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Commission approves verification request for 1808 Avenue K under historic rehabilitation tax‑exemption program
Summary
The commission voted to recommend verification that work at 1808 Avenue K meets the substantial rehabilitation requirements for the historic‑property tax‑exemption program and will forward the request to City Council; staff reported an apparent discrepancy between the program threshold and the expenditure figures in the packet.
The Galveston Landmark Commission voted to approve a verification request for 1808 Avenue K that the property meets the requirements of the city’s substantial rehabilitation historic‑properties tax‑exemption program and to forward the verification to City Council for final action.
Staff (Kathryn) summarized the application and told commissioners the program’s participation threshold was $338,000. The staff report listed documented contractor expenditures of $170,000 for repairs, roofing and new systems and an applicant estimate of $64,000 in sweat equity. The packet states the applicant exceeded the program threshold; the figures in the staff summary (documented $170,000 + estimated $64,000 sweat equity = $234,000) are less than the stated $338,000 threshold. Staff nevertheless recommended approval, and City Council will consider final verification at its April 24 meeting.
Applicants Mike Greer and Bobby Greer described purchasing the house three years ago, doing extensive restoration work to match original moldings and exterior railings, and characterizing the project as “a labor of love.” Mike Greer said they tried to preserve historical accuracy, including color research, and that the neighborhood reaction has been positive.
A commissioner moved to approve the verification with staff recommendations; there was no second, the commission proceeded to a vote and approved the motion by unanimous voice vote.
The staff report included before‑and‑after photographs and summarized eligible expenditures; staff noted that City Council has final authority to grant the tax‑exemption verification.
