Danvers select board demands action on Beverly Regional Airport noise and pollution issues

The Select Board meeting held on April 15, 2025, in Danvers, Massachusetts, focused on addressing community concerns regarding the operations of Beverly Regional Airport. The meeting began with a resolution that had been prepared for review, which was read into the public record by a volunteer member of the board.

The resolution highlighted several key issues raised by residents, including complaints about excessive noise and pollution from aircraft activity, particularly during early morning and late night hours. The board noted that these issues have negatively impacted the quality of life for many residents. Additionally, there was concern that the airport had not acted swiftly enough to transition to unleaded aviation fuel, which has further frustrated the community.

The resolution called for immediate actions from airport management to mitigate noise pollution. Specific recommendations included implementing stricter flight path regulations, restricting nighttime flights, and investing in noise reduction technologies. Furthermore, the board urged the airport to collaborate with local authorities to prepare for the transition to unleaded aviation fuel.

To enhance communication, the resolution proposed establishing a formal engagement process between airport management and town representatives. This would aim to foster transparency and accountability regarding community concerns. Additionally, the Select Board announced plans to create an advisory committee composed of pilots and aviation experts to research relevant laws and regulations.

The resolution concluded with a directive to forward copies to airport management, the City of Beverly authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Commonwealth's Department of Transportation to advocate for the residents of Danvers and seek effective remedies for the issues raised.

The meeting progressed with a motion to discuss the resolution further, which received a second from another board member, indicating a commitment to addressing the community's concerns in a structured manner. The discussions are expected to continue as the board seeks to implement the proposed actions and engage with the relevant stakeholders.