Residents press Danvers Select Board for action on Beverly Airport west-side expansion; board asks members to submit input

Residents asked the Town of Danvers Select Board on March 18 to adopt a resolution addressing what they described as ongoing expansion at Beverly Airport, particularly on the airport's west side. The concern followed a letter the resident referenced from the Massachusetts environmental regulator denying an appeal over contested conditions at the airport.

"The resolution...was requested on 12/17/2024...I've been constantly reminding the board that this is something that we need," resident Mark said in public business remarks. He told the board the Mass. Environmental Protection Agency had sent a letter stating the town's appeal had been denied and urged the Select Board to issue the resolution immediately.

Board response and next steps: The Select Board asked members to forward their written thoughts to the town manager's office; Town Manager's office staff reported that as of the meeting they had received one board response on the proposed resolution. The board did not move or adopt a formal resolution during the meeting; select members said they would continue discussing the issue and consider forming a subcommittee or other options to coordinate research and response.

Why it matters: Residents said aircraft operations and construction at the airport create traffic, noise and other local impacts. Board members and attendees noted that jurisdictional limits and state/federal authorities can constrain local remedies; the matter may require research, intergovernmental communications, or legislative input.

No formal vote or resolution was adopted at the March 18 meeting; the transcript records resident requests and a board direction to send comments to the manager's office.