Danvers planning board reviews traffic safety concerns for new High Street development

Concerns over pedestrian safety and traffic congestion dominated the recent Planning Board meeting in Danvers, where community members voiced strong objections to a proposed development on High Street. The project, which includes eight residential units and commercial spaces, has raised alarms due to a troubling history of accidents in the area, including three pedestrian incidents in less than a year, two of which occurred at a nearby crosswalk.

Amy Butler, a town meeting member, highlighted the dangers posed by the proposed building's design, particularly a blind driveway that could exacerbate traffic issues. "This area is very congested," Butler warned, citing the presence of a gas station and fire station nearby, which already contribute to traffic chaos. She urged the Planning Board to reconsider granting special permits for the project until a comprehensive traffic safety plan is developed in collaboration with state officials, the developer, and local residents.

In response, town officials acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the project had undergone thorough review by engineering staff, who found no significant issues with the proposed design. However, they recognized the need for a broader evaluation of traffic patterns in the corridor, suggesting that the Danvers Traffic Advisory Committee might need to conduct a study to address ongoing safety concerns.

The meeting also revealed that the developer is contributing a transportation mitigation fee of over $42,000, intended for future traffic safety projects in the downtown area. Board members discussed the potential use of these funds to improve safety measures, although questions remained about how the money would be allocated.

As the Planning Board deliberates, the community remains on edge, advocating for a solution that prioritizes safety and addresses the pressing traffic issues that have plagued High Street for years. The next steps will be crucial in determining whether the proposed development can move forward without compromising public safety.