Bedford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bedford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Conservation Commission appointment
Kate Kelly moved up from alternate to full member of the Conservation Commission, filling a resignation vacancy through May 1, 2028.
Library annual report
The library is busier than ever: 149 adult/teen programs (up 37%) and 269 children's programs, over 10,000 monthly visits, and a refreshed donor-funded front entrance. A restroom renovation is next on the wish list for the 30-year-old building.
School transportation coordinator seat on committee
The school district's transportation coordinator role may be cut in the budget, leaving a vacancy on the committee. Members want a school district representative, possibly from the district's own safety committee.
Trees vs. parking and EV charging in site planning
The town has no plans to buy electric vehicles soon, waiting for the technology to mature — but that creates a chicken-and-egg problem with chargers. A DC fast charger for a police cruiser could cost $80,000 to $150,000, and there's no capital reserve set aside for it or for grant matching.
Digital gas price sign at Heavens Gas Station
A gas station on Boynton Street can now swap its manual price board for LED digits on the existing sign. Conditions cap brightness and require the sign off after 10 p.m.
Council Code of Conduct and Election Duties
Councilor Fahey wants clearer rules on what councilors must do on election day and how committee alternates work. Town staff will draft tracked-changes edits for a future vote.
DPW re-accreditation and national award
Bedford's DPW is the only accredited public works department in New Hampshire and won a national asset management award — a sign the town's roads, plowing, and infrastructure are run to a high standard.
41 Jenkins Road culvert replacement
A driveway culvert first permitted in 1993 is being enlarged without needing town permit review, so the commission never got to comment. Going forward, members want applicants like this to present so today's best practices get applied.
Fairy house preservation on Bedford Hollow trail
The handmade fairy houses along the Muller Park trail have been weathering away, so an Eagle Scout built 12 protective shelters for them. The commission accepted the donation and plans seasonal installation — covers on in winter, stored in spring.
Regional bike and rail trail mapping
The Southern NH Planning Commission is working on mapping and communicating bike and rail trails to citizens, though Bedford itself lacks significant trails.
Home-based car storage business at 106 Jenkins Road
Erik Lumbert sought a variance to run a car storage home occupation out of a detached structure, where the zoning only allows such businesses in attached structures. The hearing was scheduled for the July 21 meeting.
Front setback relief for porch at 8 Rockbound Road
Michael and Leah Neal asked for a variance to build a porch 23 feet from the front property line, where 30 feet is required. The board was scheduled to hear the request.
NHMA legislative policy positions
The Council endorsed the NHMA's two-year lobbying policy slate and sent Jeanne Walker as its voting delegate. It doesn't commit Bedford to any legislation, but shapes the municipal lobby's priorities.
Preservation education session series
The commission is running four training sessions on historic preservation, with recordings posted online — a chance for residents to learn the terminology before the fall hearings.
Cemetery street signs and historic district signage
The cemetery commission wants street signs inside the cemetery and asked the HDC's preference on style — the board suggested matching the historic district's sign look. Members also floated reviving the old house-plaque program.
Councilor access to department head meetings
Councilor Levesque was surprised a town manager staff meeting wasn't open to councilors. The town manager explained the charter makes department heads his direct reports; councilors agreed the current collaborative arrangement works.
Request for no-engine-braking restriction on Route 101
A resident asked for a 'no engine braking' restriction on Route 101 eastbound near Kahliko Lane, but the state DOT doesn't restrict approved safety equipment, noise usually comes from illegal exhaust modifications, and Route 101 is state-maintained.
BHS Graduation coverage funding
The school district is expected to cover the roughly $3,000 cost of televising Bedford High graduation this year, pending confirmation from Superintendent Fournier. BCTV will cover the ceremony either way, though coverage could be scaled back if funding falls through.
Utility and town tree clearing in the district
A resident noted utilities and the town can remove front-yard trees without HDC approval and asked the diagram to show those easement zones. Staff agreed to add a footnote clarifying that utility and right-of-way work is exempt.
Pool house within cluster subdivision buffer at 7 Pulpit Road
The Radin family wanted to add a pool house, sauna, and deck inside the 50-foot perimeter buffer of their corner lot in the Preserve cluster subdivision. The Board agreed the lot's unusual position — buffers on three sides, wetlands on the fourth — justified relief, and the structure doesn't reduce the subdivision's screening.
Conservation easement on New Boston Road property
The lot line adjustment on New Boston Road came out of a boundary survey being done for the Town's purchase of a conservation easement on the Acorn property — meaning land there will be permanently protected.
Apple Leaf Drive truck turnaround
DPW wants an easement on the Keller property so plow and utility trucks can turn around at the end of Apple Leaf Drive — a condition that's existed since the 1960s. Talks continue before the May 4 hearing.
Home-based business in the R&A zone
The board approved a very small, by-appointment Pilates studio in a home — capped at roughly 10 clients per week, no signage, clients directed to park in a hidden carport. It shows the town still allows low-impact home businesses when neighbors aren't visibly affected.
Home-based Pilates studio on Joppa Hill Road
A small private Pilates studio (max 10 clients/week) will operate from a home on Joppa Hill Road, with parking and turnarounds kept on-site so cars don't back onto the road. Neighbors' light and traffic concerns were addressed.
Pulpit Rock Subcommittee appointments
Scott Stevens and Matthew Burch were up for appointment to the Pulpit Rock Subcommittee, which helps manage the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area.
Maple tapping at Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
A request to tap maple trees on the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area was on the agenda. Allowing tapping could support educational or sugaring activities but raises questions about use of conservation land.
NHDES Household Hazardous Waste Grant
The DPW landed a first-of-its-kind $3,312 state grant to help fund Hazardous Waste Day, which collected over 21,800 pounds of hazardous waste last July. The town must match the amount, but it offsets costs that would otherwise hit the budget.
Recognition of departing Councilors Bemiss and Radke
Kathleen Bemiss and Lori Radke are leaving the Council. Radke's service spans Planning Board work starting in 2001, twelve years as Town Clerk, and two Council terms including chairing in 2024-2025.
Sixth Annual Cub Cleanup Day
Councilor Carter's roadside cleanup runs April 8–18, centered on April 11. Five tons of trash have been collected over five years, and the commission is invited to adopt a section of road.
Church solar project as a community model
Bedford Presbyterian Church showed how a building can slash energy costs — 126 solar panels, heat pumps, LED lighting, and monitoring cut bills by ~$26,000 a year and CO2 by 101,000 pounds annually.
Town boundary markers (perambulation)
Three boundary markers are missing and others disturbed. The town will split repair costs with Amherst, Manchester, and NHDOT — a few thousand dollars, mostly housekeeping, but Councilor Greazzo questioned why this 1791-era law still matters in the GPS age.