SOUTH DEERFIELD — After months of deliberation about the project’s potential effects on affordable senior housing and conservation, the Deerfield Planning Board on Monday approved a condominium project at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.

The developer can now build 35 duplexes, with 70 units, for what the developer is calling “senior housing.” Condominiums will go for about $300,000 for 1,288 square feet and $400,000 for 1,515 square feet. Buyers must be over the age of 55.

Early interest is coming from “empty-nesters,” or couples whose kids have recently moved out, and from elderly looking to downsize, Planning Board Chairman John Waite said.

Approval came by a 5-1 vote, with one member absent.

There is no current timetable for when the homes will be built. The homes are two-bedroom, two-bathroom units, according to developer Mark Wightman. Work on the project can begin to build the project when ready, though once the first phase begins, there will be 24-month periods during which the work must be completed, Waite said.

Senior housing

The Planning Board’s decision also approves the right to build two new roads leading to the project. This is expected to increase traffic in the area and business in the downtown, Waite said. It will not create congestion given the older demographic of who are intended to live there, Waite said, according to the research the board studied.

An hour after the Planning Board met, Deerfield residents gathered for its annual Town Meeting, where they decided to accept the gift of the South Deerfield Congregational Church, which is set to be used as a senior center and a potential space for affordable senior housing.

“The town and the Select Board has taken a lead on this for some more affordable senior housing,” Waite said.

Waite added that the Planning Board is still looking into affordable housing for the community. He also said the board tries to balance affordable housing and higher-market housing, like this project will be for the town.

Waite anticipates elders moving into these condos, opening their homes in Deerfield for younger families. He said this could bring more students into the school district.

Environment

The Planning Board said it reviewed the potential environmental effects the housing could have on the area, coming to the conclusion that the project will not harm the area.

Waite said they consulted with soil scientists, engineers, the public and an internal peer review about the project.

“We felt comfortable that it was not going to cause water problems in South Deerfield,” Waite said.

The chairman said it will not worsen the runoff issues in the town and could potentially alleviate some of the problems.

The board approved not only the roads, but the storm water, the drains and public utilities for the project.

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