The Liberty Tree Mall and Endicott Street initiative took center stage as the board revealed its previous application for a $75,000 grant intended to fund public discussions about the future of the mall and its surroundings. The grant was not awarded, posing a challenge to the board’s revitalization efforts. Despite this setback, board members expressed their determination to explore alternative funding options, emphasizing the importance of the project to the community’s development plans. The timeline for the initiative remains uncertain, but the board’s resolve to proceed underscores its significance.

The board also provided updates on the status of several planning initiatives, including a potential master plan and various zoning amendments. These discussions are anticipated to continue in January, with the board aiming to clarify timelines for upcoming town meetings. The conversation highlighted the historical context of handling zoning matters during special town meetings rather than the annual meeting in May, which could influence planning timelines and priorities.

Meanwhile, the meeting also addressed a proposed site plan review for a Raising Cane’s restaurant on Endicott Street. The applicant, Raising Cane’s Restaurants LLC, requested a continuance to the December 9, 2025, meeting to complete a traffic peer review and respond to feedback from the engineering department. The board agreed to the continuance, with members expressing interest in ensuring thorough consideration of traffic and community impact before moving forward.

Additionally, the board reviewed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a property on Valley Road. Presented by Connor Walsh on behalf of the Connors family, the plan designated two of the parcels as non-buildable lots, a decision tied to the family’s estate planning. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for these non-buildable lots to become buildable in the future, particularly as Danvers faces increasing development pressure. Walsh explained that any change in the lots’ status would require zoning relief, which is generally difficult to obtain. The board approved the ANR plan without opposition, while acknowledging the broader implications of zoning changes and land use dynamics.

Further discussions included the board’s upcoming meeting schedule, with the November 25th meeting canceled due to a lack of applications and its proximity to the Thanksgiving holiday. The next meeting is set for December 9th, where the Raising Cane’s site plan will be revisited. Additionally, the board looks forward to a discussion of the housing production plan, which is scheduled for January due to scheduling conflicts with a consultant.

Public comments during the meeting included an inquiry about the proposed Raising Cane’s restaurant, specifically whether the establishment would provide samples of menu items for review. While the inquiry was humorous in tone, staff clarified that food sampling is not typically required by zoning codes.