Danvers Conservation Commission grants two certificates of compliance, continues two waterfront hearings to Sept. 11

The Danvers Conservation Commission on Aug. 28 voted to issue two certificates of compliance and to continue hearings on two waterfront projects to Sept. 11, 2025.

The actions addressed minor buffer-zone work and two pier-related filings before the commission and included routine administrative items. Staff reported no outstanding concerns following site inspections.

Merrimack Valley Distributors — 50 Prince Street Bob Rego of River Hawk Environmental, representing Merrimack Valley Distributors, described minor work in the buffer zone to Crane Brook at 50 Prince Street that was intended to improve conditions around an existing parking area used by tractor‑trailers. Rego said the applicant expanded a concrete pad where trailer landing gear rests, installed a curb/curve to stop backward movement into a bank that supports a row of propane tanks, and added a shutoff valve on a catch basin outlet intended as a secondary spill‑control measure. "We did an inspection of the site to and submit an as built plan that just shows that it was done in substantial compliance with the order of conditions," Rego said.

Emily (staff planner and conservation commission staff) told the commission staff visited the site on Aug. 21 and found "no concerns." The commission voted to issue a certificate of compliance for 50 Prince Street, DEP file no. 14‑1339 (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). The as‑built plan was described in the meeting as matching the approved plan and the work as limited to buffer‑zone improvements.

12 Jacobs Landing — Edward and Kathleen Reed Bill Manuel, appearing online for applicants Edward and Kathleen Reed, reported that a new pier, ramp and float were constructed consistent with the approved plan except that the bottom of the stringer was built 1 foot higher than shown on the plan. Manuel said that higher stringer height provides additional space under the pier for small craft, estimating "about 6 feet of clearance" at the landward side at high tide and "7 to 8 feet" further out depending on the tidal slope. Staff said they walked the site with Brian Cassidy and found no issues.

The commission voted to issue a certificate of compliance for 12 Jacobs Landing, DEP file no. 14‑1404 (motion by Mary Hite; second by Lorraine Drapek; vote recorded as in favor). The deviation was described in the meeting as a net benefit for users of the pier and consistent with the approved construction otherwise.

35 Doty Avenue — two separate filings The commission handled two separate DEP file numbers for 35 Doty Avenue. The applicant asked to continue the public hearing for DEP file no. 14‑0883 to Sept. 11, 2025, to allow time to study mitigation and site improvements; the commission voted to continue the hearing (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). Separately, the commission accepted the applicant’s request to withdraw the certificate of compliance request for DEP file no. 14‑1063 (motion by Michael Splaine; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor).

46 Riverside Street — Adam Wood and Genevieve Fiorente Applicants Adam Wood and Genevieve Fiorente asked to continue their notice of intent for DEP file no. 14‑1440 to Sept. 11, 2025, to allow review of a dredging feasibility report. The commission voted to continue that hearing to Sept. 11 (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor).

Other business, public comment and next steps The commission accepted minutes from its Aug. 14, 2025 meeting (motion and second recorded during the meeting) and confirmed its next regular meeting is Sept. 25, 2025. Commission staff noted that the Sept. 11 agenda will include three notices of intent and two certificate of compliance requests.

During public comment, resident Alicia Lehi of 89 Liberty Street introduced herself as a recent participant in the town Citizens Academy, thanked the commission, and asked staff to confirm her understanding of staff roles. Emily replied: "I'm a town employee. I'm a staff planner in the planning department, and I'm the staff person for the conservation commission." The meeting adjourned after business was completed.

Votes at a glance - Issue certificate of compliance, 50 Prince Street (DEP 14‑1339): approved (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). - Issue certificate of compliance, 12 Jacobs Landing (DEP 14‑1404): approved (motion by Mary Hite; second by Lorraine Drapek; vote recorded as in favor). - Continue public hearing, 35 Doty Ave (DEP 14‑0883): continued to 09/11/2025 (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). - Accept withdrawal of COC request, 35 Doty Ave (DEP 14‑1063): withdrawal accepted (motion by Michael Splaine; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). - Continue NOI, 46 Riverside Street (DEP 14‑1440): continued to 09/11/2025 (motion by Lorraine Drapek; second by Mary Hite; vote recorded as in favor). - Accept minutes from 08/14/2025: approved.

The commission did not identify changes to the order of conditions beyond the as‑built details noted above, and staff described the site inspections as showing substantial compliance where certificates were requested.