Posted by Bedford NH Forward – October 2025
It’s been a busy few weeks in Bedford, with important discussions about our town’s facilities, transportation improvements, and ongoing planning efforts. Below are the key updates and ways to stay involved.
1️⃣ Transportation Hearing Recap – GACIT (September 30 @ 6:00 PM)
Thank you to everyone who attended the state’s GACIT transportation hearing. The meeting was well attended, and I was the only private citizen who spoke. Here are some key takeaways:
- Federal dollars that support many projects are expected to remain flat.
- Gas tax revenues have underperformed, making it harder to pay down the I-93 debt.
- The turnpike system (toll-funded) may need a toll increase to:
- Finish the Everett Turnpike widening north of Nashua to the tolls on time,
- Fix safety and geometry issues at I-293 Exits 6 & 7, and
- Advance the I-89 Bow interchange improvements.
One possible funding approach discussed was a $1.00 toll increase to complete these critical infrastructure and safety projects.
If you’d like to share your thoughts directly, you can contact the New Hampshire Department of Transportation below.
Contact for public comments:
William E. Watson, P.E.
Administrator, Bureau of Planning & Community Assistance
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
8 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 483, Concord, NH 03302
📧 william.e.watsonjr@dot.nh.gov
2️⃣ Town & Planning Board Highlights – September Meetings
Here’s a quick look back at Bedford’s key meetings from September. You can view the official minutes below.
Planning Board – September 8, 2025
- Continued site plan for a 150,000 sq ft commercial building at 308 South River Rd (warehouse/light manufacturing).
- Market & Main site improvement discussions continued.
- Sidewalk and Ridgewood development agreement updates.
📄 Read full Planning Board minutes (Sept 8)
Town Council – September 10, 2025
- Reviewed FY26–35 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) priorities and facilities planning.
- Discussed police, fire, and DPW capital requests and long-term funding.
- Heard public input on community safety and infrastructure investments.
📄 Read full Town Council minutes (Sept 10)
Town Council – September 24, 2025
- Approved purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear for the Fire Department.
- Accepted state and federal grants for PFAS and highway projects.
- Approved purchase of new VotingWorks voting machines and continued budget planning.
📄 Read full Town Council minutes (Sept 24)
3️⃣ October Meeting Preview
Planning Board – Monday, October 6 @ 6:30 PM
- Site Plan (continued): 150,000 sq ft commercial building, 308 South River Rd (Lot 24-98-19), 36 loading bays, 275 parking spaces.
- Concept: “Sunset Lane Estates” — 12 townhomes (10% workforce rental).
- Concept: Gas station, convenience store & carwash (South River Rd, Lot 35-3-1).
📄 View the Oct 6 Planning Board agenda (PDF)
Town Council – Wednesday, October 8 & October 22 @ 7:00 PM
- Agendas expected to include facilities planning updates and budget preparation items.
- Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch via BCTV.
4️⃣ Reminder: Town Facilities Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete the Town’s Facilities Survey.
Your input will help guide the future of Bedford’s buildings and essential services — including fire and police.
5️⃣ Stay Engaged & Spread the Word
Thank you for reading and staying informed about what’s happening in Bedford.
Your engagement makes a real difference — whether it’s filling out a survey, attending a meeting, or sharing this update with a neighbor.
As we move through October, Bedford NH Forward will continue reporting on new developments from the Town Council, Planning Board, and state agencies that affect our community.
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Together, we can help move Bedford forward. 💙💚
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