Danvers Select Board approves appointments, block party and multiple food and liquor licenses

The Select Board approved several routine appointments and local licensing requests at its May meeting, voting to confirm town‑manager appointments, reappoint a constable and permit neighborhood events and food service operations.

Appointments and reappointments: the board voted to accept the town manager’s recommendation to appoint Andrew McNulty and Michael McCarthy as alternates to the Conservation Commission. Both candidates spoke briefly; McNulty noted his professional experience as a wetland and soil scientist and McCarthy described long‑standing local ties and river stewardship. The board also reappointed Christopher P. Chingas as a civil constable after the applicant confirmed his service and provided supporting documentation.

Event permits and food licenses: the board approved a first‑time block‑party permit for 25 Berry Street for a May 21 graduation celebration. Jacqueline (Jackie) Field, who will operate Fields Kitchen inside the Polish Club, described a members‑only operation and presented a menu; the board approved her common victualer license. The board approved Mama Moulton Inc. (Panini Pizzeria) to upgrade from beer‑and‑wine to an all‑alcohol license; board members reminded the applicant that no alcohol may be consumed on town property outside the premises and to manage dumpster/hauler pickup times.

Package store transfer and community concerns: the board approved a transfer of a wine‑and‑malt package license to Village Food Shop (37 High Street) under owner Dashna Patel. The application included store controls (CCTV, bar scanner), TIPS‑trained staff, and a petition of neighborhood support; neighbors questioned potential parking and public‑drinking impacts, and the applicant and counsel said they would monitor the site and work with police if problems arose.

Community events: the board approved three one‑day wine and malt licenses for the Danvers Historical Society’s Glen Magna Farms summer music 'beer garden' events; Louie George said the society will use 100% ID checks and wristbands and TIPS‑certified servers.

Votes and procedure: most items were approved by voice vote during the meeting; several members disclosed affiliations or recused where appropriate. The board said it will refine town application materials to better capture volunteers’ experience for future appointments.