Danvers staff: housing production plan likely in January; Liberty Tree Mall visioning grant not awarded

Town planning staff updated the Planning Board on two ongoing initiatives at the Nov. 12 meeting: a public presentation and Q&A on the housing production plan is likely to occur in January, and a $35,000 grant request to fund public visioning for the Liberty Tree Mall was not awarded.

Josh Morris, town staff, said the housing production plan presentation will be scheduled once the consultant and staff can be present; the board discussed possible January dates (Jan. 13 or Jan. 27) for the initial discussion with public comment and follow-up votes at a later meeting. Chair Lou George said he prefers a question-and-answer session first so members can digest the draft before voting.

Morris also told the board the office applied to the state Executive Office of Economic Development for a $35,000 grant to support a public visioning process for the Liberty Tree Mall on Endicott Street but did not receive funding; he said staff will continue to pursue other funding sources and keep the project moving.

Board and staff discussed timing for zoning amendments and town-meeting placement, noting historically zoning matters are often considered at fall or winter town meetings rather than the annual May meeting; staff said they will coordinate with the town manager and land-use director about whether proposed zoning articles will go on a special or annual town meeting.

Next steps: staff will provide a formal update at a January meeting with status reports on the housing production plan, the Endicott Street corridor work, and zoning amendment timing.