Commission tables West Elizabeth redevelopment and schedules site visit to clarify historic‑district jurisdiction and parking
Summary
The commission tabled consideration of a multi‑building apartment proposal at 1735 West Elizabeth Street and agreed to a site visit after commissioners and staff disagreed about whether parts of the proposal sit inside the West Brownsville historic district and about where required parking may be located.
The Brownsville preservation commission on May 16 tabled an application for new apartments at 1735 West Elizabeth Street and directed staff to set up a site visit after members raised questions about whether portions of the proposed project fall inside the West Brownsville historic district and whether on‑site parking can be located at the fronts of the buildings.
Staff and the applicant described a site with an existing mid‑century apartment building and a historic house (the “Helm’s House”) at the rear of the parcel. The proposal showed three new one‑story duplex buildings and reuse of existing units; parking arrangements on the site plan included areas between the existing and proposed structures.
Why it matters: commissioners noted that properties located within the historic district are subject to rules that typically discourage parking visible from designated frontages. The applicant and staff disagreed about whether parts of the property are inside the historic district boundary and whether existing, grandfathered parking could be used to meet parking demand for new units. Commissioners asked for a clearer site layout and for planning staff to confirm jurisdictional boundaries before the commission acts.
What happened: commissioners moved to table the item and requested a joint site visit with planning staff and the applicant so the commission could inspect driveway and parking layout, parcel frontages and existing conditions. The motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff (Debbie) will coordinate a site meeting with the applicant, planning staff and commission members to inspect the property and clarify whether the proposed parking will be consistent with historic‑district standards and the Uniform Development Code.
