Bedford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bedford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Chubbuck Road solar facility performance and revenue
The town's solar facility is producing more electricity than the town uses this summer and just delivered its first Eversource checks totaling about $32,700. But the economics are nuanced: Eversource buys power at ~$0.10/kWh while selling at ~$0.22, and the checks don't offset demand or distribution charges. A resident wants a plain dollars-and-cents profitability report within six to twelve months.
Conservation Land Purchase at 555 Wallace Road
The Town is buying 2.4 acres from the Marcia Marston Trust to protect land that's been a conservation target since 2009. It's paid for entirely by the Conservation Fund (current use tax receipts), not your taxes, and comes with trail access and restrictions on future development.
PFAS groundwater contamination near Merrill Farm
Wells near the subdivision have tested positive for PFAS, and a Jackson Square resident reported her own well came back positive. The board added a condition requiring notice to NHDES for lots within 500 feet of contaminated wells.
Sebbins Pond water quality and watershed management plan
Septic systems around densely packed Sebbins Pond are believed to be the main phosphorus source to the pond. A state-funded watershed management plan with VHB and DES is underway, and the committee made Sebbins Pond the priority for the sewer master plan.