Deerfield Board Taps RDI for Senior Housing

Select Board · Meeting of September 9, 2026

Deerfield Select Board designates RDI as preferred developer for 34-unit senior housing. The board voted 3-0 to let Rural Development Inc., the development arm of the Franklin Regional Housing Authority, begin negotiating a land disposition agreement for 83-85 North Main Street, despite neighbors' objections over cost and zoning waivers. Resident Holly Lankowski warned the town's financial exposure could reach "$1.73 million to $1.92 million" beyond its original $420,000 land purchase if RDI's outside grants fall through, and cited a proposed 47-foot building against the town's 35-foot height limit.

Town Counsel Lisa Mead told the board, "if you don't, you're done; if you do, then you move forward," describing the vote as a preliminary step subject to zoning, Community Preservation Act funding and further board approval. The board also adopted a facilities use policy for the 1821 Meeting House, authorized a $30,000 FRCOG contract to update its hazard mitigation plan, and designated Town Administrator Christopher Dunn as local government representative under the state's new energy siting law.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,252 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of September 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.