Selma mayor urges rapid action to restore historic districts, prioritizes placards and wayfinding

Mayor Kevin McAllister told the Town of Selma Appearance Commission on March 17 that the town is moving quickly to restore and display its historic resources and asked the commission to prioritize historic-structure placards, gateway signs and wayfinding designs.

“These aren’t going to be two- and three-meeting conversations,” Mayor McAllister said. “We’re moving at a rapid pace. We’re not moving at a normal government pace. We’re moving at a pace of getting business done.”

McAllister said the commission should consider ways to “quickly get our historic districts cleaned up” and to recognize notable buildings, including what he described as “the oldest surviving business building” on the east side of Railroad Street (Martin Luther King Jr. Way). He proposed installing “solid, sturdy, long lasting placards” throughout the downtown historic districts so visitors can identify and learn about historic structures.

Why it matters: The mayor framed the work as part of a broader effort to shape the town’s appearance as Selma grows and traffic increases. Commission recommendations on signs, placards and design elements could influence downtown aesthetics, tourism signage and future permit reviews.

Commission discussion…