The board meeting saw community concern over the impact of Beverly Airport’s operations on local residents. Mark Zubreck, a town resident, expressed frustration over noise disturbances caused by frequent jet flights over residential areas, including his home. Zubreck reported experiencing seven to eight jet flights daily and had filed for property abatement due to the disturbances, arguing that these flights negatively affected property valuations. He urged the board to recognize the impact on property assessments and assist affected residents. Another attendee echoed Zubreck’s sentiments, calling for the board to take more decisive action against the airport management, possibly through financial repercussions to ensure cooperation.

The board also tackled the ongoing landfill project in Danvers, which has been in development for three years. Town engineer Stephen King provided an in-depth update on the landfill project, detailing the status of phase one, which involves shaping and grading material import. King outlined that the project focuses on landfill area one, designated for the intake of approximately 300,000 tons of material to level existing site depressions, with future plans for a solar panel project. The project, initially capped in the 1980s, is now part of a collaborative effort with Danvers Electric to explore solar energy expansion at the site. King highlighted the complexities of managing the landfill project, including soil management strategies and environmental compliance measures. He detailed the cost estimates for different soil types and emphasized the project’s goal to proceed with non-impacted soils to streamline the permitting process.

The financial aspect of the landfill project was addressed, with a financial analysis conducted to evaluate the feasibility of extending the project by another year to accommodate additional material import. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) approved the permit extension, leading to an appropriation of $6.25 million at the May 2024 annual town meeting. The project has seen an increase in the volume of material processed, leading to revised estimated net revenues of around $6.5 million, with anticipated total costs of approximately $5.4 million upon completion. King noted practical adjustments made during the project, such as building a new scale at the transfer station to accommodate larger trucks and ensuring accurate weight measurements.

A significant part of the meeting was devoted to discussing two one-day liquor licenses requested by Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical School for events hosted by the Dirty Hands Project. The events aim to address mental health awareness and are in partnership with the family of a graduate who tragically lost his life to suicide. The board approved the first event’s liquor license after confirming the involvement of a reputable liquor service provider.

Further, the board discussed procedural matters related to the acceptance of easements necessary for maintaining and operating new traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Endicott Street and Independence Way. The town manager clarified the procedural steps and legalities involved in recording the easements.

The meeting also highlighted community engagement initiatives, with announcements of upcoming events, such as a pancake festival at the high school and a community event honoring black film. The town manager emphasized the importance of community service for high school students and encouraged volunteer participation.

Additionally, the board considered forming an airport committee to address ongoing concerns about Beverly Airport’s operations. The discussion centered around the composition of the committee, with suggestions that it should function as a fact-finding group comprising concerned residents and possibly pilots. The board sought feedback on the committee’s structure and discussed inviting relevant stakeholders for an update on a previously discussed safety plan.