Planning Board approves redesigned mixed-use project at 83 Elm/5 Essex with conditions, limits density to 13 units

The Danvers Planning Board granted special permits and two design waivers on July 22 for a mixed-use redevelopment at 83 Elm Street and 5 Essex Street, approving a 13-unit, three-bedroom-heavy project with conditions including replacement sidewalks, two new street trees and three affordable units at 80% of area median income.

The project, proposed by MJP Properties Inc. and Johnson Construction Management LLC, would adapt and expand an existing Elm Street commercial building, add second- and third-floor residential units, and create a small pocket park/playground and rooftop common space. The applicant earlier sought a density waiver to allow 16 residential units; after deliberation the board approved the project at 13 units (the density level permitted by special permit under the zoning table) and did not approve the developer’s requested 16-unit waiver.

Why it matters

The decision moves a downtown redevelopment forward that emphasizes family-sized, three-bedroom units and a publicly accessible pocket-park amenity while requiring public-realm improvements intended to benefit the neighborhood. Board members and members of the public debated the trade-offs between adding more housing units and preserving the character, parking supply and traffic conditions of the nearby…