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| By Natasha Clark Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW On May 24, a public forum was hosted by Longmeadow town officials in the Community House to discuss the future of Twin Hills Country Club. A developer has reportedly made an offer for the land upon the contingency that he can build a 100 home subdivision on the property. "[The information] is reported from a reliable source," said Town Manager Robin Crosbie, noting that the offer is reported to be approximately up to $8.3 million, though others claim the sum could be as hefty as $10 million. Members of the club have been in the process of raising $7.3 million, reportedly the original price offered for the property, in hopes of purchasing it. The membership has raised $3 million and plans to get a bank loan for the rest of the funds. The 137 acres of land that make up Twin Hills is deemed open space/recreation. If that property is purchased for something other than open space, it triggers the removal of its open space title, and is subject to a conveyance tax applicable to the total sales price of the land. Crosbie estimates that Twin Hills will have to pay five years of back taxes and interest. As of June 30, 2006 the projected figure is $935,000. Officials said the town has first rights to purchase the property. When an offer is officially made, Twin Hills is legally obligated to notify the town in writing and Longmeadow has 120 days to respond. The town can either do nothing or opt to purchase the property. Town officials felt an additional 100-150 homes would have a tremendous impact on the school system and town services. Crosbie said another option the developer could seek is to file an application for low-income housing. "[Longmeadow] is vulnerable to low-income high density housing," Crosbie said. This is because Longmeadow currently lists approximately 7.5 percent of its housing as low-income. According to Crosbie, that figure may actually be lower. In Massachusetts if less than 10 percent of a municipality's total housing units are subsidized low and moderate-income housing, there is a presumption that there is a substantial housing need which outweighs local concerns. At this point in the forum, a resident asked, "In Longmeadow what is the definition of low-income housing?" Select Board Chair John Papale said the subsidized Emerson Manor in Longmeadow is considered low-income. There were many ideas for the future of the property should the town purchase it leasing it for operation of golf course, a community center, a school campus and a shopping village. "I'm advocating securing that property," said School Committee member Robert Barkett. "Look at it as an addition to our options." The majority of the residents in attendance at Wednesday's forum thought purchasing the property was the best avenue. This was displayed by a raise of hands when Crosbie took an unofficial count of those in favor of purchasing Twin Hills. |