What is currently on the land slated to be developed?

Before the property was purchased by Rowley Farms in 2022, much of the area had been scarred by long forgotten businesses that left abandoned vehicles and leftover buildings from old mink farming and fish processing operations.

Rowley Farms is taking responsibility to clean up the property, including in the sensitive areas of the town’s Well Water Protection District.

How is the community involved in the planning of the Rowley Farms project?

Come visit and talk to us! We hold frequent public informational sessions at the Club to hear the ideas and concerns of our neighbors and to answer questions. We know paramount concerns include increased traffic, strain on infrastructure, and protecting our natural resources, especially water. We will continue to welcome public input as this process continues.

The Rowley Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled the first public session for January 21st, 2026 at 7pm. Check the ZBA Website for updates.

What studies have been done to measure the impact on traffic and infrastructure, specifically water?

We have assembled a team of experts in mixed use communities, water treatment and usage, golf course design specifically known for their environmental work.  Even before a shovel is put in the ground, our team has done exhaustive studies on traffic patterns, water flow, the topography of the land – scientific research now available to the town for use even beyond this project.

How are you supporting local businesses?

We have an ongoing collaboration with Rowley's Anonymous Brewing. Our Back Nine Tavern is currently the only place you can find this local product. Additionally, our menu features wines from our neighbors at Mill River Winery. The restaurant serves dishes crafted with ingredients sourced from Herrick Farm. As the project progresses, we will continue to engage with local businesses.

What is the anticipated long term financial impact of the project?

In the coming years, we see a vibrant community with various housing options, abundant natural spaces, and recreational resources, alongside a world-class golf course open to all. These will be complemented by new opportunities for commercial and business growth that will create an infusion of tax dollars that can negate the need for overrides to fund schools and other vital town services. At full build-out, Rowley Farms could supplement tax revenues by 25 percent.

Rowley Farms is being developed under the Local Initiative Program (LIP). How does that program work?

Under the application, Rowley Farms will build 395 units. Twenty-five percent of the units (99 units) will be affordable under the state's guidelines. Moreover, as a rental community, every unit in the Project will be eligible to be counted by the Town toward satisfaction of the state's 10% affordable housing requirement. So with Rowley Farms, the Town would be protected from any future unfriendly 40B projects.

Two years ago, the town and Rowley Farms jointly filed the application for this development under the state's Local Initiative Program. The program fosters negotiation and compromise between the developer and the Town.