The Salida City Council last night overturned a Historic Preservation Commission decision regarding an awning at the newly remodeled Manhattan Hotel in downtown Salida.
The commission denied the outdoor awning because Manhattan Hotel owner Ray Kitson did not apply for permission before construction and the awning distracts from a ghost sign on the building.
Kitson said the best way to protect historical buildings in town is to run a successful business, which he has done.
The vote to overturn the Historic Preservation decision was tied at 3-3 with council members Harald Kasper, Dan Shore and Alisa Pappenfort voting for reversal. Jane Templeton, Mike Pollock and Justin Critelli voted against reversal.
Mayor P.T. Wood broke the tie voting for reversal, saying that he thought the commission’s decision was based on a personal bias against Kitson.
