Select Board refuses extension for stalled 17 Elm Street project; orders applicant to return July 14

The Danvers Select Board on June 18 declined an extension request for construction work at 17 Elm Street after town staff reported months of limited communication and unfinished exterior work that continue to affect neighboring businesses and town operations.

Town Building Commissioner Tim Hudon, DPW Director Stephen King and Director of Planning and Economic Development Aaron Henry told the board there had been little meaningful contact from the project team since January and that significant exterior work remains incomplete. Board members said they lacked confidence in the contractor’s stated schedule and noted the ongoing burden on adjacent businesses and town departments.

Chair Dutrochet Djoko and other board members agreed not to grant an extension. The board noted it has authority to order the scaffolding removed — an action that would effectively halt progress — and directed the applicant to appear at the Select Board meeting on July 14 with detailed timelines and complete documentation before the board will consider any further relief.

The meeting record shows no motion to grant an extension; the board’s decision functioned as a denial without a formal, successful extension motion. The Select Board did not announce any alternate enforcement timetable at the meeting beyond the requirement that the applicant return with full information on July 14.

Next steps: the applicant must provide the requested detailed schedule and supporting materials on July 14; the board signaled it may pursue removal of scaffolding or other enforcement if the town concludes work is not progressing.