Consultants presented the draft housing production plan to residents and the Select Board in a public session last week in the Toomey Room, and the board said Feb. 18 it expects the plan to be forwarded for consideration.

Board members and residents described a well-attended forum and said the draft plan sets voluntary goals for housing development rather than mandatory requirements. The board noted that adopting the plan would position Danvers to apply for state grants tied to housing goals.

Select Board members and residents raised concerns about density and the pace of growth in town, citing recent and proposed developments such as Maple Square and potential increased demand on services including water, DPW, police, fire and schools. A board member said the turnout suggested more residents are “waking up” to the impacts of growth and urged continued public engagement as the plan advances.

Staff said the housing production plan will be forwarded to the board for future action; adoption would be voluntary but could create grant opportunities and a framework for planning.

Why this matters

A housing production plan is a planning tool that sets goals and can make a municipality eligible for certain state grants and technical assistance. The plan frames local choices on density, services and infrastructure in the context of state housing policy.

What’s next

The Select Board will receive the draft plan for consideration and possible adoption; board members encouraged public participation while staff and consultants refine recommendations.