[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6324658,"mediaKeyId","2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8","parentId",2336715,"title","Housing production plan presented to Danvers Select Board; consultants say adoption could unlock grant funding","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",3301000,"endMs",3511000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8&start=3301&end=3511","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8/thumbnail_3301000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324658/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Housing-production-plan-presented-to-Danvers-Select-Board-consultants-say-adoption-could-unlock-grant-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324658-7186ded03d65d93ab0489f1a8669ef09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200733&Signature=fuFFsAmLF~Q6qCmXqYyXWQ93JG5NuxaVCzrUHzHZ09a8kNQjggoIsQYpcDW7KwPk0XwyURpbHbCFvBLxTWqq-jcMee8XLC8u~KStMGQ7DCBymhNaqgJXYeAEKaCQnTDvpmlGS9KKsgjCETthZiXYSU-92wjkFQIDHX1-IQEC0cDDi9HfxGd5dsebPrycgzNMaqXxIpsdrtO-SgRDpH~~oxxoDf1Tikx0EGX6hw6MDLWLonZYT7JoJtSbo5oPxakOK4RqfKHgjec1wMsJDpwMJfkj4swjYFeU5pV6GYNg-y3DC9OTKGZH3KN30wdiGwxrS1nSn~kfsdtXGUaye1WFHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Danvers, MA","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","Consultants presented the draft housing production plan to residents and the Select Board in a public session last week in the Toomey Room, and the board said Feb. 18 it expects the plan to be forwarded for consideration.

Board members and residents described a well-attended forum and said the draft plan sets voluntary goals for housing development rather than mandatory requirements. The board noted that adopting the plan would position Danvers to apply for state grants tied to housing goals.

Select Board members and residents raised concerns about density and the pace of growth in town, citing recent and proposed developments such as Maple Square and potential increased demand on services including water, DPW, police, fire and schools. A board member said the turnout suggested more residents are “waking up” to the impacts of growth and urged continued public engagement as the plan advances.

Staff said the housing production plan will be forwarded to the board for future action; adoption would be voluntary but could create grant opportunities and a framework for planning.

Why this matters

A housing production plan is a planning tool that sets goals and can make a municipality eligible for certain state grants and technical assistance. The plan frames local choices on density, services and infrastructure in the context of state housing policy.

What’s next

The Select Board will receive the draft plan for consideration and possible adoption; board members encouraged public participation while staff and consultants refine recommendations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Danvers: Select Board Meeting - 2/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants presented a draft housing production plan Feb. 17 in the Toomey Room; the plan establishes goals and is not mandatory, but adoption could make Danvers eligible for state grant programs. The public session drew a larger crowd than a prior June event and produced concerns about density and rapid growth.","taxTitle","Town of Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",56467,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324661,"Danvers board clarifies snow-removal rules, hydrant responsibilities and asks staff to review ADA guidance",352,2895000,3247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8&start=2895&end=3247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8/thumbnail_2895000.jpg","/articles/6324661/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Danvers-board-clarifies-snow-removal-rules-hydrant-responsibilities-and-asks-staff-to-review-ADA-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324661-d389f3a38d20418ebb127cd1e70daf68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200733&Signature=juxzUp51H0NwLfoHwpm8KcVPqQmhWuEWJ0sBwV2qmgFXGELaKGlvqsjH2pAFORon4WFp8yvfEGwZNs1xqjpO7REpdK5xagI~RPcNA4qzmuyf2rZEpdjpoV8amZ1dVM7pxPHJrh2zR3DjxfKUDS8reKNlit44lw3prfiLqDhLwqy8HTl-N-Hj002-Fpm2KHf-zfjo-w7gq7B1f0eQs0beMCDKX-mRyJrF5RUwRcT~POX3pAQe~VLzSNzlumnT6G5Dt4r6k9ieGeCgz8EMaMovZCG97gqov9t6OCNFjZ3s-7qwPAhMzeEoFa2ctyYd6bWSRXqiKJt25zGs4k16qxyFEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Select Board members on Feb. 18 clarified that there is no statewide law requiring residents to clear sidewalks after snow; rather, state law allows municipalities to adopt bylaws that can impose such requirements.

The board relayed information from the fire chief and acting DPW director explaining local practice for clearing fire hydrants and sidewalks. The fire department said hydrants are overseen by the water department but that fire crews and DPW will clear inaccessible hydrants by hand or with equipment when necessary. The town uses GIS maps to help residents locate nearby hydrants, the manager said, and residents were urged to “adopt” the hydrant and sidewalk nearest them to ensure accessibility.

“I wondered about what our responsibilities are as a municipality related to accessibility with snow removal,” said Amy Velasquez, an Accessibility Commission member who spoke in the meeting’s public-comment period. The board asked town staff to research recent state and federal ADA guidance and report back.

