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.