Proposal could turn South Attleboro golf course into housing, commercial development
SOUTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) – A Texas-based developer is interested in turning a popular golfing center in South Attleboro into a residential and commercial space.
Atlantic Golf Centers has occupied acres of land on Newport Avenue for decades, but now Anthony Properties, based in Dallas, has submitted a petition to the Attleboro Municipal Council seeking to rezone areas of the property.
“The driving range has been there for as long as I can remember, and the miniature golf course has been there at least 20 or 30 years, at least,” said Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux. “This is something that was proposed to me back in 2018, it’s making, probably, better use of the land, it’s something that would bring more revenues into the city, and if there are no environmental consequences to this development, then it’s something I’ll likely get behind.”
The company wants to rezone 34 acres to build approximately 350 apartment spaces on the golf course, and five acres to add an additional 15,000 square feet of commercial space along Newport Avenue.
According to city planner Gary Ayrassian, the existing strip mall with tenants Miller’s Roast Beef, an optometrist and a school will remain.
Ayrassian said the company has been working with the city on plans for six months. He said they’re also hoping to add a shuttle for residents to travel to and from the MBTA station nearby.
There’s also talk of adding a traffic light to help residents get onto Newport Avenue easier. The light would be in front of the McDonald’s. Ayrassian, along with the city’s police chief, believe the light is a necessary addition.
Heroux agreed, saying it would be a good way to also slow down drivers along the dangerous stretch.
But people who frequent the golf center aren’t happy with the proposal.
“C’mon… no. No, no, no, no. This is such a great place and great people. That would be a real shame,” said golfer Julie Knisley of Wrentham when she found out. “I think that’s tragic, like, we need this right here. It’s so used, there’s always people here, so I’m very sad about that news.”
What draws Knisley to Atlantic Golf is that anyone can play year-round. She said there aren’t many places like that around anymore.
“If you belong to a country club you can go there, but there’s not even that many private clubs around, a few public ones, and it’s impossible to get a tee time. The fact that this one’s heated allows you to come all winter which is awesome.”
The rezoning is just one step of many, and it’s unclear how long the project would take to complete.
Anthony Properties did not respond to ABC6’s request for comment.
“All the people that are using this or have used it should make a point to let them know that we don’t want it to go away,” Knisley added.
A public hearing on the rezoning is set for December 15. It will be held virtually.
© WLNE-TV 2020
