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HLC says Bracero Museum 65% complete, Rio Vista receives $1 million appropriation; commissioner faces removal for absences
Summary
Staff told the Historical Landmark Commission on May 14 that the Bracero Museum is about 65% complete and that Rio Vista received $1,000,000 in state appropriations and supporting resolutions; staff also began removal proceedings for Commissioner Maria Angeles for lack of attendance.
Commissioners received multiple updates on May 14, including construction progress at the Bracero Museum, state appropriations for Rio Vista, an active contest of a denied alfalfa-shed application, and the start of removal proceedings for Commissioner Maria Angeles over attendance.
Staff reported the Bracero Museum is roughly 65% complete after a walk-through with the mayor and the consulting team. Staff said HLC members will be scheduled for an interior tour before project closeout and that selections for wall colors, flooring and shingles have been made and samples are available.
On Rio Vista, staff said Senator Blanco and state Rep. Mary Gonzales filed measures supporting the site and that a total of $1,000,000 in state appropriations was allocated to the project this funding cycle. Staff also said federal and state resolutions in support had been received or filed: a federal resolution from Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, a Senate floor resolution for Senator Blanco, and a state representative resolution for Mary Gonzales. Staff characterized the $1,000,000 appropriation as a first step that "paves the way for more money in the future." (staff comment)
Separately, staff described an appeal/contest process for a previously denied application to construct an alfalfa shed at 649 Apodaca. The applicant has submitted a contesting application and asked for assistance to address language and technology barriers; staff said the applicant plans to submit revised designs and attend a future meeting. Staff said that if the applicant remains dissatisfied after HLC review, the appeal would move to City Council. Staff also noted the applicant has a notice of violation (NOV) for building without a COA or permit and that the matter could appear on the June meeting agenda.
On commission membership, staff said formal removal proceedings are starting for Commissioner Maria Angeles due to lack of attendance. The city clerk will prepare formal charges for attorney review and send a letter; after the waiting period the item will be placed on city council's agenda for action. Staff said the timeline could lead to formal removal by July.
Commissioners asked questions about whether nearby state-owned properties tied to the mission would affect the applicant's property; staff clarified that the applicant's parcel (649 Apodaca) is not part of the National Register listing for the original mission site and therefore is not subject to the higher-level archaeological review that applies to registered properties. Staff also explained that state involvement on state-owned properties is separate from the applicant's case.
