Town Council Bids Farewell to Business Resource Group

Last night, the Bedford Town Council met with members of the Bedford Resource Group (BRG) and agreed to 'sunset' the initiative.

According to Council Chairman Bill Dermody, the BRG – which played instrumental roles in forming Bedford's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district and, earlier this year, helping pass new sign ordinances – was formed with the expectation it would only exist a finite period of time.

Last night, that time came to an end, sort of ...

Dermody explained that the BRG grew out of an economic development commission that also supported a full-time economic developer. When Bedford residents voted down the paid position during elections two years ago, Dermody said the already-formed residential volunteer group was left without an important cog.

Still, the BRG pushed forward under the guidance of chairman Doug Pearson, who resigned his position in April.

"When voters decided we didn't need a professional, this group had already formed in anticipation of the town hiring a professional," said Dermody. "These people just didnt' feel comfortable being out in front in terms of economic development without a professional they could work with and respond to. They did help businesses with the sandwich board signs (and additional sign ordinances), and they did it well, but they didn't feel they had the ability to do other things, and current chair Steve Lawrence informed us that the best thing to do was to just sunset the group."

Deromody said the the BRG volunteers have offered their services and knowledge to Town Manager Jessie Levine as she undertakes current and future economic development initiatives.

Other Agenda Items

The Bedford Town Council, in addition to meeting with representatives from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Public Works Department, also accepted several acres of land.

The property, which Dermody said is mostly wetlands, is located off Jenkins Road, near the Merrimack town line. It will be added to the town's conservation lands.

Meeting with members of the Friends of Canine Corner, Dermody said he and fellow councilors served notice to the group that if it is to proceed with plans to build a dog park off Nashua Road, it must lease the property from the town.

Dermody said the lease requirement is due to liability insurance and compared similar arrangements with the Bedford Cross Country Ski Club and its use of Legacy Park and also the Bedford Historical Society and the Stevens-Buswell School. An additional concern, added Dermody, is the potential need for town employees to assist with the dog park, which may exhaust Bedford's already thin personnel.

The Council is set to meet again on Nov. 28 when it will continue to review Levine's proposed municipal budget with department heads.

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