Town officials also acknowledged resident concerns about liability when individuals clear sidewalks and the potential for private plow contractors to bury hydrants inadvertently. A Town Meeting member asked whether the town would assume liability if a resident cleared snow and someone later was injured; the board said it would take that question for follow-up with legal counsel.

Why this matters

Cleared sidewalks and accessible routes affect emergency access, pedestrian safety and compliance with disability-access requirements. Hydrant access is a public-safety issue for firefighting.

What’s next

Staff will research state statutory authority on snow-removal bylaws and recently released ADA guidance and report to the Select Board at a future meeting. The town manager said the fire department and DPW will continue to coordinate responses after major storms and to use social media and GIS maps to encourage residents and businesses to clear hydrants and sidewalks proactively.","Select Board members said Feb. 18 there is no state law requiring individual residents to clear sidewalks; municipalities may adopt bylaws. The fire department and DPW described how hydrant clearing is handled, and the town will research recently issued ADA guidance on sidewalk access after snow events.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324662,"Danvers downgraded from AAA to AA+ by S&P; town manager cites pension and OPEB liabilities",344,2251000,2595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8&start=2251&end=2595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8/thumbnail_2251000.jpg","/articles/6324662/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Danvers-downgraded-from-AAA-to-AA-by-SP-town-manager-cites-pension-and-OPEB-liabilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324662-303187092d51f24765d067e449255da6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200733&Signature=dpTsIjst2SnYeRh8qdnIl9kgbJLogxIEMwmoL2cODkyLK5gc0JV3TRXfICyLuBJ7thh6wqlaKUjFjvwwkTymkTMyx0Jayiv-wQVECpF4hfDammNQIG1SsDSjf6ftWBq4hlZfeNw23kD~dfcenNmuwnxhMNI1-FgW7Cb36rFaEQwmNpZ2aqTacLXHxt2bo4kVEWnLai4drRB6XHWA63KkbgXRCD6Ow67xWjGOT~r0ILJ~GG1Se9Jugv~ao-FF~yPrMZwivaSbTsGMquivrLkYvlOKQEjcTRiW~dfeLXGZpsuk4YKXwgHc53jm320DpRgEt4znpIWiUkxvbvCe8ly8FQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rodney, the town manager, told the Select Board Feb. 18 that S&P Global Ratings revised its U.S. municipal rating methodology and that the town’s score was lowered from AAA to AA+.

“The change in methodology placed greater weight on pension and OPEB liabilities, and as a result we were moved back down to double A plus,” Rodney said. He told the board that S&P preserved Danvers’ scores for financial management, budget performance and reserves but judged long-term liabilities to be a limiting factor.

Rodney said the downgrade is frustrating but that the town has no major financing needs immediately on the horizon. The largest recent project, the Smith School, was bonded while the town held AAA and locked favorable long-term rates. The manager said planned and potential projects in the near term — smaller water and sewer work, a possible school roof, and rehabilitation or replacement of a DPW facility — are not expected to trigger borrowing that would be materially affected in the short term.

Board members asked what the downgrade means for the town’s fiscal strategy and whether S&P’s change in methodology incorporated forecasted growth. Rodney said the downgrade reflects a methodology change rather than specific new local weaknesses, and that S&P assigned a stable outlook. He said the town will continue to strengthen reserves, follow best financial practices and fund pension and OPEB obligations according to long-term plans. Rodney noted the town’s pension plan is scheduled to be fully funded in 02/2035 and that the town makes annual contributions to an OPEB trust to lower that liability.

When asked whether accelerated paydown of liabilities would be possible, Rodney said choices to speed liability reduction would likely require service reductions or other trade-offs and that staff would not recommend actions that unduly impaired services.

Why this matters

Bond ratings affect municipal borrowing costs and investors’ perceptions of fiscal stability. A downgrade can increase the cost of future borrowing and may affect how rating agencies view long-term liabilities such as pensions and OPEB.

What’s next

Rodney recommended continuing current fiscal practices: maintaining reserves, prudent budgeting and continuing scheduled contributions to pension and OPEB funds. The Select Board discussed ways to support those efforts and asked staff to continue reporting on long-term liability reduction strategies and potential impacts on future projects.","Town Manager Rodney told the Select Board Feb. 18 that S&P Global Ratings revised its methodology and downgraded Danvers from AAA to AA+ largely because of pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities. Rodney said the town’s reserves and financial management remain strong and the downgrade carries a stable outlook for now.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324663,"Select Board appoints Todd Dienstatt to Beverly Airport Commission as residents press noise, safety questions",1631,604000,2235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8&start=604&end=2235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2336715-038d56e1650915896b9bc515c77fb2c8/thumbnail_604000.jpg","/articles/6324663/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Select-Board-appoints-Todd-Dienstatt-to-Beverly-Airport-Commission-as-residents-press-noise-safety-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324663-ee7da80311f768f5b5f3680d41e12557/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200734&Signature=osD09Ju3Zvp8gcgcsEm6aMGpKT9cffWgU8SMDuL1~yaGb4lufiqpmNQXD24x5iCOcUJdYX0LroUZsHt~tCKfpSdY~sJdlmPkLJtO-U-KEkWEyJMUkgl~2sz1QqHbUdWvfz7~UZXP7qGKt7Y9Vt9VDv2tAUoPq5q-s8NlObON9ZiBBqUHZl1ayjkrdZfhItEtqXs9pFKsaMGKnoIpi-HV4oLZXcq~ezfpeBHXTb-SLTja2fO24icxBugDpNi5vL0lcFjf0lWJACaV2pBlofQE1JvTLV5~EzaCt9odJgbGALUyjv2pMoIyBavJmrUNa5zcVj1lMligyVm3qi8xThqxnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danvers Select Board voted unanimously Feb. 18 to recommend Todd Dienstatt to the Beverly Airport Commission, filling the vacancy left by Aaron Henry.

