February 12, 2003

Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance from Zoning Standards to permit Bob Pagan to relocate an oversized sign for Sand Dollar Autoplex at 8020 Broadway.

Pagan, City Council Member Johnny Smecca, and Galveston Economic Development Partnership President Jeff Sjostrom were among the supporters of the variance who attended the meeting.

"We got a variance in '97 to do it," Pagan said, explaining that the new sign, part of the GM sign package, will be the same size as a sign previously approved by the ZBA.

Rebecca Jaworski, who voted for the variance, did so with reservations.

"I believe the ZBA acted improperly before in granting a variance for the sign," she said, expressing concern that the city's zoning ordinance should be observed.  "If this ordinance is inadequate, we should look to city council members about having it changed."

However, David Salyer said he supported the variance because of its location on Broadway, in an area that permits fast moving traffic, similar to a freeway.

"Not all Light Industrial zoned properties are located on a major freeway," Salyer said.  "I would not approve this sign on Broadway east of 59th Street.

The variance was the only item on the special meeting agenda.

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