Bedford Workforce Housing Plan Met With Opposition

BEDFORD, NH — Plans for workforce housing and restaurant near Bedford High School were met with some concerns by residents last week. Several residents spoke about traffic concerns related to the plans for three apartment buildings in the area or Route 101, Bow Lane and Chestnut Drive. The plans also include revamping the former Shorty's restaurant and establishing a new restaurant in its place.

The plans for workforce housing include three three-story buildings with 93 apartments combined. The plans were presented during the May 20 Planning Board meeting. During previous meetings, plans suggested 120 units total, but plans have been downsized after concerns that have been raised by community members. As part of the plans, 69 of the apartments would be market-rate, and the rest would be affordable housing.

Part of the plans is also renovating the former Shorty's restaurant, which closed about a year and a half ago. The vacant space would house a new restaurant after some exterior renovations.

During the May 20 meeting, Wallace Road resident Bob Macpherson said he is concerned about the safety of schoolchildren walking down Chestnut Drive after school, with additional traffic on the road.

Bedford resident Becky Soule said, "Literally thousands of Bedford residents have voiced concerns over the location of this project, as well as the impact it would have on town services such as police, fire and emergency."

The Planning Board deferred its decision on the site plans until its June meeting.