Franklin, MA Joseph Evans and Dusty Burke Jr. of American Commercial Real Estate have brokered the sale of Maplegate Country Club, a 140-acre property, to an undisclosed private solar energy developer for $24.8 million. The site will host two 15-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic systems, producing a combined 30-MW project, which will be among the largest solar installations in Massachusetts. Once operational, the systems are expected to supply clean energy to approximately 6,000 income-eligible households through community solar programs, providing an estimated $30 million in energy savings over the life of the power contracts.
Joseph Evans
Dusty Burke
The conversion of this property from a golf course to a solar energy facility will bring significant financial benefits to the town of Franklin. Previously, the property was enrolled under Chapter 61B, a Massachusetts law that provides tax incentives for land used for recreational purposes such as golf courses. Under this program, the property was taxed at a much lower rate than typical commercial or industrial properties. However, with its sale and development as a solar energy project, the property will now be taxed at an industrial rate based on its new market value. This shift is expected to generate approximately $280,000 annually in additional property tax revenue for the town, providing much-needed financial support during a time of budgetary challenges.
“This project represents a major investment in renewable energy across Massachusetts and reflects the growing role of private capital in supporting sustainable infrastructure,” said Evans. “The transaction required careful navigation of permitting processes across Franklin and Bellingham and extensive coordination with municipal boards and stakeholders throughout the region.” Burke said, “The demand for large, well-located solar development sites continues to accelerate as communities, investors, and developers look for scalable solutions to expand clean energy access. Projects like this demonstrate how private investment can deliver both environmental benefits and meaningful savings for households.” “We were fortunate to have the guidance and expertise of Peter Brown of Brown Legal PLLC in Boston, whose legal counsel was crucial in navigating the complex permitting processes for this project,” said Evans. “Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the work of Bohler Engineering, whose civil engineering team played a vital role in designing and ensuring the infrastructure of the solar development site was engineered for long-term success.”
The Maplegate Country Club sale was a private land transaction, financed entirely through private capital, and does not involve government-owned land or public funding. Its permitting success demonstrates how private investment can work very productively with community leaders to drive clean and less expensive energy infrastructure and economic activity in New England where the cost of electricity is out of control.
Evans and Burke Jr. specialize in complex commercial real estate transactions and are available for consultation regarding development, renewable energy, or investment property opportunities throughout Massachusetts and New England.
