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Danvers grants limited extension for 17 Elm Street scaffolding; imposes fines if unresolved by Dec. 26
Summary
After multiple failed inspections for pedestrian protection and screening, the Select Board granted the developer an extension to correct scaffolding at 17 Elm Street until noon on Dec. 26 and authorized fines to begin thereafter if the building inspection and public‑way reopening are not complete.
The Select Board voted Dec. 16 to grant an extension to the developer working at 17 Elm Street to correct scaffolding and pedestrian‑protection deficiencies, and authorized escalating penalties if the site is not brought into compliance.
Building Official Timothy Hudon told the board the scaffolding installation did not meet Chapter 33 requirements for safeguards during construction — specifically that pedestrian protection must extend roughly a quarter of the building height (about 11 feet for a ~45‑foot, four‑story façade). Reinspections on Dec. 15 and again on Dec. 16 found remaining deficiencies, including mismatches between installed screening/barriers and the approved scaffolding plan.
Developer representatives, including attorney Nancy McCann and general contractor Rodney Gremeras, described work completed since the Dec. 2 meeting (removal and reinstallation of sidewalk asphalt, installation of detectable warning panels) and asked for a short extension to install an additional 11‑foot section of scaffolding and to align installed screening with the approved plan. Patrick Lothrop of the scaffolding company was consulted and agreed the additional section could be installed the following day.
After discussion of prior extensions and town practice, the board approved a limited extension until noon on Dec. 26 (recorded in the minutes as "noon on the 20 sixth"). The motion specified that if the building inspection is not successful and the street is not reopened for public use by that deadline, civil penalties will begin: a $1,000 per‑day fine starting after the grace date. The board asked staff to consider a short on‑site meeting between the developer, the scaffolding contractor, and the building inspector to finalize details.
Hudon reiterated the town’s approach: the building department enforces code and may require a site plan if necessary, but the developer and contractor hold responsibility for designing and installing compliant scaffolding. The board emphasized the need to protect pedestrians and to avoid working without a valid, compliant permit.
Staff will monitor completion, perform reinspections, and report back to the Select Board if compliance is not achieved by the Dec. 26 deadline.
