Building Bedford

School Costs

2005-10-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

First just a couple of notes, there are now five more lots being developed at Freedom Estates. Three have been completed and are for sale (one already sold), three are just foundations and two are being framed. The pavement at Depot Park has been put down, it happened the next two days after I made my last post. The last step for that project is the crossing lights but that is not expected to star for a couple of weeks.

In the Bedford Minuteman this week there was an article on the High School renovation, “School renovation costs soar $8M”. The projected cost of the school is now $49.1 million! I am torn by this news; it is a lot of money that we the Town will have to pony up for this project and the amount seems to continue to escalate. Saying this I am one of the tax payers that will benefit for the project having two boys in the school system and in 8 years they will be enjoys that new facility.

Here is my problem, when it comes to the school system it seems that they have no conception that there are limited resources. They habitually submit a budget to Town Meeting that has exploded compared to the previous year. Secondly, they never seem to be able to say within the budget constraints decided upon. If the reason for the increase (as stated in the article) is purely the cost of supplies have gone up then that is of no fault of the school system but we should act on the plans and start construction. Regardless, we need updates to the facility; I just hate to see the waste.

One last comment about the school project, we can only hope that the school committee is right in that they are giving a low ball percentage of what the State will reimburse. The town would make a dramatic move from being financially sound to dire straits if Mass decides to lower the amount dramatically.

Technorati Tags: Freedom Estates, Depot Park, School Committee

Back into the Swing

2005-10-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

I know I posted recently that I was going to be getting back into the swing of things (mainly posting on what is going on in our Town of Bedford) and a week goes by and nothing. Well, as I posted before I went through a Cartilage replacement and ACL reconstruct on my left knee last month. I did write about that on my Knee blog, you’re welcome to read about. Other than that I have been either out of work stranded at home, then relaying on rides to work and not until just recently, Wednesday, I was able to drive my standard (the clutch being the reason I could not dive) car to work.

Now that I am able to get around a bit I want to make the time to drive around town and take a few photos of some of the changes. Of the places I have been recently (driving to PT) I have noticed that it looks like they are gutting the old Raytheon building; it looks like a scrap metal site in front of it right now. Three or four new houses have popped up at Freedom Estates. Most of the sidewalk seems to be completed and the road is being prepped for the final coat of pavement at the Depot Park. I’m also interested in taking a ride to Avalon Bay, I hear the first residents are now in there, and also take a look at 447 Concord Road, Bedford’s publicly owned low income housing.

On a personal note, I am still on crutches so despite the fact I can drive I am still not getting around that entire well. I am also going to test out my stamina by taking the boys (hopefully) to the football game tonight.

Technorati Tags: Raytheon, Freedom Estates, Depot Park, Avalon Bay, 447 Concord Road, Knee, Football

SuperBowl Ring

2005-10-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

I know this is probably not interesting to most but I had to post this picture. I had the opportunity to see and wear last year’s Patriots SuperBowl ring. Long and uninteresting story how I was able so I will not bore you with it. Enjoy the picture, I know I sure did!

Big Change

2005-09-27T08:52:00.000-04:00

I was lying on my couch the other day and witnessed a big change in Bedford. Raytheon has been a good neighbor and employer in Bedford for many years. This afternoon I witnessed workers removing their sign across from my house making way for the incoming development on their site.

I want to also mention that I’m sorry for neglecting this site as of late. I have been busy rehabbing my knee and writing about that process. I hope to get back into the swing of the going ons in Bedford very soon.

More Insurance Issues

2005-09-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

I posted a while back about how my wife was involved in an auto accident. Well, now I have issues with that person’s auto issuance paying for the auto rental. We were without our van for 30 days while it was at the shop. During those 30 days my wife used a rental to shuttle the boys around. I would have guessed that his auto insurance would be responsible while I was without the van, I was wrong! I’m not going to mention the person who got into the accident with my wife because it is not his fault that the auto insurance he subscribes to sucks but I have no qualms mentioning his auto insurance!

