[{"_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",6085095,"mediaKeyId","2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28","parentId",2904853,"title","Planning Board approves 8‑unit mixed‑use building at 61 High Street amid traffic and pedestrian safety concerns","audioSeconds",1607,"startMs",2653000,"endMs",4260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28&start=2653&end=4260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28/thumbnail_2653000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6085095/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-approves-8unit-mixeduse-building-at-61-High-Street-amid-traffic-and-pedestrian-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085095-4a5cf234e8bbb5cbb4d6a0a68dd9c185/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429492&Signature=dDi7u4IWmoy-0B2rXokRYGA8Ej3kEKt5Ub9cwWCavmZpAXIBUY0CJH2-0h18DkXFfH6A2d7W3~4xE0IymW9IiIMtC7IUBSYOi7~50OHq0aaGP99YuPp6pf8ibklutlg7xsTo0RyWa7VjbHVZMdPAz0Q341cVoZUx7QfRuq6mHscDxu14tkbPpiFFMsoYPMbrYqadKTVSDZTstMXBik5mOIfcGcsGCGO6ZtlhAtO4S~YdRlkBv9Ix7uUGN-MN-yE4YlX0gvStO1Ya9xBLQBkfp5UuxXglY8SS36j0kQdUh9du84XlQxmBSQ23EP6mBhb8bWTBlJa~V3HdjcnFKkqSkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Danvers, MA","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Danvers Planning Board on April 8 approved special permits, waivers and site plan review for a three‑story, mixed‑use redevelopment at 61 High Street that will replace the existing single‑family house with roughly 965 square feet of first‑floor commercial space and eight two‑bedroom residential units above.

The board’s decision grants the requested design special permits and several waivers from the High Street Mixed Use Corridor (HSMUC) standards. Conditions require recording the decision at the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds, submission of a construction phasing and sequencing schedule prior to any demolition permit, satisfaction of the Danvers Engineering Division’s April 8, 2025 memo, installation of cementitious fiber siding on the exterior, and completion of public improvements — including a repaired sidewalk, street tree planting and any necessary repaving of portions of High Street — before a certificate of occupancy. The decision also requires payment of a transportation mitigation fee tied to net new floor area and the provision of one affordable two‑bedroom unit to be added to the state’s subsidized housing inventory.

Why it matters: the project applies a by‑right residential density permitted in the HSMUC while seeking targeted design relief (façade build‑out, street‑facing transparency and step‑back requirements). Public commenters pressed the board for additional pedestrian‑safety measures along the busy High Street/Porter Street corridor and asked that the planning board or town use the project’s transportation mitigation fee to study or fund safety improvements.

Attorney Nancy McCann, representing property owners Richard and Stacy Buccelli, summarized the project’s scope: “We are proposing 1 first‑floor commercial as well as covered parking… the Second Floor will have 4 residential units, and the Third Floor will have 4 residential units.” Jay Plakowitz of Hancock Associates described stormwater and site work, including an infiltration chamber system sized to collect roof runoff and reduce peak rates: “This will collect all the roof runoff from the building. It’ll infiltrate it within these chambers and will cut down on peak rates.”

Architect Richard Bocelli said the design takes visual cues from nearby Maple Street buildings and uses cementitious siding and PVC trim; elevations show a three‑story structure at about 31 feet, 10 inches — lower than the district maximum of 45 feet. The project provides 16 on‑site parking spaces (two per unit), of which 12 are tandem, and recognizes three existing on‑street High Street spaces as the commercial parking allocation. The applicant is providing 23% outdoor amenity space, above the 20% required by the district.

Public comment at the hearing was substantial. Amy Butler, a town meeting member and longtime crossing guard, told the board, “In less than a year, there have been three pedestrians hit on High Street in the downtown area, including two at the crosswalk right by where this proposed building's going to be. … This project adding a blind driveway and… on‑street parking… could be a very serious issue.” Several neighbors also raised concerns about snow storage, salt and possible runoff into the abutting wetland, construction vibration and potential impacts to older adjacent houses.

Board members and staff discussed those safety concerns and confirmed that the engineering review addressed stormwater and sight‑distance issues; town staff reported the stormwater calculations and infiltration system have been reviewed by engineering and will also be part of the required stormwater permit and Conservation Commission review. Planning staff noted the applicant will pay a transportation mitigation fee of $41,616 (calculated as net new square footage times $3/sq ft) and recommended the board ask staff to explore using those funds for corridor improvements. Board members asked staff to investigate whether the mitigation fund could be applied to near‑term pedestrian‑safety work for the High Street/Porter Street corridor and whether the improvements would require state as well as local approvals.

The board voted to approve the special permits and the site plan by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The decision contains standard lapse language (three years) and technical conditions requiring the monitoring and marketing of the affordable unit to meet SHI requirements.

