By ADAM SWIFT
As you hit your golden years, it can get a little bit harder to get up and out to tee off at the local course.
But if you live in Lynnfield, or want to move there, there could soon be an upscale option: Sagamore Spring Golf Course.
Fairways Edge at Sagamore is being proposed by Richard Bonvie, president of Mashpee-based Bonvie Homes. Bonvie has developed several high-end 55-and-older communities statewide, including the New England Country Club project in Bellingham.
The planned residences will be attached two-bedroom townhomes ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 square feet, built in clusters of duplexes, triplexes and quads, with expected
listing prices of $700,000 to $900,000, according to Ted Regnante, the local
attorney representing the developers.
No changes are planned to the popular 18-hole public golf course.
The townhomes are designed with aging in place in mind and are suited for the active adult lifestyle, said Bonvie. The homes will feature first-floor master suites, open living space, ample storage and a two-car attached garage. Children younger than 18 will not be permitted
to reside there.
Richard Tisei, owner of Northrup Associates, is working with Bonvie on marketing the community.
“This community will provide much needed residences for adults 55 and over who want to remain in Lynnfield as they become empty nesters,” said Tisei.
The Sagamore Spring Golf Course has been owned
by the Luff and Strobel/Thompson families since 1929. Richard Luff, speaking for the landowners, said the proposed adult community was the most attractive option of several he and his family considered for the land.
“Working with Ron and his team will ensure the best use of the land and allow the golf course to remain open to the public,” he said.
The developers will need a little help from Lynnfield voters before the shovels can hit the ground for Fairways Edge at Sagamore to become a reality.
At the end of April, town meeting voters will need to approve three articles to help pave way for the project. The rezoning includes changing the east side of the property from a residential to an elderly housing district, allowing a golf course as a permitted use in an elderly housing district, and increasing the maximum number of units allowed in an elderly housing district from 136 to 154, according to Regnante.
Regnante estimated the project would bring to the town close to $1.8 million annually in gross tax revenue.Selectman Phil Crawford said the proposal by Bonvie looked to be a better use than single-family homes along Sagamore Spring.
“I think there would be a lot of interest in a development like this for people who are downsizing,” said Crawford. “It would also open up (existing) four- and five-bedroom colonial homes for families looking to move to Lynnfield.” l
Adam Swift is the editor of the Lynnfield and Peabody Weekly News.
He can be reached at aswift@essexmediagroup.com.
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