The Danvers Select Board convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the community, including financial management and the acceptance of private roads as public ways.

A significant topic raised during the meeting was the growing amount of unspent funds, referred to as "free cash." One board member expressed concern that while the town's financial reserves are increasing, local taxpayers are still paying the maximum allowable real estate taxes. This situation raises questions about the balance between maintaining adequate reserves and ensuring fair tax burdens for residents. The board acknowledged the importance of addressing this issue in future discussions.

Another major agenda item was the public hearing regarding the acceptance of several private roads as public ways. Town Engineer Stephen King presented the proposal to lay out Hunt Street, Crane Street, Franklin Street, Chatham Lane, and Collin Toney Drive for acceptance at the upcoming annual town meeting. This process is crucial as it allows the town to access state funding for road maintenance and improvements. King noted that there are still 82 private streets in Danvers that could potentially be accepted as public ways, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure.

The board also addressed community concerns regarding the ongoing activities at the Danvers airport. A resident urged the Select Board to take a more active stance in supporting local residents who are frustrated with the airport's operations, particularly as they await a decision from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) regarding a hangar location.

Additionally, the board discussed the allocation of funds from the opioid settlement, which totals $1.5 million for Danvers over the coming years. The town has received a portion of these funds, which are earmarked for opioid harm reduction initiatives, but has yet to distribute the majority of the money.

As the meeting concluded, the Select Board reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these pressing issues, highlighting the importance of transparency and community engagement in local governance. The outcomes of these discussions will play a significant role in shaping the town's financial strategies and infrastructure development in the near future.