The Danvers Planning Board convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss and approve a significant special permit for a new indoor recreation and entertainment facility at 180 Endicott Street. The application, submitted by Jeff Maguire, was officially recognized during the meeting, with the board confirming the decision was made in accordance with local zoning laws.

The special permit allows for the establishment of a "recreation/entertainment/sports facility indoor," following a thorough review of the proposal. The board evaluated several criteria, including community needs, traffic safety, utility adequacy, neighborhood compatibility, environmental impact, and potential fiscal implications. All criteria were deemed satisfied, leading to the approval of the permit.

The board outlined specific conditions for the project, including the requirement for the special permit decision to be recorded at the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds before a building permit can be issued. Additionally, the applicant must comply with conditions set forth in a memorandum from the Danvers Engineering Division dated April 16, 2025. Any significant changes to the approved plans will require further review and potential modification of the special permit.

The motion to approve the special permit was met with unanimous support from the board members, reflecting a positive outlook for the project. The chair, Louis George, expressed enthusiasm for the development, indicating a strong community interest in the new facility.

In addition to the special permit discussion, the meeting also touched on upcoming citizens' petitions for the annual town meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025, signaling ongoing community engagement in local governance. The approval of the special permit marks a notable step forward in enhancing recreational opportunities in Danvers.