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fter no reply from TAK Real Estate about when officials can conduct life‑safety and code inspections at the Tory Pines apartment complex, the Francestown Select Board voted Monday to send a second letter to the owner, outlining possible legal action. The letter sets an Oct. 17 deadline for TAK to respond and requires the company to begin the site‑plan review by Oct. 21, or the town may pursue adjudication. It also reminds TAK of the 2004 approval conditions that mandate compliance with the town’s life‑safety code and site‑plan regulations.

    TAK, a Topsfield developer, bought the complex—six buildings with 12 one‑bedroom and 12 two‑bedroom units—near Crotched Mountain Golf Course from Wyndham Resorts in spring 2025. In April, TAK applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to change the units from short‑term or transient rentals to long‑term housing. Francestown had notified Wyndham in 2019 of numerous code violations, including faulty smoke detectors, missing handrails, and potential basement firewalls. Select Board chair Charlie Pyle said these deficiencies were likely never corrected.

    Because the units were originally zoned for short‑term or hotel use, the shift to long‑term rentals constitutes a change of use under town ordinance, triggering a minor site‑plan review. On July 17, the ZBA amended the 2004 Notice of Decision, removing a clause that barred residents from becoming permanent Francestown residents, and ruled the complex exempt from later multifamily‑dwelling ordinances—effectively clearing the way for long‑term rentals.

    Many apartments are currently occupied and advertised online and in local flyers. Pyle warned that if TAK continues to block inspections by Fire Chief Larry Kullgren, the town may need to involve the state fire marshal. “We just need them to communicate with us and come talk to us. It needs to be a process. I don’t understand why they can’t just come talk,” he said. TAK’s attorney, Patricia Paniciocco, was not available for comment.