In a “shift of direction” for the Bedford Commons project, Midway Development Group has been selected by the City of Bedford to continue with the planning of the project. The City Council unanimously (7-0) voted Tuesday night to authorize Interim City Manager Andrea Roy to “execute” a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Midway to “proceed with the development” through an “exploratory period,” according to phrasing of the meeting agenda.

Addressing the Council, Roy explained that the current MOU expires at the end of this month, leaving the City free to select a new developer. Until now, she said the project had been moving forward, “but not as quickly as we had hoped” and that there were “concerns with the current plan.” Roy said she felt the interests of the City are “very much aligned” with Midway and that the MOU agreement with them “commits us both to working together,” but without a financial obligation.

Intended as a mixed-use development for the 16.5 acres of City-owned property, including “repurposing” the land on which the Central Fire Station sits, Bedford Commons would consist of retail, park space and town homes, based on City records.

A total of 31 acres could end up within the development space, according to Tarrant County property records, including 5.4 acres owned by State National Insurance (widely referred to as “State National Bank”) on the opposite side of L. Don Dodson and the nine acres where the City’s municipal complex sits.

Toward attracting developers, the City established a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) in 2020, according to the City’s website. A year or two later, the website stated that the Tarrant County Commissioners Court and the Tarrant County College District joined the TIRZ by approving tax rates of 50 percent of their normal rates within the zone.

There are more than 180 TIRZs throughout Texas, the City website explains, which are used as financial incentives to attract developers. A TIRZ establishes a “base tax value” for a “designated area” using property taxes to help pay for such costs as street and drainage improvements, park space and utility connections.

“I think we can get you exactly what you want,” claimed Bradley Freels, chairman and CEO of Midway, during his presentation to the Council and a nearly packed chamber. “We’re passionate about everything we get involved with.” In addition, Freels seemed confident that at least some of the “green space” could be preserved by “taking something that’s raw and make it great.”

Addressing concerns of Mayor Dan Cogan over multi-family housing as “a no hitter,” Freels replied, “I don’t think multi-family is necessary to make this work.” However, Freels said “for-rent residential and for-sale residential” are usually necessary components for a project of this type, but it “wouldn’t be a big” component. He also stated that “retail will work here,” by bringing in “the right group,” which could “create a true destination.” But, he clarified, “we need to look at all options” and understand that “density allows you to do other things.”

“That’s going to be your challenge.” warned Councilmember Ruth Culver. “Bedford as a whole, she said, “is interested in this” and that “you’re going to be in for a ride.”

Freels responded, “We try to be broad enough to attract everybody,” as opposed to any one group.

Councilmember Steve Farco commented that he felt Midway’s 60-acre, multi-use development in College Station is “very tasteful.”