At a meeting of the Natchitoches Historic District Commission, members voted to allow gravel for the existing driveway at 208 Poet Street and to permit repainting in the same white-and-green color combination, while reserving judgment on a rear outbuilding that a contractor described as "in really bad shape."

Devonya Price, a realtor for Cane River Realty who said she manages the property for the owner Frank Griffin, told the commission, "So what he wishes to do is to make an Airbnb or VRBO," and cited a prior, successful short-term rental conversion at 119 Sydney as precedent. Price said the applicant plans to use the same decorative rock used at 119 Sydney for the driveway and would like to install it on the right-hand side of the house and partially in the rear to avoid street parking.

A commission member noted the rear building is "a major contributing structure in our historic district. It dates back to 1910," and said that, based on photographs provided, it appears salvageable. Price said a contractor who inspected the building characterized it as being in poor condition, and responded that she would collect several contractor estimates and documentation for the commission before any demolition is considered.

Commissioners clarified that they were not taking action on the rear outbuilding that night and limited their decision to the driveway material and the repainting request. A motion to approve the application "to the extent that we're approving the gravel for the existing driveway and for the paint as set for the application" was moved by Mr. Donahoe and seconded by Mr. Wilson; the motion was called and passed with those present voting aye.

The commission authorized the applicant to begin work on the approved driveway and repainting and encouraged Price to return with contractor quotes and supporting documentation regarding the rear building if contractors conclude it cannot be repaired. The chair also noted a separate application by Nicole Johnson involving a color change must return in January with Johnson present for consideration.