Old and new clashed again inside city council chambers Wednesday night as members of the Natchez Historic Preservation Commission received public comment about the use of vinyl siding on historic structures.

The city’s historic preservation guidelines are based on U.S. Department of Interior guidelines, and both hold a strong disapproval of vinyl siding for several reasons.

Not only does vinyl siding detract from the &uot;historic character&uot; of the structure, opponents say, it lowers the resale value of the home, accelerates deterioration of the covered wooden siding and immediately damages the original wooden siding.

City Planner David Preziosi said a large majority of the requests that come before the commission are home or business owners wanting to install siding on their buildings because it is cheaper than painting, it is more attractive than peeling paint and it is easier to maintain than paint.

The commission has historically looked at requests for installation of vinyl siding on a case-by-case basis, but because some applicants have perceived that policy as unfair, the commission called a public hearing before making a decision.

Clifton McCarstle, who owns a vinyl installation business, explained to commission members the benefits of the paint alternative.

&uot;I’m just giving you food for thought when you make your decision,&uot; McCarstle said.

McCarstle said the popular complaint that vinyl siding causes the covered wooden siding to rot at a quicker pace is only true if the siding is installed incorrectly.

&uot;Anything that is done improperly is going to create problems later on,&uot; he said.

McCarstle urged the commission to agree on a formal policy for vinyl siding and create &uot;legal ramifications&uot; for those people who do not follow the policy.

Lamont Rowe agreed with McCarstle on the benefits of vinyl siding, but Rowe said he hopes the commission will continue to look at applications separately.

&uot;One size does not fit all,&uot; Rowe said.

Speaking in opposition of vinyl siding, Neal Varnell said painting, if done correctly, can last for more than 10 years, while vinyl siding can cause deterioration that can go unnoticed for years.

Gary Houm, who helped write the Interior’s guidelines, said preservation, not economics, should be the deciding factor.

&uot;The issue is very simply historic character,&uot; Houm said.

Charles &uot;Chick&uot; Graning said economics should be considered, because if vinyl siding is prohibited, homeowners will not be able to afford to have their homes painted.

&uot;You’re going to end up with a very visible structure that is peeling paint,&uot; Graning said.

Chairman Marty Seibert said the commission will consider the comments in its attempt to adopt some kind of policy, but &uot;I can’t say that’s going to happen.&uot;