The creation of three new redevelopment districts in Bedford, based on proposed land use patterns (classifications), was the focus Tuesday evening of a special joint session of City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.  The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the Plan that will now go to a vote for final approval by the Council on Tuesday, September 24.

The three “distinct and different” overlay districts would be redeveloped into “unique and interesting places” that “don’t exist today,” as presented by Tony Allender, urban planning and economic development principal at Hawes Hill and Associates.  Hawes Hill has been contracted as a consulting agency by the City to help develop the Comprehensive Plan. 

The three districts are “The Commons District, (Bedford Commons), the Meadows District and the Stonegate District.  A couple of the key objectives, Allender outlined, would be to transition “strip commercial development” into “places that are more destination-oriented” and focus on converting some strategically placed multi-family apartment complexes into “urban residential” units, such as townhomes.

The Commons District

The Commons District,” centered on the undeveloped acreage referred to as Bedford Commons, includes the area occupied by City Hall and links across Bedford Road to The Old Bedford School, the Bedford Public Library and north to Generations Park.

Allender stated that Bedford Commons would pivot away from apartments and add “event streets,” which could be closed off “so events can spill out into the open spaces.”

The planning of the proposed Commons District, is further ahead of the other two districts as the City has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Midway Development to research viable options for a Bedford Commons concept.  According to Mayor Dan Cogan, a presentation from Midway is anticipated sometime in the first quarter of 2025.

In general, for the areas around all three districts, Allender presented concepts on connecting new amenities, such as open spaces, plazas, lawns, parks, trails and public art that would add to the “attractiveness and interest” of the area.  It would create new spaces for people to “gather and hang out.”  He emphasized that there would also be an option of improving existing parks and adding trees and green spaces where it makes sense to create a “lush” environment.

The Meadows District

The Meadows District “builds on the 57 acres owned by the school district” and is centered on Meadow Park, Allender explained.  It would feature a range of housing units in a single, master planned community, including single family units.  The Meadows District, he said, would include the “Kroger” and “Big Lots” shopping centers as retail components.

[More about the planning for the Meadow Park property can be read about here.]