My take of this situation is that the neighbors have had their views blocked by the additional construction, this has led to complaints about anything and everything possible. I have so far fielded official complaints about setbacks, zoning, bad driving, bribery, the homes proximity to a fire hydrant, encroachment, loss of privacy, blocked parking, proximity of the temp electric service to the fire hydrant, the type of music played, the volume of music, walking outside of the property lines, unlawful construction, unlawful demolition, impoliteness, parking a travel trailer at the site, construction vehicles on City property and working to early or working to late in the day. Appropriateness of the siding is just the current complaint. The complaining property owners are affluent out of towners that vacation in our town. The owner of the project is doing the work himself with contractor friends and employees. The type of creosote, is not the tar kind. The planks look light brown. The smell was unpleasant and persistent, at first.
The neighbors are asserting that the siding is a fire danger and that the odor is unhealthy to breathe.
His plans called for board and batten siding. The finish was not stipulated or required.
The resawn siding really does fit nicely with our historic district, in my opinion. I am convinced that sealer on the outside of the siding will abate any residual odor. One of the scrappy neighbors have a retaining wall that is next to the construction site, it is built of creosoted railroad ties and they don't put out an odor.