Ending: The project advances to Conservation Commission and building‑permit steps; the board asked staff to report back on whether transportation mitigation funds can be used for targeted pedestrian/crosswalk improvements in the High Street corridor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Danvers: Planning Board Meeting: 4/8/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Danvers Planning Board on April 8 approved special permits, waivers and site plan review for a three‑story, mixed‑use redevelopment at 61 High Street that will replace the existing single‑family house with roughly 965 square feet of first‑floor commercial space and eight two‑bedroom residential units above.","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},6085100,"Planning Board approves Chick‑fil‑A site plan at Liberty Tree Mall with conditions",1782,678000,2460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28&start=678&end=2460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28/thumbnail_678000.jpg","/articles/6085100/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-approves-ChickfilA-site-plan-at-Liberty-Tree-Mall-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085100-fe587aefc2e1bee32cc1633f09794a47/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429492&Signature=myKzYYw8l3QPdGexmboh7SYBGlGEjyAH9uohkoKWW3cldykL743F5jQhjAL81WHbPB~9Y~CfcMEX49JO1Z9dsi6bS7hGvvNT5JCdXEDJB2nrU80a~e5gBuvpZZV5FTDSgrBx1VhS9IIOB~2NKJ6n8r5FUVzbIZ4JBEGZxlyLFkmszhRB3uif~30mFX~xFg3DXpS8H9bPStDLoNLoxkZfkxFvJ-ENnBiRBw3M9ObJwqOW91bcWkcAeOHtWDKCLeDkNkrP65HdieqWsqKfSvz2m8O5r1FDN5tA-TZ15YAl1XApalg~J3UaaLX-voWSMM6EpRlC8-G9u1tyvJUvX5Ucew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Danvers Planning Board on April 8 approved site plan review for a proposed stand‑alone Chick‑fil‑A restaurant with a three‑lane drive‑through at 50 Independence Way, the former Friendly Toast site within the Liberty Tree Mall.

The approval authorizes an approximately 5,100‑square‑foot restaurant with drive‑through lanes and associated site work. The board’s decision includes conditions requiring the applicant to record the decision at the registry of deeds, satisfy the Danvers Engineering Division memorandum dated April 7, 2025, and to coordinate with the owner of Liberty Tree Mall, Simon Property Group, on striping and signage. The decision also requires reassessing the condition of a section of Independence Way within 18 months and completing any necessary repairs or repaving determined by a third‑party paving consultant.

Why it matters: the project replaces an existing restaurant building with a high‑turnover fast‑food use that will change traffic patterns and reduce on‑site parking area while adding landscaping and drainage improvements.

Joey Fonseca, the project engineer representing Bowler/Boller Engineering, said the plan demolishes the existing Friendly Toast building and places the Chick‑fil‑A in roughly the same footprint with new landscaping and a reduction of impervious surface. “There is a pretty substantial reduction in impervious coverage with this site. It's about 9,000 square feet of impervious coverage,” Fonseca said, describing runoff and drainage improvements the project will include.

Board discussion focused on pedestrian safety and long‑term maintenance of the mall’s access roads. Planning staff reported recent communications with Simon Property Group indicating Simon repaved several areas in fall 2024 and expects to repave the north and south lanes at the mall entrance from Endicott Street in May 2025. The board added a condition requiring the applicant and property owner to work with Simon Property Group to reassess the condition of Independence Way between Commonwealth Avenue and the internal T intersection; if a third‑party consultant finds repairs or repaving are needed, the property owner and/or applicant must complete them within a reasonable time in consultation with town staff.

The decision also waives several submission requirements that staff judged satisfied by existing plan sheets and supporting materials. The application packet included a traffic memorandum by Bowman dated Jan. 24, 2025; architectural drawings; and a March 27, 2025 revised site plan set of 23 sheets prepared by Bowler/Boller.

The board voted to close the public hearing and approved the site plan by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The decision contains a three‑year lapse clause: approval will expire if construction has not begun within three years.

A final, municipal building permit and continued coordination with the Danvers Department of Public Works and engineering will be required; the approval specifically requires the applicant to satisfy all outstanding engineering comments in the April 7 memo before building permits are issued.

