Planning board approves Costco expansion at Newbury Street with conditions
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Summary
The Danvers Planning Board approved Costco Wholesale Corporation’s site plan to add two building additions, expand parking and relocate the gas facility; the decision included conditions for engineering items, wayfinding signage and conservation filings.
The Danvers Planning Board voted Aug. 12 to approve a site plan submitted by Costco Wholesale Corporation for properties on Newbury Street that will expand the warehouse building, add parking and relocate a previously approved fuel facility.
The approved plans call for two additions to the existing Costco building (one approximately 12,300 square feet at the front and another at the rear for loading/utility space), demolition of the Hardcover parcel, and creation of additional parking closer to the store entrance. Applicant materials state the project will add 119 parking spaces to the site and slightly reduce overall impervious surface area.
Michael Capaccetti of RJ O’Connell presented civil, drainage and landscaping plans; John Harder of Traffic Planning & Design described traffic changes including a consolidated truck access to the northern driveway and a sidewalk along the west side of the building. Harder said MassDOT reviewed the project’s trip generation and concurred that it falls below the threshold for a substantial increase under DOT standards.
Planning staff included a draft decision with specific conditions. The board’s motion to approve requires recording the decision at the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds; satisfaction of the Danvers Engineering Division memorandum dated Aug. 5, 2025; installation of wayfinding signage to direct vehicles to the gas station (locations to be approved by planning staff); coordination with the abutter at 48 Cranbrook Drive / 51 Newbury Street to avoid fuel‑facility queuing that would block access to that property; and a three‑year lapse provision if construction has not begun.
Jean Hartnett moved the motion to approve and Tim Spiddle seconded. The board voted by roll call: Jean Hartnett, Jim Sears, Tim Spiddle, Michael Decoulis and Chair Louis George all voted yes. The board closed the public hearing earlier and approved the plan with the listed conditions.
The applicant was advised to satisfy outstanding engineering comments and to coordinate wetlands/conservation filings for on‑site wetland impacts.
