Galveston Landmark Commission denies curb-cut request at 514 Seventeenth Street

The Galveston Landmark Commission on Nov. 3 rejected a request to install a new curb cut and driveway at 514 Seventeenth Street after staff said the proposal failed to conform to the commission—s historic design standards.

Staff member Daniel told commissioners the request "does not conform to the design standards for historic properties" and noted that "new driveways on primary streets are inappropriate." Staff also said adding a new driveway would remove a street parking space and recommended denial.

Applicant Bob Veil, who purchased the property a few months ago, said the paved brick area behind two white gates is roughly 15 to 18 feet deep and that converting it to a driveway would improve safety and reduce front-street parking for his tenants. "All I'm doing is pulling into where those two white gates are," Veil said. "It's safety for me." He also said he plans to match existing brickwork.

Commission discussion focused on the project—s effect on the streetscape and parking, and on engineering requirements. Commissioners noted that the engineering standard cited by staff calls for 5-foot radii flares on each side of the driveway, which would translate into roughly 20 feet of curb flared or removed and would eliminate the on-street space in front of the property. One commissioner also raised concerns about maintaining the minimum required setback from a nearby fire hydrant.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness was made and seconded by Sharon Lewis, but after debate the motion failed and the request was denied.

No formal appeals or next steps were recorded on the meeting record; the commission moved on to later agenda items.