Bedford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bedford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ambulance ordinance to reduce emergency call volume
Councilors debated whether the wave of 55-plus and assisted living projects will strain ambulance and fire services, since Bedford already has the highest share of emergency calls tied to nursing homes. Assisted living isn't allowed under current zoning — voters would have to change that.
Workforce housing at 9 Sunset Lane
Developers in Bedford must set aside at least 10% affordable units, but rental rates are tied to the cheaper Manchester HUD region — making projects hard to pencil out. The 9 Sunset Lane project stands out with 85% affordable units.
Acorn property acquisition delay
The Acorn property acquisition closed last week thanks to donated trail easements from neighbors. A parking lot may not be built this fall as hoped, but planning with Public Works continues with a spring target.
Merrill Farm subdivision speed limit and road design standards
Neighbors argued the 15-lot project on steep, ledge-laden terrain will produce runoff, harm wetlands and endangered turtles, and erode rural character. The board approved it anyway with extensive conditions.
Merrill Farm subdivision turtle habitat protections
State regulators and the developer finalized a deal expanding the protected, deed-restricted area to over 22 acres — including a 50-foot wetland buffer, turtle nesting habitat, and exclusionary fencing during construction. The commission pushed for this expansion and got more than it asked for.
Wetland fill for 15-lot Wallace Road subdivision
A 63-acre parcel would be split into 15 house lots on a new 2,800-foot town road, with private wells and septic. Neighbors are worried about wetland crossings, protected turtles, PFAS, drainage onto their properties, and losing wooded buffers.
Phased construction of 54-unit senior housing development
The approved but unbuilt Riddle Brook Acres senior housing project got another year to secure a buyer and start construction.
Medical/professional office building on South River Road
A 19,270-square-foot two-story office building will replace a single-family house at 269 South River Road, sharing access with the existing plaza and Victoria Plaza. Curb cuts get consolidated and traffic coordinated with a future state road-widening project.
Cottage Court development redesign off Constitution Drive
Trendezza LLC's 30-home cottage court on Rundlett Hill Road brings smaller, more affordable homes to a town where only 7.6% of housing has two or fewer bedrooms. It keeps about 15 of 22.7 acres undeveloped, clusters toward the industrial side, and uses a community septic system with a wetland crossing.
Stormwater Waiver for South River Road Gas Station
A new gas station, convenience store, and fast-food drive-thru will be built near the Route 3 interchange, serving highway traffic and nearby residents. The board worked through stormwater, NHDOT roundabout, and abandonment-bond conditions before approving.