Danvers commission approves Costco expansions, grants waiver to build within 50-foot no‑build buffer

The Danvers Conservation Commission on Sept. 25 closed the public hearing and approved an order of conditions for a notice of intent from Costco Wholesale for parcels at 1115 and 49–55 Newbury Street (DEP file 14-1444). The commission also granted a waiver to allow construction within the town’s 50-foot no‑build buffer where the work is on previously developed pavement.

Joseph Horsell, wetland scientist with Lucas Environmental, outlined the project and resource areas, telling the commission the site contains riverfront area, bordering vegetated wetland, inland bank and land under water bodies and that much of the proposed work is within previously developed or paved riverfront area. Horsell said the filing includes additions of roughly 12,300 square feet on the south end and 20,000 square feet on the north end of the Costco building, parking reconfiguration, demolition of the former Hardcover…