Last week I got my credit card bill and to my chagrin there was a charge for the auto rental. I called the Avis shop and the manager there volunteered to call the insurance company. I got a call back saying I needed to fax the estimate of damages to the insurance company and that it should be taken care of. I did this and didn’t hear back from the insurance company.

I called the insurance a couple days later to follow up and was informed they also need any supplemental estimates made on the van. Again I faxed these along to them and again I didn’t hear back from them. I called the next day and was informed that they would only cover 20 of those 30 days I was without the van. I proceeded to call my insurance company to get guidance as to what I should do. I was informed from my insurance company that most reputable companies not only take into account how long the estimates on the vehicle repair should take but also weekends, holidays, all supplemental estimates, and any backorders that may have occurred but the letter of the law says they are only responsible for supplying a replacement vehicle for as many days as the estimate states.

I called my auto body to get any additional information as to why the repair took as long as it did and with this new gathered information I called back his auto insurance. After getting nowhere with the claim adjuster I asked to speak to his manager. That also didn’t go over very well, she bluntly told me “Since I didn’t purchase the rental rider on my policy I am subject to the whims of another insurer’s policy and we will only cover 20 days”. Now I was under the impression that the rental rider was to cover my rental costs if I was at fault at the accident and my car was un-drivable or my car broke down. Since I have AAA I didn’t think it necessary, how foolish of me. I am now forced to go after the individual driver, attached is the letter:

Dear Older Gentleman

I am writing in regards to the auto accident that occurred between you and my wife Susan Bentley92 on June 27, 2005. I have been in the process of trying to recover the costs associated with the accident from your insurance company. To this point they have been very unresponsive. There is still an outstanding balance of almost $400 I had to pay without reimbursement.

Because the accident was deemed your fault and the fact your insurance company has been unwilling to pay the amount to cover repairs and auto replacement I have been forced to request payment from you. I have included a copy of the receipts to the auto body as well as the auto rental. The total cost that I had to pay comes to $397.39. I would appreciate it if you could remit this amount to me as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about this you can contact your insurance company, Hanover Insurance., at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Mr. Dan Foley is handling the incident and the claim number is #XX-XXXXXX. If you would like to talk to me directly I can be contacted at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Sincerely,

Now I must say that I feel awful to have to do this. First, the Gentlemen is 87 years old and I have no idea what his financial position is and these charges could put a large strain on him. Second, this is a huge waste of my time to have to do any of this. Third, this should have all been covered by the insurance!

Technorati Tags: Auto Insurance

What to Look for and some updates

2005-09-07T12:07:00.000-04:00

Just when you think you can see most of the new (LARGE) construction you need to take a peek over the horizon. There are a few projects, albeit in the future, that are now starting to be talked about or as the developers like to call it a “conceptual plan”

Irene Road Subdivision: There is a 7 acre lot owned by Carroll and Marion Bryan that they are looking to develop. They have employed K&M Land consultants to make a Preliminary Subdivision plan. What they initially are looking to do is build a 6 lot cluster development.

98-100 Concord Road: This is a plot of land owned by Daniel Coyne that backs up to the land of the Middle School. He is looking for guidance as to whether he should build a Planned Residential Development (PDR) or a Subdivision.

Bedford Motel Redevelopment: The Bedford Motel and other businesses in that area are considering making some redesigns. Many of the business owners are still in a wait and see mode. The town has been working on a zoning overlay bylaw for that area. There may be some big changes for that area in the future. I was at Bedford Farms with the family this weekend; I hope these changes don’t affect my ice cream!

Now for some updates: Freedom Estates have had the rest of their lots released. This means is that they can now sell them to individuals or builders. I was down there this past weekend walking around. It looks to me that they are building some nice houses with lots of close neighbors. There is the one main street, Liberty, and two cul-de-sacs, Prescott and Meeting House. The town has also started working on the plot of and behind the development. It looks like there will be two very nice soccer fields ready soon. As an aside, while there I met the first home buyers. They seem very friendly and well informed about Bedford. They also had four children; I wonder how all of these houses are going to affect the school system.

