Economic Spotlight on Danvers, Massachusetts

The North Shore Alliance, or the “Alliance,” prides itself on supporting economic development initiatives across the 30 communities and four Gateway Cities of the North Shore of Massachusetts. Each month we will be conducting a community highlight. We will be taking a look at some of these communities, where they stand economically, and highlight commercial development sites that may be of interest to our readers. 

This month we will be taking a closer look at the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, a family-friendly, historic neighborhood town located along the North Shore, a short twenty-five miles north of Boston.

A Word About Danvers, Massachusetts 

Danvers, Massachusetts, originally known as Salem Village, is a small town in Essex County and only a short ride to Boston via Interstate 128, Route 1 or Route 95. As of the 2020 United States Census, the town’s population was 28,087.

Located a short drive or commuter rail ride to Boston, Danvers is uniquely located at the junction of three major highways, making it a perfect place for Boston workers to settle down. This suburb is also located on the Danvers River near the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, making it a favorite destination and boat docking location in the northeast. 

Historically, the town is associated with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 as there are several buildings and monuments in town commemorating the events. Danvers is also the site of Danvers State Hospital, one of the state’s 19th-century psychiatric hospitals. 

Points of Interest

This family-friendly town is filled with features such as industrial parks, malls and shopping, parks, a dog park, playgrounds, sports centers, and a lively downtown Danvers Square filled with restaurants and eclectic shopping. 

The crown jewel of the Town’s impressive park system is Endicott Park, a 165 acre public park that was the former estate of Joseph Peabody. At the park families can play disc golf, pet farm animals in the children’s barn, go on hikes, take part in the garden area, and enjoy the many places to sit and listen to the birds around the pond. 

In addition to the many parks, Danvers has a Rail Trail and Swampwalk that is very popular with families, day hikers, and runners alike. The Danvers Rail Trail is a 4 1/3-mile non-motorized shared-use path linking schools, downtown Danvers, parks, residential areas, and trails in the neighboring towns of Peabody, Wenham, and Topsfield.

In terms of water access, Danvers enjoys a naturally sheltered harbor with ocean access that is made up of four rivers: Danvers, Waters, Cranes and Porter. This allows for recreational boat trips and harbors for docking and maintenance. 

Economic Development 

Danvers has access to many areas of economic development including the Liberty Tree Mall and Cherry Hill Industrial park. The Cherry Hill Industrial Park is also directly adjacent to Beverly Municipal Airport, which provides private plane and corporate jet access as well.

According to the town’s 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top ten employers in the town are: Medtronic Interventional Vascular, IRA Motor Group, Hospice of North Shore, North Shore Community College, Abiomed, Home Depot, Cell Signaling Technology, Lahey North Shore,  Essex Tech, and Danversport Yacht Club. 

The Town is served by a Town Manager, a five-member Board of Selectmen, and a Representative Town Meeting.

The Planning and Economic Development Division plays a key role in shaping the future of new and infill development in Danvers.  The division develops guiding policies for the Town’s long-range planning, strategic plan, and reviews new developments through bylaws, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations.

David Fields, the current Director of Economic Planning and Development of Danvers can be reached at (978) 777-0001 Ext. 3019 or via email at dfields@danversma.gov.