Officials tout Windward Pines project in Onset after years of dispute

May 31, 2018

After three years of planning and the threat of a legal battle, an 84-unit subdivision at the Bay Pointe Club will break ground this year.

Officials hailed the project, which is credited with helping the nearly 60-year-old golf course remain solvent, at a grand opening celebration Thursday.

“This is a longtime coming,” said Selectman Chair Alan Slavin. “It shows we need to do a better job of getting businesses moving here. This is a win-win for Bay Pointe, the town and Onset Village.”

Dubbed Windward Pines, the project was tied up for years as the developer, Rhode-Island based Stonestreet Corporation, and the Planning Board clashed over issues of lot sizes and wastewater treatment.

In January 2016, the Planning Board approved the plans, but imposed several conditions. Stonestreet officials objected and filed suit in Land Court. Eventually, the differences were settled via mediation. Planning Board members approved the plans in August 2017.

On Thursday, Stonestreet Corporation President Timothy Fay said the project will be worth the wait.

“We’re creating something that will add value to Wareham, Onset and the overall fabric of the community,” he said.

Fay touted the new construction, which will include high-quality materials and energy-friendly systems. The subdivision's proximity to Onset Village, the beach and golfing will be draws for buyers, he said.

Plans call for building 28-units in the first phase of the project, said Conway on the Bay Manager Lauren Cardin. The real estate company is selling and marketing the property. In total, three construction phases are planned. The remaining two phases still require town approval.

Units will be sold as condominiums at a starting price of $420,000, said Cardin, adding of the 28, four have already been pre-sold. Construction is set to begin on the units later this year.

Slavin said the project is a big step for Onset, noting former Selectman Steve Holmes and the town helped pave the way for it back in 2009. That year, a bylaw was passed allowing for the development of residential space on the golf course.

Since then, the property faced several financial troubles. Originally owned by the town, it was sold, re-purchased by the town, then sold again. In 2012, Stonestreet bought the golf course for $1.4 million from Digital Federal Credit Union, which owned the property due to foreclosure.

Fay said Thursday’s grand opening ended the long process of bringing Windward Pines to Onset.

“It’s all good now,” he said.

For more information on the property, visit: www.windwardpines.com.