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Heated debate in Pontiac HDC over re-siding at 75 Cherokee; porch and deck work approved, siding decision tabled
Summary
Commissioners approved reconstruction of a porch and rear deck and repair of window trim at 75 Cherokee, but after a lengthy, split debate they tabled a proposed wholesale siding replacement with fiber cement pending neutral expert assessments and legal review of an indemnification clause.
Commissioners at the Pontiac Historic District Commission on a contested application approved several specific repairs at 75 Cherokee but declined to decide on a homeowner—s request to replace the home—s exterior siding with fiber‑cement products.
Staff presented a multipart application for 75 Cherokee that included reconstruction of a north side porch using original fieldstone posts, reconstruction of the rear deck and staircase, repair of deteriorated window trim and a request — conditioned on the commission finding the siding "beyond repair" — to replace cedar-shake and wood lap siding with fiber cement. Paul, planning staff, also read a draft hold‑harmless/indemnification motion prepared by the law department to protect the city in the event previously installed unpermitted windows later require removal and cause damage to newly approved siding.
Homeowner James Manches said he had sought contractors on historic‑preservation lists and supplied a letter from Bloomfield Construction arguing that…
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