Developer proposes new senior housing development in Lakeville

LAKEVILLE — Lakeville could see a new senior living development in its future. 

Thorndike Development & Construction presented the proposal for a plan to construct condominiums for seniors on land adjacent to the Lakeville Country Club at the Select Board’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 7. 

The development would consist of two three-story buildings that contain a total of 72 senior living units. 

Developer and president of Thorndike Development & Construction Lloyd Geisinger said the project would provide a solution for senior residents in Lakeville looking to downsize who also want to stay in town. 

The units would have approximately 1,370 square feet and would feature amenities like pickleball courts and gardens, according to the proposal. 

Geisinger said he believes that providing more senior housing is “an impactful” way to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts, adding that “there is no 40B hiding behind this proposal.”

These developments have a “net positive impact” on communities like Lakeville, as they free up single-family homes that were once occupied by seniors and make them available for young families to move into, he said. 

Select Board member Maureen Candito noted that she is always a proponent of more senior housing options and said the proposal “is visually appealing,” and that she “would love to hear more about it.” 

Member Brian Day said this kind of development is something the town needs, but he expressed concern over “potential ramifications.”

Day questioned how many residents would be coming to live in the condominiums from Lakeville versus from outside of town. An influx of senior residents coming from out of town would increase an already high demand on the fire department for emergency services, he said. 

He also said that the financial benefit that the development would generate through annual tax revenue would be “wiped out” if young families with school age children move into the homes onced owned by senior residents. This would place an additional burden on the town’s education system, he noted. 

Geisinger emphasized that Thorndike Development & Construction was willing to work with the town but said “if you don’t want us, we’ll take our marbles and go play somewhere else. No argument, no pushback.” 

Questions were raised by board members about supplying water to the property and how the state’s new accessory dwelling unit legislation could lessen demand for these condos. 

Select Board member Lia Fabian asked if legislation allowing for accessory dwelling units could lessen the demand for this type of housing.

Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, are smaller houses which can be built on the same lots as existing single-family homes. They may be attached to or detached from the existing house and can include basement or attic conversions. 

New state legislation allows for the construction of these units without a special permit or other discretionary process in areas zoned for single-family homes. 

Geisinger noted that this new legislation has not affected the demand for condos in current projects. 

Approval for the condominium development would require two votes at spring Town Meeting. The first vote would approve a zoning bylaw to allow for low-rise senior housing and the second would authorize creating an overlay district to build this type of housing in a specific location on the property, according to Geisinger.  

If approved at Town Meeting, Geisinger estimated construction would begin in the spring of 2026.