The Danvers Planning Board voted Jan. 13 to continue the site plan review for a mixed-use redevelopment at 83 Elm Street and 5 Essex Street to March 10, 2026, after the applicant said a title/mortgage issue prevents the developer from taking control of one condominium unit needed for the project's phased build-out.

Attorney Nancy McCann, representing MJP Properties Inc. and Johnson Construction Management LLC, told the board the developer needs a partial release of mortgage from the current lender before closing on one existing unit that will become part of the phased condominium structure. McCann said the project had been approved under a special permit in July but was reduced from 16 to 13 units, which altered the project's pro forma and the developer's appetite to assume additional pre-closing costs. "The appeal period was up in October," McCann said, noting timing complications related to the filing and appeals process.

Board members questioned why the mortgage issue emerged late in the process. Member Jim Sears expressed skepticism about the delay, saying, "I'm just skeptical. I mean, obviously, this has been going on for probably a year in planning." McCann responded that the financial calculations changed after the unit reduction and that the developer is weighing how much to invest in further site-plan preparation before controlling the property.

Town planner Josh Morris told the board staff had tried to align decision filings so related approvals and conditions would be filed together; he confirmed the board is allowed up to 90 days after the public hearing closes to file a decision. The applicant requested a two-month continuance to resolve the mortgage paperwork, address engineering comments and submit revised site plans; the board approved the continuance by roll call.

Why it matters: the project is in the Danvers Town Center Core (DTCC) zoning district and would add upper-floor housing above first-floor commercial space. The mortgage/partial-release issue affects whether and when the developer can control the property, which in turn affects design changes, engineering work and the project's financial viability.

Next steps: the application returns to the Planning Board on March 10, when the applicant said it will report on progress toward the mortgage partial release and any plan revisions.