New RMV Location Could Cost Taxpayers

DANVERS, MA — Six years ago, the Registry of Motor Vehicles opened a branch at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers as part of a public-private partnership that gave the RMV a rent free location and residents a place to conduct a license renewal.

Now, following an issue with the HVAC system, that branch is closed and the RMV is in search of a new location on the North Shore.

So far, there have been two proposals from property owners in Peabody and Beverly. The Salem News reports that the annual rent would range from $400,000 to $700,000. The state has said no to those options and have announced a second request for proposals.

While many are not buying the official reason for the departure from the mall, spokeswoman Jacquelyn Goddard said the HVAC issues meant that the branch had to close for several days in the summer due to the heat.

The deadline for the RFP is Oct. 21. Until a new location opens, residents will have to go RMV branches in Wilmington or Revere.