Published in the January 31, 2018 edition
LYNNFIELD — The town is looking at quite a decision: Rezone Sagamore Spring Golf Course to allow construction of a privately-owned, over-55 residential community along the front nine while keeping the open recreational space, or face the probable redevelopment of the entire expanse into single-family homes.
On Monday, the selectmen heard the Residences at Sagamore Spring proposal, which would consist of 154 attached condominium residences on 105 acres along the popular course’s eastern side. The golf holes would remain as they are today; the only thing that would have to be relocated to the back side would be the maintenance facility.
The project would be built under the Lynnfield Elderly Housing Bylaw, according to attorney Theodore C. Regnante, who represents developer Bonvie Homes and current property owner Sagamore Spring Real Estate Trust in this project.
Articles would need to be placed on the warrant for the upcoming Town Meeting on April 30 to rezone the area for elderly housing, to permit a golf course within an Elderly Housing District and to provide for a maximum of 154 units within an Elderly Housing District.
Regnante said the planned residences will be attached townhomes ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 square feet, built in clusters of duplexes, triplexes and quads. Each residence will feature a first floor master suite, full lower level and two-car attached garages. Prices would range between $700,000 and $900,000.
The town, the selectmen were told, would realize about $2 million in property taxes each year. About $700,000 in building permit fees are anticipated as well.
Proposed on-site amenities include a community clubhouse with fitness center, indoor heated swimming pool, lounge with kitchen, a combine game room/sports lounge and flexible space that would be outfitted with WiFi and office technology.
Outdoor amenities could include pickleball courts and walking trails.
One of the key parts of the Bonvie Homes-Sagamore Spring Real Estate Trust plan is keeping the golf course intact. The alternative quite possible could be the redevelopment of both nines into 82 houses, 52 of which would be on the east side of Main Street.
The project team includes Ronald Bonvie, architect Gary Snider, Regnante, marketing consultant Richard Tisei of Northrup Associates Realtors, engineer Peter J. Ogren of Hayes Engineering in Wakefield and Torrey Spilman, senior vice president of Bonvie Homes.
In the coming months, Bonvie and team members will hold meetings with various town board and committees in addition to several general information sessions where Lynnfield residents and neighbors can learn more about this proposed community, Regnante said. Regnante told the selectmen a community meeting about the project will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 11 a.m. at Gaslight, 1100 Market St.