The Bedford Depot work continues (slowly). The sidewalks seem to be about half done and I can only assume that they will start with the traffic lights once those are finished. I’ll have to try to get some pictures of how it looks now so we can compare later. That is all for now.

Technorati Tags: Irene Road Subdivision, 98-100 concord Road, Bedford Motel, Freedom Estates, Depot Park

Building Drama Conclusion Depressed, Disappointed and Disgraced

2005-09-06T11:22:00.000-04:00

The conclusion, as reported in the Minute Man, the Zoning Board of Appeals upheld Mr. Laskey’s, the Code Enforcement Director, ruling to issue Blue Ribbon Dairy a building permit. After two posts (here & here) the conclusion ends very anti-climatic.

I am depressed that the Zoning Board of Appeals agreed with Mr. Laskey. First, it would have been nice if the Town could maintain new structures so that they fit into the future planning as described in the Comprehensive Plan. Second, I think this sets a bad precedence if the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board disagree on issues. One thing it does point out is that the Comprehensive Plan needs to be incorporated into our zoning by-lays.

I was disappointed that Planning Director Richard Jolly could not attend the meeting. I know no one can predict when you are going to come down with a cold but I can only think he would have been better prepared for the meeting. It is also disappointing that Mr. Fagan could not have done a better job composing his argument (as pointed out in the comments on the last post).

Lastly, Planning Board Chairman Arthur Smith should be disgraced with his actions. I understand that he disagreed (and voted against) with going to the Zoning Board of Appeals to overturn Mr. Laskey’s decision. Regardless of that, once the Planning Board resolved and voted to bring the issue to the Zoning Board of Appeals he should support that stance or at very least not contradict their position. The sad thing is that he holds the position of Chairman and as such all that his actions accomplished (other than solidify the ruling passed by the ZBA) is undermine anything else the Planning Board wants to maintain within the town. In my opinion he did the Planning Board and the Town of Bedford a great disservice.

Technorati Tags: Minute Man, ZBA, Chris Laskey, Code Enforcement Director, Blue Ribbon Dairy, Comprehensive Plan, Planning Board, Planning Director, Richard Jolly, Robert Fagan, Planning Board Chairman, Arthur Smith

Building Drama Part II

2005-08-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

The planning board met again on July 26th to talk about Code Enforcement Director Chris Laskey decision to approve the Blue Ribbon Site Plan despite the board’s recommendation of disapproval with Mr. Laskey in attendance. From Mr. Laskey’s responses he seemed very sympathetic to all of the boards concerns but felt pressure legally from the developer. After seeking Town Counsel’s assistance he was advised he was in no position to deny the site plan.

Mr. Laskey, in reviewing the board’s concerns, requested the following details be included in the site plan:

Install a right turn only sign at the east exit.

Install a concrete walk in rear that will run parallel with and adjacent to the rear of the building.

Clearly define the pedestrian walkway from The Great Road to the front of the building.

A condition placed concerning any standing sign located on the site is reviewed by the Planning Board.

A condition placed stating all compact spaces to be limited to employees only.

Despite these extra conditions and changes placed on the Blue Ribbon Site Plan the board was still very disappointed with Mr. Laskey’s decision. Specifically they have concerns for both pedestrian and vehicular safety. They would also like the site fit into their long term plan of how the town center should look and would like to have all parking behind the building.

They have, rightly, chosen to appeal Mr. Laskey decision with the Zoning Board of Appeals. Once again, to be continued….

Technorati Tags: Blue Ribbon Dairy, Planning Board, Code Enforcement Director, Chris Laskey, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Counsel

Building Drama

2005-08-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

So you say: What drama is there in construction other than the continued crusade against Avalon Bay? Well, a couple of month ago now the planning board voted for a recommendation to disapprove the Blue Ribbon Site Plan (I talked about it here and here). They voted to disapprove it because they had issues with vehicular safety movement, pedestrian safety, and different sections of the zoning bylaws that were not adequately provided for. They forwarded their decision along with a memo of why to the Code Enforcement Director, Chris Laskey.

