LAKEVILLE–  Lakeville Select Board members want to make sure that the developer of the Lakeville Hospital property, Rhino Capital Advisors, sticks to the plan. 

The developer recently submitted plans for the age-restricted component of the housing development it is proposing, which includes 26 cottages for adults 55 years and older. 

These plans were reviewed by the Select Board at its Monday, June 24 meeting.  

After reviewing the document, Lakeville Select Board pushed for the need to add language stipulating that age requirements for the age-restricted cottages are permanent. 

Select Board Member Maureen Candito stated that the town needs to “lock up” such wording to prevent the developer from being able to sell homes as non-restricted age units if they’re not filled, something that Lakeville has seen in the past, she said. 

“We want it all age-restricted indefinitely,” said Select Board Chair Lorraine Carboni. 

The Select Board also requested that language be added to the documentation to ensure the project doesn’t continue indefinitely.

Member Candito said this is something that tends to happen with projects that include an affordable housing component. 

In addition to the 55 and up cottages, Rhino’s proposal includes an apartment rental facility with affordable units, a senior living facility and multi-family housing. 

“We have 40B developments that are in phase 6. I would like some language to make sure that (40B component) closes out and phases are not indefinite,” said Candito. 

Select Board Chair Carboni also expressed concern about potential traffic visibility issues as residents enter or exit the community. 

“I’m very concerned about line of sight off of Rhode Island road, I just want to make sure there is visibility for seniors coming in and out [of the development.]”

The Planning Board will review the site plan for age-restricted cottages along with the Select Board’s commentary at its June 27 meeting.  

Rhino Capital will file applications for each component of the project separately and already submitted plans for the senior living facility at the end of May, the developer said.