Hearing on Newbury Street mobile‑home park expansion continued after buffer concerns

John Morin of Morin‑Cameron Group presented a Notice of Intent on behalf of Temar Properties for expansion work at 96–98 Newbury Street that would add about 24 units to an existing mobile home park and place one full unit and half of another inside the 100‑foot buffer of nearby wetlands.

The presentation to the Town of Danvers Conservation Commission described most jurisdictional work as stormwater infrastructure and utility poles, with approximately 280 square feet of added pavement upslope from existing pavement and stormwater components proposed within the buffer. Morin said the design follows MassDEP and Danvers stormwater standards and that Danvers Engineering has reviewed and signed off on the stormwater plan; a stormwater permit submittal was scheduled for the following day.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on vegetation and disturbance in the regulated zones. Paul McNulty and Chair Mary Haight both sought clarity on whether any trees or native vegetation would be removed in the 0–35‑foot no‑disturb zone; the applicant said there would be "no vegetation removal there—only cleanup," and that proposed grading and stormwater work would occur in the 35–50‑foot no‑build zone. The filing includes a waiver request for stormwater work in the 35–50‑foot zone equal to about 2,650 square feet (roughly 11% of the local no‑build allowance); the commission noted it retains discretion to deny any waiver even if a numerical threshold is not exceeded.

Abutters at the meeting described a history of opposition to an earlier, larger (36‑unit) concept and raised concerns about density and emergency access, while several said they supported cleanup of historical debris in the buffer. Abutter Jane Thornell asked for confirmation that the one‑and‑a‑half units inside the buffer were part of the 24 proposed units and not additional residences; the applicant confirmed they are included in the 24. Other neighbors pressed for permanent monumentation of the 35‑foot no‑disturb line (posts, boulders or placards) so the boundary remains visible over time.

Commissioners also discussed snow‑storage plans and site grading. Applicant representatives identified a snow‑stockpile area outside the wetland jurisdiction and noted an operations and maintenance plan would be provided; resident Andrew Haight requested signs forbidding snow storage along the buffer line. A remote commenter, Sandra Kesting, urged strict protection of the buffer because of wildlife habitat value.

With outstanding questions and a request for a site visit, Peter Wilson moved and Paul McNulty seconded to continue the hearing to April 9, 2026, pending a site visit. The motion carried 3–0.

Next steps: the hearing will reconvene on April 9 with a site visit to allow full commission inspection before any waiver decision or Order of Conditions is issued.