Soon after the planning board made their decision to disapprove the Blue Ribbon site plan they received a memo from Chris Laskey. The gist of his memo is that he found the Blue Ribbon Site to be in compliance with the technical aspects and requirements and has approved the site plan. Just for reference, the planning board voted 4-1 against the site being approved and was a bit put off by Mr. Laskey’s decision. They looked into their options and decided to appeal Mr. Laskey’s decision to the ZBA. To this action they voted 5-0 to appeal and then consult with town counsel for the proper direction and appropriate wording for the appeal.

Last month they received a memo from town counsel in regards of how they should precede concerning Chris Laskey’s decision to approve the Blue Ribbon site plan. Town counsel pointed out that there is a possibility for a conflict of interest. It seems that Mr. Laskey has already sought advice from town counsel and has strategized with them concerning the Blue Ribbon site. The planning board is now planning to seek different counsel and Richard Jolly, Planning Director, has said he would invite Mr. Laskey to the next planning board meeting to discuss his decision.

To be continued…

Technorati Tags: Blue Ribbon Dairy, Avalon Bay, Planning Board, Code Enforcement Director, Chris Laskey, ZBA, Town Counsel, Planning Director, Richard Jolly

Outstanding (not in a good way) Stuff

2005-08-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

There doesn't seem to be any new news around Bedford so I'll fill you in on some older stuff, mainly outstanding issues with Avalon Bay. Last I heard there were four outstanding issues with Avalon Bay's construction. First, the entrance sign for the development is larger than what was stipulated in the conditions of their building permit. You can read Ann Kiessling-Cooper's letter to the editor concerning this issue here. Second, they have made the access road off of Davis Road smaller than what was stipulated and may cause issues with fire access. I know there is talk about making this access road one-way. Regardless of whether it is one-way or not the width will still have to be acceptable by the fire department. Third, they continue to start construction and make deliveries before the stipulated time. Lastly, issues regarding Avalon Bay's retention ponds, whether they are working and if they need to be treated for the mosquito population. There is a picture of one of the retention basins at Citizens for a Safe Bedford. The retention basins that exist now are just temporary and more than likely will not be a problem. That’s all I have for now.

Technorati Tags: Avalon Bay

Responsive State Reps

2005-08-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

I posted recently that my wife got into a car accident and praised the auto body shop that did the work on our minivan. Well, it is now my time to rant. Part of the expense of the accident is this thing called "betterment". Something that I think is just wrong for someone that did not cause the accident to pay. I felt so strongly about it that I actually sent an email to my State Representative, Rep. Charles Murphy, the text of the email is below. What I am upset about is that I emailed him back on July 1st; it has been over a month and he never responded to my email. Not even an auto response from one of his staffers saying that he received the email.

I would like to hear what you other bloggers think about this? Is this something that is worthy of losing votes? Does anyone know what Rep. Murphy’s record on responding to his constituents is? Thanks all for your input.

Recently (6/27/2005) my wife got into an auto accident. Thankfully my wife sustained what seem to be minor injuries and my two boys were fine. I won't go into all of the detail of the accident but it was deemed not to be my wife's fault. I contacted my insurance company and they sent out an adjuster to examine my van. After getting back the estimates of the damages there were two items listed as betterments, which I am responsible for. It is these betterments that I am writing you about.

The explanation I got on the betterments was that there was already wear and tear to those items and that they were replacing them with new items and therefore I would have to pay the difference for that cost. That would make sense to me if the accident were my wife's fault. I was not planning on going out and replacing the tire anytime soon and because of the accident (no fault of our own) I am forced to, how does that then become my responsibility to pay? The logic of the betterments also starts a slippery slope for what insurance companies are responsible for. My entire van has wear and tear on it, is the next step for the insurance companies to prorate the entire vehicle claiming all of the work being done as betterments?

We in Massachusetts pay one of the highest insurance rates in the US. I think my family and I have paid into the insurance system (both of us level 9 drivers) more than enough. The entire idea of someone not at fault having to pay betterments is wrong and just another way the insurance companies are nickel and diming the consumer. I would appreciate you looking into this.

