Middlesex Revisited
Last week I mentioned that I wondered what infrastructure would be needed to accommodate all of the building going on Middlesex Turnpike. I also said that “my best guess” would be that Middlesex Turnpike would turn into a mini town center. Well I have found out that there is already infrastructure plans in the works for Middlesex Turnpike. Stage one of the plan is the expansion of Crosby Drive into a three-lane road. Stages two and three will turn Middlesex Turnpike into a three-lane road.
If there is this much development going on Middlesex Turnpike with most of it being driven by 40B and other housing does it make sense to put a three-lane road in? The developers are using the mixed-zoning by-law to also introduce retail which does have some logic too it with all of the housing that will be there. But with a three-lane road is it going to look more like a strip mall atmosphere and make it more difficult for that housing to sell? 
My guess is no because of people wanting to move to Bedford for the School system and other things but it will probably not be the most sought after area in Bedford. We (because of 40B) cannot stop housing going in on Middlesex Turnpike but maybe we should reconsider the improvements to the road. There may be better things to do rather that expanding the road to three-lanes. Consider open space, park, fire substation (which land was offered the town to build), and other things to beatify the area rather than speed up the traffic?
Criterion at Bedford, which is going in at 59 and 75 Middlesex Turnpike, had its Public Hearing closed on May 31st. This will add 226 units to Bedford, most of which will be one-bedroom units. It will be rather interesting to find out how many of those units will go to our low income housing pool as well as how it will affect the school system and taxes. I guess at this point we all have to wait and see.
Just for a point of interest, the picture is of one of the new homes that have been built in at Prescott Farms.
Technorati Tags: Middlesex Turnpike, Crosby Drive, Criterion at Bedford, 40B, Prescott Farms
