Selma commission approves post-fact porch railings and expanded repainting for 201 N. Massey

The Town of Selma Appearance Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 201 North Massey Street, authorizing installation of front porch railings and painting that includes chimneys, shutters and the front door.

Planning staff told the commission that the applicant, Maranta Flipping LLC, had already installed railings and painted stair rails without realizing the property was a historic building and subsequently applied for a COA. “This is for 201 North Massey Street,” staff said, noting the applicant “added the railings and painted it without knowledge of knowing it was a historic building.” Staff recommended entering the staff report and supporting documents into the record and found the request consistent with the historic district.

Commission members examined the photos and discussed whether darker trim reflected paint or shadows. After accepting testimony and evidence into the record, a motion was reworded to explicitly include the chimneys, windows and shutters in the scope. The motion to approve the expanded painting and railing work was made by Miss McCoy and seconded by Miss Schneck; the commission responded, "Aye."

The commission also authorized the chair to sign the COA and the findings of fact when those documents are available.

The COA action follows the commission’s routine quasi-judicial process: staff presentation, applicant evidence (the applicant did not attend this hearing), acceptance of testimony and a commission vote. The file lists Maranta Flipping LLC as the applicant and staff entered a recommendation of consistency with the historic district.