A Massachusetts country club has asked developers to remove balconies from a proposed 140-unit housing development, warning that stray golf balls could put future residents at risk.
Here's what to know
Local advocates have worked to protect the pre-Revolutionary War General John Glover Farmhouse, which the development plans would preserve. Glover LLC's proposal would add 96 homes in Swampscott and 44 in Marblehead, near Vinnin Square, according to Boston.com.
Officials needed more review before permitting the project, neighboring Tedesco Country Club's attorney Chris Drucas argued. He brought that request to the Swampscott Planning Board at its Oct. 19 meeting.
Drucas said the possibility of golf balls reaching the homes had already been discussed between club representatives and the developers. He also acknowledged the appeal of golf-course views for residents.
"We suggested to them that it might be a good idea that the balconies that were on those buildings be removed," Drucas said.
It has not been established whether the club has a legal right to have stray balls cross onto the neighboring property. Drucas raised that possibility through a "prescriptive easement," arguing that decades of balls crossing the boundary could give the club a right to continue the activity.
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For a club that had been there for more than 125 years, Drucas said the issues could have permanent consequences. He sought peer review and asked the club's engineering firm to examine them.
What's being done?
The Swampscott Planning Board approved Glover LLC's project with conditions largely focused on access, parking, and recommendations from the traffic study and the Department of Public Works. The development still needs approval from Marblehead's Planning Board, according to the Marblehead Current.
To help reduce the risk of stray balls, board member Jer Jurma suggested using trees between the course and the proposed homes.
Drawing on his experience growing up beside a public course, Jurma described trees as a buffer that could slow incoming balls, rather than prevent them from crossing the property line altogether.
Spencer Cassell, who represented the developers, pointed to another possible adjustment. The Tedesco hole nearest the site has two tees, and the club could switch to the more distant one.
Cassell also noted that other parts of the course already sit near buildings. "There are also other holes at the club in much closer proximity to buildings than the tees at the second hole."
Where can I learn more?
The Glover dispute is part of a wider debate over where and how to build housing in Massachusetts.
• In Cambridge, neighbors say the city's housing overhaul brings boxy buildings and parking disputes.
• Massachusetts is 15.6% toward its housing goal as its housing chief backs site-review reform.
• Boston's housing plan cuts its building target and adds tax breaks as rents climb.
• Boston could cover developers' infrastructure costs to help revive stalled housing projects.
• Greater Boston builders say affordable-unit requirements stall housing, but city officials won't budge.
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