Bellingham Select Board Defers Maple Gate Golf Course Vote to November

BELLINGHAM -- October 21, 2024, Bellingham Select Board defers $3.5 million golf course purchase decision to November. The board unanimously agreed Monday to table a Chapter 61B right-of-first-refusal vote on the Maple Gate Golf Course, a property spanning Bellingham and Franklin being sold to a solar developer for $25 million, with the Bellingham parcel valued at roughly $3.5 million. Attorney Peter Brown, representing Maple Gate Realty Trust, said financing the purchase at a 3.5 percent rate over 20 years would cost the town approximately $1.8 million, and that roll-back taxes are estimated at under $25,000. The board also swore in new officer David Zel, promoted three fire department members, Robert Provos to Deputy Chief, Mark Blister to Captain, and Derek Logan to Lieutenant, and unanimously approved Traffic Advisory Committee roadway recommendations, Zoning Bylaw Review Committee appointments, and the appointment of Lauren Humel to the Historical Commission.