06:08A key topic of discussion was the transportation community needs assessment led by Sarah Scott from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). This initiative seeks to address transportation challenges and opportunities in Danvers by evaluating current conditions, identifying community needs, and exploring barriers to implementing prior recommendations. Scott underscored the importance of incorporating diverse community perspectives, emphasizing that nearly 650 households in Danvers lack vehicle ownership, highlighting the need for enhanced public transportation and infrastructure that caters to renters, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The assessment seeks to provide actionable recommendations, although some may necessitate further study.

13:15Scott’s presentation highlighted the town’s existing land use patterns, noting that the predominance of single-family homes and high parking requirements contribute to increased car dependence. She pointed out that only 14% of Danvers residents work within the town, leading to reliance on vehicles for commuting. This trend, coupled with the potential shifts in remote work patterns, presents both challenges and opportunities for transportation planning.

The conversation then shifted to transportation emissions, which are a significant contributor to the town’s overall emissions. The town’s complete streets policy and safe routes to schools program were also highlighted as frameworks to enhance mobility options. However, it was noted that Danvers has yet to fully leverage available state funding for these programs, and not all schools participate in the safe routes to schools initiative.

John Buard from Cross Line Circle explained that a complete street accommodates multiple transportation modes, illustrating that typical Danvers streets qualify as such with roadways for vehicles and sidewalks for pedestrians. The meeting included maps showing schools participating in the safe routes to schools program and analyzing parking demands. Recommendations to improve parking management, such as implementing time limits for on-street parking, were discussed to encourage turnover and enhance walkability downtown.

37:14The board also examined potential transportation options like the Salem Skipper, a microtransit service offering on-demand rides in Danvers, Salem, and Beverly. This service, compared to Uber or Lyft, provides residents with additional transit choices, particularly for accessing the Beverly train station and the Logan Express service. Despite the growing use of ride-sharing services since 2017, the reasons for this trend remain unclear.

Further discussions addressed the impact of the Maple Square project, which will add 149 new apartments downtown, on public transit needs and parking management. The project intends to provide one parking space per unit, raising concerns about potential parking shortages and the need for effective regulation to manage demand. The board considered strategies like implementing 15-minute parking to promote turnover in popular areas, such as near coffee shops.

52:00The board also discussed broader community engagement and the importance of integrating transportation recommendations into a cohesive community vision. Residents highlighted the need for improved sidewalk maintenance and suggested alternative transport modes, like golf carts, to alleviate congestion. The feasibility and legality of integrating golf carts into Danvers’ transportation framework remain uncertain, but they could offer a solution for short-distance travel.

01:00:56Public comments emphasized the need for pedestrian infrastructure improvements, with residents advocating for better-maintained sidewalks over prioritizing bike lanes. Concerns about the condition of sidewalks were raised, particularly for pedestrian safety and accessibility.

01:18:49Lastly, the board addressed upcoming agenda items, including continued discussions on the Chick-fil-A site plan and new residential projects.