Pontiac HDC approves repairs, denies wholesale replacement at 75 Cherokee Rd.

The Pontiac Historic District Commission voted on Dec. 17 to treat the siding at 75 Cherokee Rd. as repairable and to authorize appropriate repairs rather than full replacement.

Staff presented HCC‑25‑051, which described a two‑story Arts and Crafts dwelling with first‑floor wood lap siding and cedar shake on portions of the second floor. The building inspector and staff reviewed photos and site conditions and noted that portions of the cedar shakes were concealed under asbestos siding. Staff told commissioners that, under the HDC’s siding guidelines and Secretary of the Interior/National Park Service standards, the commission must find the siding “beyond repair” before approving replacement with non‑wood products.

Commission members revisited their September site visit estimates (initially described as about 10–15% damaged). Commissioners who inspected the property said the visible deterioration did not justify full replacement. One commissioner moved and a second supported a motion that the existing siding is not beyond repair; the motion carried on a voice vote with a single recorded nay. The commission directed staff to issue a certificate of appropriateness allowing repairs that match original materials and details where feasible.

Paul, planning staff, said the COA letter would be prepared and provided to the applicant by the coming Monday or Tuesday. Commissioners said they will monitor implementation to ensure repairs meet the HDC’s material and visual‑match criteria.