January 8, 2003

Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 3-3 on a motion to approve a variance from sign regulations requested by Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.  Because there were not four affirmative votes, the motion failed.

David P. Salyer, Peggy Rapp and Rebecca Jaworski were opposed to the variance.

Gene Wadges explained that the church has services in English and Spanish and that a 46-square foot sign will allow for church information to be posted in both languages.  

“We have been loosing a lot of church members lately,” said Wadges.  "A lot of them don’t know we’re here because we don’t have a sign.”   

The church’s 52-year old sign was in bad condition and was torn down to make room for a new sign. 

“We have already paid for half of the new sign,” said Wadges.

“I would like very much for you to build that sign, but we are bound and sworn to follow the city guidelines,” said Salyer, “There is nothing about the physical condition of the property that will allow us to make the variance," explaining that "use of the sign and the reason stated" is not justification.”

Commissioner John Thiel disagreed. “I believe this is an instance where the spirit of the law prevails over the letter of the law.”

Salyer suggested that the church work to have the ordinance changed by the city council.

The board voted 4-1, with Jaworski opposed, to approve a variance of rear yard setback requirements at 3709 Q 1/2.

The board voted unanimously to approve a variance from zoning standards to combine two lots located at 3027 Avenue M and 1308 31^st Street.

All other agenda items were approved.

Willy Gonzalez and Lyda Ann Thomas were absent.

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