The proposed senior housing development at the Lakeville Country Club emerged as the focal point of the meeting, with developers presenting plans for a comprehensive community that includes senior condominiums, a new golf course, and various amenities aimed at enhancing the living experience for seniors. The developers outlined a vision for a nine-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a senior community comprising 424 condominiums, with 112 designated as duplex homes. This project aims to create a community conducive to seniors, featuring amenities such as community gardens, a pool, and a dog park. Public amenities would include the construction of pickleball courts and a senior center, with the courts already under construction and the senior center in the bidding process.

The developers emphasized their experience with similar projects, notably a senior community in Halifax, and proposed a partnership with Sterling Golf to manage and enhance the golf course facilities. They also mentioned profit-sharing with the Lakeville Country Club as part of their mitigation strategy. Infrastructure improvements, such as extending the water line and establishing a private wastewater treatment facility, were deemed necessary for the project’s success.

A key demographic trend was identified, with the percentage of Lakeville residents over 55 years old rising in recent years. The developers argued that their project would help address housing shortages by providing smaller, affordable living options for seniors, thereby freeing up larger homes for younger families.

Concerns were raised about the proposed building heights, as the current zoning bylaws only permit three-story structures. The proposed four-story buildings would require zoning amendments, which sparked discussion about potential community pushback. The developers acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that the additional units provided by the four-story design are important for the project’s financial viability.

The discussion also highlighted the need for community involvement and feedback. The developers promised to maintain open dialogue with residents, having already conducted town hall-style events to gather input and refine their plans. The board underscored the importance of community engagement, noting that past outreach efforts had met with mixed responses.

In addition to the development project, the board announced that Lakeville had achieved “safe harbor” status, effective for two years, granting the town more control over 40B affordable housing developments. This status allows Lakeville to defer or manage such projects more effectively.

The board also approved a Justice Assistance Grant of $22,650, which will be used to purchase new tasers for the municipal police department. This grant is part of a larger distribution of nearly $4 million to municipal police departments.

Moreover, the meeting covered various community events, such as the Ted Williams Camp Trunk or Treat and the Lakeville Country Christmas Stroll, and discussed vacancies on several town committees. The board encouraged residents to participate in these events and to consider filling open committee positions.

Further, Town Administrator Andrew Su provided updates on infrastructure projects, including the installation of “Right to Farm” and “Purple Heart” signs around town, and announced the commencement of interviews for the assistant town accountant position.