Residents oppose new development on Hyde Street citing traffic and safety concerns

The Town of Danvers Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on December 2, 2024, focused on significant community concerns regarding a proposed development at the intersection of Hyde and Pine Streets. Residents expressed strong opposition to the project, citing issues related to parking, traffic, and neighborhood safety.

One resident raised alarms about the parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas, particularly those carrying potentially hazardous materials. This has led to frustration among neighbors, who feel that their complaints to the transportation committee have gone unaddressed. The resident highlighted ongoing issues with expired vehicle registrations and the lack of enforcement from local authorities.

Concerns were also voiced about the proposed development's impact on traffic patterns. Residents fear that increased traffic from both residential and delivery vehicles will exacerbate existing problems on Hyde Street, which lacks sidewalks in many areas and has a speed limit that residents believe is too high. The speaker noted that speeding has become a serious issue, with some drivers treating the road like a racetrack.

Another resident, Pat Fraser, provided historical context about the area, noting that the proposed access point for the development has never been used for commercial traffic and is currently obstructed. Fraser questioned the legitimacy of claims that the development would lead to increased commercial activity, arguing that the neighborhood has a history of working collaboratively with developers to maintain community standards.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the town's responsiveness to their concerns. Many expressed a desire to preserve green spaces and prevent further development that could strain local resources, including schools and water supplies. The sentiment was clear: residents are calling for a halt to new developments until existing issues are resolved.

As the meeting concluded, it was evident that the Zoning Board of Appeals would need to carefully consider these community concerns before making any decisions regarding the proposed project. The residents' strong opposition signals a critical moment for local governance and community engagement in Danvers.