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Danvers conservation commission approves Newbury Street mobile‑home plan with buffer waiver and $2,500 bond
Summary
The Town of Danvers Conservation Commission voted 4–1 to grant a waiver permitting limited work within the 50‑ft no‑build zone at 98 Newbury Street and issued an Order of Conditions, requiring a $2,500 bond for trash and debris cleanup; concerns about unit spacing and buffer encroachment were raised during public comment.
The Town of Danvers Conservation Commission voted April 9 to allow limited work inside the 50‑foot no‑build buffer at 98 Newbury Street while issuing an Order of Conditions, after hearing that the project includes two mobile homes, pavement expansion and a stone infiltration trench to address runoff.
Representative John Morin of Morin‑Cameron Group told the commission the two proposed mobile homes sit beyond the 50‑foot buffer but that some pavement (about 280 square feet) would fall within that 50‑foot zone. He said the work would not intrude into the 35‑foot no‑disturb zone and that a two‑foot‑wide, two‑foot‑deep stone infiltration trench would reduce existing unmitigated runoff. Morin also said the pavement expansion was to accommodate emergency vehicle turning radii.
Commissioners questioned siting and access. Peter Wilson asked about proximity to existing units and suggested a bond to ensure any trash or debris is removed after construction. Paul McNulty pressed staff and the applicant for clarity on construction access from Center Street and on the function of the new pavement. Commissioner Michael Splaine opposed the relief, saying the units appeared “jammed” too close together and questioning the need to encroach into the 50‑foot buffer.
During public comment, Sandy Kesting, who said her property abuts the project, urged protection of wildlife habitat and raised concerns about buffer encroachment and why the developer was keeping two units after prior reductions.
After deliberation the commission voted to close the public hearing, then approved a waiver for the 50‑foot zone with a $2,500 bond and voted to issue an Order of Conditions for DEP File No. 14‑1449. The motions passed 4–1, with Splaine recorded as the sole dissenting vote. Commission members who moved and seconded the key actions included Peter Wilson and Paul McNulty.
Work may begin “as soon as is practicable” under the Order of Conditions, subject to the bond and any conditions stated in the decision.