Sincerely,

Technorati Tags: Rep. Charles Murphy

Vacation

2005-08-01T14:33:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been on vacation for the past week so I still need to catch up on everything that has been going on around town. I hope to get back into the swing of things by the end of the week.

One thing I do want to do is plug a couple local businesses. First, my wife got into a car accident last month and our minivan needed a lot of bodywork. We ended up bringing our car to Luther Bodyworks. We were very happy, Ken was great to deal with and they did a very nice job. Second, we had to border our dog for the first time. We ended up bring her to Crestview Kennels. Again we could not have been happier. Nancy was just great and also lessened a lot of the worries my boys had. Belle (the dog) came back both healthy and happy. Glad to be back in gold ole Bedford.

Technorati Tags: Luther Bodyworks, Crestview Kennels

Karma

2005-07-20T14:24:00.000-04:00

This is totally off topic but is something on my mind. Now I want to first start by saying I do not believe in karma, luck, “it was meant to be” stuff. Saying that, the other day I saw a group of people pushing their car down the street in front of my house. I yelled out, “did you run out of gas”, and of course they did. I proceeded to get my gas can so that they could put a bit into their car. They seemed very grateful when I was gong to get the gas but once they finished pouring it into their tank they drove off with a quick thanks. Now today at the gym I found one of those wallet locker keys in the locker room. Instead of checking out the locker I dropped the key off at the front desk and let them know I had found it. Now I did these things because it is just the right thing to do and I was not looking for anything in return but it would be nice if it seemed people were more grateful. It would have been nice if they offered to pay for the gas, not that I would have taking any money but I would have enjoyed the gesture. As for the key I dropped off, I didn’t even get a thank you. So I guess I am just hoping that all of this good karma I’m building up will help me out with my knee!

The Estates at Page Hill

2005-07-18T10:48:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show you a picture of the new properties going up at “The Estates at Page Hill”. These properties are located on Robinson Drive; they are near the Lexington boarder off of Page Road and they are selling for just shy of 1.4 million.

The Estates at Page Hill

Depot Park

2005-07-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

Wonderful news for those of us that live near the Depot Park. The paving has finally been scheduled; it will be done this week (weather depending) on Thursday and Friday. You may want to avoid that area because of police details and detours (as if you haven’t already).

Technorati Tags: Depot Park

When to Get Thinks Done

2005-07-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

I am under the impression that the best time to get things done is in the summer. This is not to put down the ZBA, Planning Board, or any other of our towns boards, they continue to do a wonderful job all year round. I only bring this up because I just don’t think people pay as close attention to things going on in the summer, there is too many other things to do like vacation! I only bring this up because I am also a victim of this. I was planning on writing (almost a month ago) about 40B’s, foreclosures, and the housing glut and maybe I’ll still get back to this at some point but as of yet have still not got to it. The amount of reading material I have been planning to read continues to grow, as does my grass. I guess I’ll blame it on my kids and wife, the easy way out. I will try to make contributions more often but until that fall chill hits, no guarantees.

Some random things you might have interest in:

AvalonBay was in the news again. They are having issues with their sign and one of their one-way roads. You can get more information at Citizens for a Safe Bedford website.

There is plans for a new restaurant on Burlington Road called Flatbread. One interesting note is that they are planning on serving liquor.

Bruce Blake’s 40B property, Patriot Place, is having issues with the HDC. There is a disagreement with both the outside lighting and the wall units planned for his property.

The intersection at the Depot Park is still all torn up. I mention this only because it was planned to have already been paved by this point and them working on the traffic lights. Mainly I mention this because I have to drive and walk over all of the time and I eagerly await the asphalt to go down!

I hope you all enjoyed this weekend’s firework. Enjoy your summer and all that Bedford has to offer.

