In an effort to combat one of the largest complaints they hear from potential customers, operators of the Selma Walton Theater came before the Selma Historic Development Commission with a plan for a new sign, only to leave without approval.

Sharon Jackson, with the Selma Walton Theater, proposed a lighted sign that would be positioned in the front of the theater that would promote current movies showing at the theater and show times, as well as those movies coming up.

“The number one complaint we have heard from potential customers is that they are unaware of the movies we are showing and those that are coming up,” Jackson told the commission. “It is our hope to cure that through improving our signage.”

During the discussion, commission members criticized the proposed sign, saying the current design was in violation to many of the city’s historical district ordinances. Elise Blackwell, secretary of the commission and chair of Thursday’s meeting, said she could not vote for the sign in its current design, also noting she opposed the sign’s color.

In the end, the commission and Jackson agreed to work with the commission’s architectural advisors to revise the planned sign, ensuring it would both conform with the city’s ordinances and help increase theater traffic.

In December, Sharon and her husband, David, who manage the theater, renewed their lease agreement with the city.

Kay Jones, public buildings facilitator for the city of Selma, said although she was not involved in the design of the proposed sign, she did agree the theater needs a sign and hopes one can be agreed upon.