Habitat for Humanity Duplex Approved for Former School Lot

Despite some residents' concerns, a new affordable housing duplex is set to be built by Habitat for Humanity on the former Danversport School grounds. 

At Town Meeting on May 21, Danversport residents argued the grassy area is a play spot for children, dog walkers, and a lone green space in a highly congested neighborhood. 

The former Danversport School at 10 Water St. was purchased for $1 in the 1980s to be made into affordable housing units. At that time, the town put a 12-unit cap on the number of residences. 

Now, because there are only eight units inside the Danversport School building, the Affordable Housing Commitee was looking to expand into the 15,000 square foot grassy lot next to the school, an area they say is not being utilized. 

Mill Street resident John Kymalainen spoke before Town Meeting members in opposition of the project citing congestion and a sacrifice for Danvers children and residents.

"Where would the kids who live there play?" he questioned. "The Housing Authority doesn't see that."  

Chairman Bill Clark, who was part of the Town Meeting in the 80's that voted to cap the building at 12 units, argued the neighbhorhood has three public parks: , , and . 

"There's adament outdoor facilities," Clark said. 

Precinct 8 resident Bill Nicholson said he recently attended the Affordable Housing Committee meeting at the , where Danversport neighbors were invited to discuss the proposal. The neighbors arguing against the duplex at Town Meeting were "in the minority of the people at [the Affordable Housing Committee] meeting," Nicholson said. 

Precinct 3 resident Andrea Daly, a former Affordable Housing Committee member, said most of the neighbors in the Danvesport area are in favor of the project. She also noted that the duplex would only take up 1,200 square feet of the 15,000 on the lot.

"After all the time we've spent on this project, I urge you to pass this," she said. 

If you were at Town Meeting, would you have supported this proposal? Let us know in the comments.