Technorati Tags: AvalonBay, Flatbead,
Patriot Place, Bruce Blake, Depot Park

Middlesex Revisited

2005-06-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

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

Loose Ends

2005-06-10T13:09:00.000-04:00

I want to start by saying we are lucky to be in a town that it is very easy to get information about what is going on. I would like to also thank Adrienne St. John, the town architect, for spending some time with me to answer my questions. Most of this is information I got from her.

First, just an explanation of what it means to “release” the lots for Prescott Farms. Before Freedom Estates can sell any of their lots (even to builders) there needs to be utilities ready for those sites. Freedom Estates is willing to bond (put money down) to guarantee that those utilities will be in place. Even if in the future Freedom Estates goes bankrupt that money will still be available to finish the utilities. Since the bonded money is there they would like those lots to be “released” so they can proceed with the sale of those lots.

The construction going on at the Depot Park now is to handle a water main and drainage. They plan on having the repaving and curbstones put in sometime next week. Longer term (sometime next month), lights are planed for that intersection.

We also talked about some of the infrastructure projects that are going to be happening on the Middlesex Turnpike. I plan on talking about that a little more in a later post. Have a nice weekend!

Technorati Tags: Town of Bedford, MA, Adrienne St. John, Prescott Farms, Freedom Estates, Depot Park, Middlesex Turnpike

Middlesex Turnpike

2005-06-08T15:19:00.000-04:00

I went for a drive down Middlesex Turnpike this weekend and a couple of things really struck me. First, I could not get over all of the construction that is going on there. Second, what type of infrastructure improvements are going to be needed to support all of it and lastly, what a large amount of wet / swamplands there are and what effect will all of the construction will have on it. There are four major projects going on there: 54 Middlesex Turnpike, Heritage at Bedford Springs, Criterion at Bedford, and Bedford Woods Condominiums.

The two properties 54 Middlesex and Heritage at Bedford Springs are working together to have a more cohesive site plan. 54 Middlesex wants to add retail space (as well as its office space) to its property. Heritage at Bedford Springs is also looking to add residential and office space, it is still questionable as to whether they will also add retail space.

The Criterion project is much larger. They are looking to add residential, office and retail space in multiple buildings. They are also looking into the prospects of one of those buildings being four stories. Some of the residential units will be counted in Bedford’s affordable housing pool but it is unclear how many units will. Along with this project would be the inclusion of sidewalks and again I am unsure if this would be installed by the town or Criterion.

Lastly, Bedford Woods Condominiums are being built a little further up the road. I do not know much about this project at all. They have a map of the plan outside the site that I plan on looking at in the near future. What I do know is that the 9s must be ecstatic about all of the new people that will be in their back yard. My best guess as to what is going to happen along the Middlesex Turnpike is that eventually they will have their own little “town center” that will consist of a fire substation, some retail stores and restaurants, and some open space.

Technorati Tags: Middlesex Turnpike, 54 Middlesex Turnpike, Heritage at Bedford Springs, Criterion, Bedford Woods Condominiums, 99 Restaurant

Odds and Ends

2005-06-05T09:01:00.000-04:00

According to the Bedford Minuteman local towns are still concerned about the outcome of Hanscom AFB. I realize that there will be regional meetings that the BRAC commission will be holding this Summer and that they will be in the Boston area on July 6th but I didn’t think that there is still a chance that the Base could be close. I was more under the impression that Otis Air National Guard Base would be fighting for its life. Any information people have would be greatly appreciated.

Freedom Estates, which is creating Prescott Farms, has asked for the “release” of 19 lots on their new Liberty Road. They have already put up a couple of homes all in the $800,000 price range along the end of South Road. Not exactly sure what the “release” means, if anyone could educate me on this I’d appreciate it.

As far as I know the design of the Blue Ribbon Dairy site is still a bit up in the air. The planning board is still push for all parking in the rear while the developers want parking in both the front and the rear. I have not heard much about Avalon Bay recently. There has been nothing new on Citizen for a Safe Bedford in quite a long time while Avalon Bay’s development is going up extremely fast. The Bedford location is still not mentioned on their web site. There is still talk about “Industrial Mixed Use” at 180-184 Hartwell, the Raytheon Facility Site, by National Development but I do not know what their plans are. There is also the question of the contaminated soil that is there and who would be paying for clean-up. Lastly, there is still work being done on the Depot Park but I’m not exactly sure what they are doing. All I know is that over the next week they plan on repaving and putting in granite curb stones at the intersection of South and Loomis.

