Select Board approves relocation of condemned pole on Maple Street after residents urge minimal tree cutting

Danvers Select Board voted June 2 to approve pole petition 20260113-1, allowing Danvers Electric to replace a condemned utility pole near 395 Maple Street and relocate it away from a tree line.

Danvers Electric operations coordinator Justin Ley told the board the pole is "condemned" and the planned move will place the new pole outside the existing tree line to protect the remaining trees and the service wire. "I'm Justin Ley, Dammer's electric um operations coordinator," Ley said during the public hearing.

Neighbors raised concerns about the effect on the tree buffer that shields Maple Street from noise from the I‑95 off‑ramp and about nighttime safety at the dead‑end street. Jackie Richards, who lives at 396 Maple Street, asked whether the plan would require removal of trees and whether a street light could be added near her driveway; she said the street is "very dangerous to get out of the driveway" at night.

Board members and staff clarified that the proposed pole location would sit on a town easement, not private property, and that the relocation is intended to avoid removing trees. The board agreed to include language asking for a minimum amount of trimming; the chair asked the town manager to coordinate with the electric division and police about street‑lighting options.

The board then moved and seconded a motion to approve pole petition 20260113-1, "to replace one pole, wires, cable, and fixtures including anchors, guys, and other such necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along Maple Street." The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: town staff will finalize the exact pole placement and coordinate any necessary trimming with residents, the electric division and DPW.