Danvers planning board cancels Nov. 25 meeting, schedules housing plan discussion for January; Liberty Tree Mall grant not awarded

Town planning staff told the Danvers Planning Board on Nov. 12 that the Nov. 25 meeting will be canceled because no applications are scheduled and that the continued Raising Cane’s item will be heard Dec. 9. The board confirmed members’ availability for the Dec. 9 date.

Josh Morris said the housing production plan discussion will likely be scheduled for a January meeting (candidates mentioned: Jan. 13 or Jan. 27) so the consultant can present a draft and answer questions; the board and staff plan to follow that discussion with a vote at a later meeting.

Morris also reported that the town applied to the state Executive Office of Economic Development for a $35,000 grant to support public visioning for the Liberty Tree Mall and Endicott Street corridor but did not receive the award. He said staff will continue searching for alternate funding and that the item remains a focus for the planning office.

The board and staff discussed potential timing for zoning amendments (lighting and other items) and coordination with the town manager’s office on which town meeting (annual or a special/winter town meeting) would be appropriate to carry zoning articles forward.