As always any information you can provide, comments, or suggestions are very welcome.

Technorati Tags: BRAC, Freedom Estates, Prescott Farms, Blue Ribbon Dairy, Avalon Bay, National Development, Depot Park, Bedford Minuteman, Hanscom Air Force Base, Otis Air National Guard, Citizen for a Safe Bedford

Westboro Baptist Church Protest

2005-06-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

This is a little off the topic but I had to make mention of it. The Westboro Baptist Church will be at the middle school Monday to protest. If you do venture to their web site you will see they are a group of under educated people that are trying to spread hate. I would like to suggest to all of you parents of middle school students to just give them a nice long weekend and skip the event all together. Just my two cents…

My next post I am planning on talking about the construction along the Middlesex Turnpike, specifically: Criterion development, Heritage at Bedford Springs, Bedford Woods condominiums.

Technorati Tags: Westboro Baptist Church, Middlesex Turnpike, Criterion development, Heritage at Bedford Springs, Bedford Woods condominiums

Random Drug Testing in High School

2005-05-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey has introduced a plan for High Schools to start randomly testing students for drug use (as long as the parents have signed off). The local school districts can choose whether or not they want to participate in the program. My hope is Bedford will choose not to and here is why:

So far any real study of random drug testing in the school system has not proven to deter students from using those drugs. Here are a couple of links you should check out that state that fact more eloquently than myself, The Highs and Lows of Drug Testing and Drug Tests in Schools Fail. I don’t automatically agree with everything that these sites state but the articles are good and concise.

Massachusetts is willing to pony up $20,000 per school system that opts into this testing program. Massachusetts is then hoping to also get federal funding with the hopes that the combined money will cover the entire cost for those school systems. Lets just assume that between what Mass is willing to cover and federal grant money the cities and towns don’t have to put any additional funding into the program, doesn’t the money seem better spent on educating the kids rather then drug testing them?

If a parent has concerns about their child don’t they still have the right to go to their primary doctor and discuss options (in private)? Can’t they still request a drug test (again in private)? To me this seems like a colossal waste of money that would be much better spent educating students; please let me know what you think.

Bedford Real estate

2005-05-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to add a quick link to a service that you might enjoy. The Donovan Group Realtors have set up a service that will email you when houses go on the market (or price changes) that fit your search criteria. Check it out.

Blue Ribbon Dairy

2005-05-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

There was a nice letter in the Bedford Minuteman this past week. It was talking about walking & shopping in Bedford. The main gist of the article was that Bedford was not designed friendly for walkers and that the new development going in at the Blue Ribbon Dairy site will not help. They are proposing having parking in the front, which will once again affect walking in Bedford adversely.

For those of you that don’t know, the Blue Ribbon Dairy site is located on The Great Road near the Sunoco. They are planning to put in a one-story building containing a bank and other retail establishments and yes, they would like to have parking in front of the building. The good news, from what I understand, is that the Bedford Planning Board is trying to stick to Bedford’s Comprehensive Plan and is using their influence to keep parking in the back of the building. Also they want to make sure that there is a nice green barrier.

Two more points of interest, while driving around Bedford this weekend I noticed that AvalonBay has been doing a lot of work recently. Is there any new news on that development? Secondly, it looks like there is going to be more work starting soon at the Depot Park. Does anyone know what is planned next for that site?

BRAC News

2005-05-13T14:46:00.000-04:00

Good news for Bedford from the BRAC report, Hanscom AFB looks to gain 11 hundred new jobs. For all that are interested here is a link to BRAC 2005 Closure and Realignment Impacts by State (This is in PDF format). Enjoy. As a side note: What do you all think about the Otis National Guard closure?