the proposed door widening (36‑inch clear opening), ramp location and column/beam repairs or new column details. Roberto Ruiz advised the commission that the porch beam appears to be sagging and recommended adding properly sized columns or asking a structural engineer to specify repairs; commissioners also suggested treated lumber for replacement and an engineered jack‑up where termites have damaged the existing supports.

Decision: The public hearing was closed and the commission voted to table the item. Staff and applicant agreed the next submission should be a modest set of drawings sufficient for staff and commissioners to evaluate the ramp and structural approach.

Next steps: Applicant will return with basic drawings and details showing the ramp geometry, door width and column/beam support approach for staff review and the commission’s next hearing.