Dienstatt, who described himself as a Danvers resident with 40 years of professional flying experience, told the board he would emphasize safety, security and communication between the commission and Danvers residents. “I’ve finished 40 years of professional flying,” Dienstatt said during his presentation, adding that he recently completed FAA security training and became an instructor.

The recommendation was the culmination of a public discussion that included multiple residents pressing the board to use its two appointed seats to press Beverly and federal authorities on noise, runway work and other airport impacts. Bill Bradstreet, a Town Meeting member, asked whether the airport plans to lengthen the runway “by 300 feet on either end,” a point he said residents have heard and want clarified. Bradstreet also urged the board to pursue federal, state and local steps to protect neighbors from noise and vibration, saying some residents have considered leaving Danvers because of airport impacts.

Select Board members questioned Dienstatt on how he would balance Beverly’s authority over the airport with Danvers residents’ concerns. Dienstatt said his experience at other airports and with aviation organizations would let him gather data and examples of best practices to present to the commission and to residents. “I know where to find the information,” he said.

Board members praised Dienstatt’s aviation and safety background and his willingness to reach out and learn. One member said Dienstatt had been candid in acknowledging “he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know” and noted that quality of experience could help him serve as Danvers’ liaison to Beverly.

The board moved to recommend Dienstatt to the Beverly City Council, which has final authority over the airport commission seats; the motion was seconded and passed 5–0. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to Beverly for formal appointment.

Residents who spoke urged Danvers to use its two appointed seats to press for more data and enforcement on noise abatement, to seek clarity on proposed pavement or runway changes, and to pursue measurements of noise exposure (65 DNL and other metrics) in the town’s impacted neighborhoods.

Several residents said they want the Select Board to form a local community advisory group to gather neighborhood concerns and support the town’s two commissioners on the Beverly commission. Board members asked staff to examine the legal framework governing the two seats — which, staff said, were codified by the Beverly City Council — and to prepare options for future meetings.

The appointment followed routine business earlier in the meeting: the board approved the minutes for Feb. 4 and adopted the consent calendar by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve minutes of Feb. 4: approved by voice vote (all in favor; no opposed) — motion and second recorded; tally not broken out by name in the record.
- Motion to recommend Todd Dienstatt to the Beverly Airport Commission to fill Aaron Henry’s seat: approved 5–0. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Beverly City Council for final action.
- Motion to adopt the consent calendar: approved by voice vote (all in favor; no opposed).

Why this matters

Danvers has two seats on the nine-member Beverly Airport Commission but does not control the airport; Beverly operates the facility and codified the two-seat arrangement. Residents near the airport have repeatedly raised noise, safety and environmental concerns, and the Select Board’s recommendation shapes who will represent Danvers interests in discussions with Beverly, the FAA and other authorities.

What’s next

The Select Board asked staff to forward Dienstatt’s name to the Beverly City Council and to compile ordinance language and other documentation on the two-seat arrangement. Board members also discussed convening a local advisory group to collect neighborhood input and support the town’s commission representatives.

Sources and provenance

Evidence for appointment and discussion appears in the Select Board transcript beginning with the board’s introduction of applicants and public comment on the airport (transcript block starting “At at this time, we're gonna hear from 2 candidates for the Beverly Airport Commission…”) and concluding with the motion, second and vote to recommend Dienstatt (transcript block ending with the board’s confirmation and applicant acknowledgment).","The Danvers Select Board voted 5-0 Feb. 18 to recommend Todd Dienstatt to fill a Danvers seat on the Beverly Airport Commission. Residents raised long-running concerns about noise, runway work and leaded aviation fuel; Dienstatt emphasized his safety and security experience and said he would act as a link between the airport and neighbors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Housing production plan presented to Danvers Select Board; consultants say adoption could unlock grant funding

Danvers board clarifies snow-removal rules, hydrant responsibilities and asks staff to review ADA guidance

Danvers downgraded from AAA to AA+ by S&P; town manager cites pension and OPEB liabilities

Select Board appoints Todd Dienstatt to Beverly Airport Commission as residents press noise, safety questions