Select Board OKs bus return, imposes $1,200 fine

Select Board · Meeting of July 14, 2026

Danvers Select Board approved the return of MBTA bus service to downtown Danvers starting September 6 and fined a stalled Elm Street development $1,200 for missed deadlines. Land Use and Community Services Director Aaron Henry said the restored route, a modified version of the discontinued 465, will run seven days a week between Salem Depot and the Liberty Tree Mall as a one-year pilot, with a permanent decision expected within 30 to 60 days. The board credited Representative Sally Kearns and resident George Saludo for the years-long push.

Separately, the board voted 3-2 to extend a sidewalk occupation permit for 17 Elm Street to October 2 and impose a $1,200 fine on the project's developer, calculated at $20 a day for roughly 60 days of noncompliance since May 15. Member Daniel Bennett called the delays "disrespectful," while Member Michael Bean argued fines "are not worth it in a project like this." The board also approved 3 percent water and 5 percent sewer rate increases, raising average quarterly bills by $21.50.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of July 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.