Ending: The applicant said it expects to continue coordinating remaining utility and drainage details with DPW as the project moves to permitting and construction; a specific construction timeline was not finalized at the hearing.","The Danvers Planning Board approved a site plan review for a freestanding 5,100‑square‑foot Chick‑fil‑A with drive‑thru at 50 Independence Way, adding conditions on paving, engineering requirements and a reassessment of a stretch of Independence Way.",{"_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},6085087,"Trask Lane covenant matter continued to April 22 at applicant’s request",104,282000,386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28&start=282&end=386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28/thumbnail_282000.jpg","/articles/6085087/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Trask-Lane-covenant-matter-continued-to-April-22-at-applicants-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085087-18759640b897c0a84ecff55c3840b12e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429492&Signature=XE4V4hgbXzTC9hsbxJ1OyHwNoSPBEpgjKY~8azpiCJ6a4YcHk2j5wtAAe19UrZioDRSSG~nviwSDRNVoxEVI-0nMSvmohYl0TnvdXLRyWLIz7RUQvjSPoxn-5OLQLHqwtNLXfxu9YifTErAUbvlk3s6gB5sMh6-Htvo2b~6Yv8hj~jzbkFLum2sQIxn6Y-H3UHu2tcWvS5e0uJ1G1boOJboMQ1xyFx-CS73QuUBc89UK-OrHW4vqbDt4mR~BYdGsGEQ9GCJx4Gx5SIeUhdmB7Iz9BBT5trwCbWjdIiD~HWpn1Nv1lB-JTiOpY4tGqbnFjFxwckfmDmyhJoixdLorCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the April 8 meeting the Danvers Planning Board continued consideration of a request for full release of a covenant recorded Aug. 28, 1972, affecting Trask Lane. The applicant asked for the continuance while providing additional engineering correspondence about Trask Lane road matters; the board moved, seconded and voted to continue the item to the board’s April 22 meeting.

Why it matters: the item concerns a historic covenant on a subdivision plan and requires engineering review before the board can determine whether to release the covenant.

Chair Louis George said staff is waiting for a memo or correspondence from the development team regarding an item associated with Trask Lane; the applicant requested the continuance. The board’s motion to continue was moved by \"Gene,\" seconded by Michael Deculis and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Ending: The board set the next hearing date for April 22, 2025; staff will post any additional materials when received.","The Planning Board continued a request for full release of a 1972 covenant tied to Trask Lane to its April 22 meeting while the applicant provides additional engineering correspondence.",{"_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},6085092,"Planning Board endorses ANR plan for 32 Maple Street (aka 30–36 Maple Street)",205,400000,605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28&start=400&end=605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904853-62c675f474c3b38ed09a521be2013e28/thumbnail_400000.jpg","/articles/6085092/Town-of-Danvers/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-endorses-ANR-plan-for-32-Maple-Street-aka-3036-Maple-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085092-2a7dcb79a5f9555fefc6a1c7bcc683be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429492&Signature=XIq5dbjE~WA0H3RYsWpKn~iAxF~IyyU-SdrzRGmdcwdGQAPeIucobWeZLIOiRVH-9YEtuB1zS9ZuMpahCfisvh-yQ~upnrLjx7zbmuKwCtF3tfnAnG2QQhpzHvpJvNyOm4JY65O0tMV9XsvQp0ze4A7ltF~xJzZ6KPLCrXYAyBrbUGfzbru97zmK7LFmueeyw4BNHrmdr8SDVpM0hQ9HHyeXnATXn5fZ7-eLO5e222UJmhCKd5ccFIa5U7Zq5McRsg-UbKqWC8tP3MCV6dEOT5rVsyDno7EfYn7yZcfbEUi499euXftghpWAkTH8Quv1Q8faKKEoEsRecamzk12k5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danvers Planning Board on April 8 unanimously endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) perimeter plan for property known as 32 Maple Street (also cited as 30–36 Maple Street), filed by Robert G. Scurano as trustee of J. Gabb Realty Trust.

The application was presented as an ANR perimeter plan that does not depict or create a subdivision or any change to existing lot lines; the plan shows the property’s legal boundaries for the existing lot in the Danvers Town Core (DTCC) zoning district. Trustee Robert G. Scurano told the board he has owned the property for more than 35 years and that the submission “is basically, to preserve the existing zoning.”

Chair Louis George stepped away from the dais for this item because he disclosed membership on the Danvers Historical Society, which abuts the property; Jean Hartnett served as acting chair for the ANR hearing.

Board member Tim Spittle moved to endorse the ANR; Michael Deculis seconded. The board voted in favor by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The applicant was instructed to coordinate with planning staff regarding recordation and any next steps.

Ending: The ANR endorsement finds the property not to be a subdivision as presented and allows the applicant to record the endorsed plan with the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds if desired.","The board endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) perimeter plan for 32 Maple Street (also referenced as 30–36 Maple Street), finding no lot line changes and determining the submission shows existing property lines for a single lot in the Danvers Town Core (DTCC) zoning district.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Board approves 8‑unit mixed‑use building at 61 High Street amid traffic and pedestrian safety concerns

Planning Board approves Chick‑fil‑A site plan at Liberty Tree Mall with conditions

Trask Lane covenant matter continued to April 22 at applicant’s request

Planning Board endorses ANR plan for 32 Maple Street (aka 30–36 Maple Street)