The Historic District Commission approved an application to replace an existing rear deck with a new covered porch and steps, add a bluestone patio and walk, construct an outdoor fieldstone fireplace and install a low fieldstone retaining wall and lighting at 860 People Avenue.

Jack Fransen, representing homeowners Andrew and Laura Grayson, presented site plans showing the work located at the rear of a Victorian house. The proposal replicates existing porch posts and railing details to match the main house, uses synthetic slate roof tiles to match existing polychrome roofing (product called "EchoStar"), and specifies lead-coated copper snow guards, gutters and leaders. The retaining wall will use New England fieldstone laid in horizontal coursing; the fireplace will also be native fieldstone and the patio and walks will be bluestone.

Commission discussion covered height and setback questions. Commissioners confirmed the retaining work and fireplace would clear the side-yard setback in the R-3 zone; the applicant said the fireplace beginning is about 23 feet from the property line and the side-yard setback is 15 feet. Commissioners had no further questions and no letters for or against the application were filed. The commission voted to approve the proposal as submitted.