Pedestrian access to Constitution Drive from Cottage Court development
Bedford
Summary
The narrow, steep entrance drive has guardrails on both sides and no sidewalk. The board required two extra feet of pavement and better gatehouse-area pedestrian design after extended staff and board concerns.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
A sidewalk and retaining wall could cost far more than a typical sidewalk — an expense the applicant said would be passed on to future homebuyers.
Future residents walking to their mailboxes and the school bus stop on Constitution Drive.
Pedestrian-safety advocates argue future residents walking the narrow access road lose a protected path; the applicant argued the sidewalk cost burden would harm buyers.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Planning Board - Apr 20, 2026
The DPW director pushed hard for a curbed sidewalk linking the new cottage court homes to the heavily used Constitution Drive sidewalks, citing pedestrian safety on the narrow, guardrailed access road. The board ultimately did not require it, relying on the widened roadway and existing conditions.
Planning Board - Feb 9, 2026
The narrow, steep entrance drive has guardrails on both sides and no sidewalk. The board required two extra feet of pavement and better gatehouse-area pedestrian design after extended staff and board concerns.
Related development
West Keene Street, LLC Cottage Court Development
Adds 21 smaller homes near existing neighborhoods, using an existing commercial driveway and parking under the power line easement.
Bedford Heritage Reserve Cottage Court Development — Site Plan Amendments
Less pavement and no impact to the utility easement infrastructure; construction can start once the building permit process begins, with the National Grid agreement needed only before anyone moves in.
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