Bedford, MA

Depot Park Advisory Committee

Select Board

The Bedford Select Board will vote to extend $233,508.10 in unexpended special articles into FY2027 and review the FY25 financial audit. The board will also interview candidates for the Cultural Council and Zoning Board of Appeals, discuss the placement of a ghost bike on Route 62, and review a draft warrant for an Open Special Town Meeting.

• Approve extension of Tax Levy Special Articles totaling $233,508.10 for carryforward into FY2027
• Review FY25 Financial Audit presented by Matt Hunt, CLA
• Interview Moriah Tumbleson-Shaw for appointment to the Cultural Council (term ending 2029)
• Interview Mark Rubin for appointment as a Full Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term ending 2029)
• Discuss placement of a ghost bike on Route 62

Council on Aging

The Bedford Council on Aging Board is meeting to discuss routine updates and take votes on board size and approval of the August 4th meeting minutes. The meeting theme is 'Refinement' and includes updates from board members, the director, and liaisons.

• Vote on board size
• Vote to approve August 4th meeting minutes
• Hybrid meetings update
• Director's update provided in board packet
• Action items on awareness, advocacy, and transport

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

Transportation Advisory Committee

Bicycle Advisory Committee

Board of Assessors

Ad Hoc Tricentennial Committee

The Bedford Tricentennial Committee is meeting to review and approve prior minutes, discuss progress on Bedford Day, review the action item list, and assess overall event progress. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Public comments at 7:00 PM
• Review and approve prior minutes
• Discussion on Bedford Day progress
• Review Action Item List
• Review event progress

Recreation Commission

The Bedford Recreation Commission is meeting to review fall program registration, discuss fees for an indoor adult pick-up program, and evaluate summer programs. They will also receive updates on the Springs Road athletic fields design and a recreation facilities needs assessment, plus plans for Bedford Day.

• Fall program registration opened 8/24/26
• Indoor adult pick-up program fee discussion
• Springs Road athletic fields design update
• Recreation facilities/fields needs assessment study
• Bedford Day update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on August 27, 2026, to discuss updated standards for special permits and variances with Town Counsel, and to hear several zoning petitions. These include continuations for a variance at 2 Benjamin Kidder Lane, special permits for new houses at 103 Page Road and 2 Perham Street, a land transfer at 6 Fairview Road and 3 Hilda Road, and a sign permit for Sam Walker’s American Tavern. The board will also discuss the Sign Bylaw and approve minutes from the July 23 meeting.

• Continuation: Variance for addition within front yard setback at 2 Benjamin Kidder Lane
• Continuation: Special permit to demolish and rebuild house on non-conforming lot at 103 Page Road
• Special permit to demolish and rebuild house on non-conforming lot at 2 Perham Street
• Continuation: Special permit to transfer non-conforming land at 6 Fairview Road and 3 Hilda Road
• Special permit for sign division and illumination at Sam Walker’s American Tavern, 213 Burlington Road

Planning Board

The Bedford Planning Board will hold a remote meeting on August 25, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes a public hearing for a definitive subdivision plan at 145 Davis Road, which the applicant has requested to continue to September 8, 2026. The business session will cover discussions on accessory dwelling ownership options, Dark Sky lighting, small clean energy facility permitting, data center permitting, tree protection bylaw, residential sign regulations, and 340 Great Road. The meeting is conducted remotely under the extended Open Meeting Law suspension.

• Public hearing continued for 145 Davis Road definitive subdivision plan (4 lots off Jeffrey Circle) to September 8, 2026
• Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Ownership options
• Discussion of Dark Sky lighting regulations
• Discussion of Small Clean Energy Facility permitting
• Discussion of Data Center permitting

Board of Registrars

The Bedford Board of Registrars is meeting to handle routine administrative matters, including welcoming a new member and authorizing a signature stamp. The board will also receive information about the upcoming State Primary Election. No votes on policy or budget items are listed.

• Welcome new board member
• Authorization of signature stamp
• Information on upcoming State Primary Election

Planning Board

The Bedford Planning Board is meeting to review the layout and content of the draft Comprehensive Plan. The agenda includes a discussion on the timeline for a public survey regarding the draft plan. The board will also provide an update on ongoing road shows to other boards and committees.

• Review of Draft Comprehensive Plan layout and content
• Timeline for public survey on draft Comprehensive Plan
• Update on ongoing road shows to boards and committees
• Bedford Day booth materials

Fire Station Building Committee

The Bedford Fire Station Building Committee is meeting to review the ongoing fire station construction project. The agenda covers a debrief of a site walk, safety issues, construction schedule, submittals, RFIs, proposed change orders, inspections, commissioning, and project risks. This is a working session focused on project management details rather than new policy decisions.

• Debrief of site walk
• Review of proposed change orders (COs)
• Discussion of open submittals and RFIs
• Safety review: incidents, housekeeping, barricades, signage
• 3-week construction look-ahead and overall schedule discussion

Conservation Commission

The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission will consider two amendments proposed by Chris Eliots: one requesting Massport to allow and encourage ICE observers on its property, and another requesting installation of public-facing webcams broadcasting loading zones used for prisoner enplaning. The meeting is held remotely via Zoom.

• Vote on amendment to request Massport allow ICE observers on property
• Vote on amendment to request public webcams at prisoner loading zones
• Next meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026

Ad Hoc Tricentennial Committee

The Bedford Tricentennial Committee will meet to review prior minutes, discuss progress on Bedford Day, review the action item list, review event progress, and schedule the next meeting.

• Discussion on progress with a focus on Bedford Day
• Review of action item list
• Review of event progress

Historic Preservation Commission

The Bedford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic properties and programs. Items include a preservation restriction for the Job Lane property, a sign in the Historic District, the Michael Bacon House, and Article 56 tax deferrals for renovated historic properties. The commission will also consider vacancies and a change to five seats, plus community outreach for Bedford Day and publicity efforts.

• Job Lane property – historic preservation restriction
• Historic District sign at Great Road and Hillside
• Michael Bacon House, 229 Old Billerica Road
• Article 56, Tax Deferral for Renovated Historic Properties
• HPC vacancies and change to 5 seats on the board

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to vote on motor vehicle excise abatements and discuss a Town Meeting article (Article 21). The board will also hold an executive session to discuss litigation strategy related to the Appellate Tax Board (ATB). The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Vote on motor vehicle excise abatements
• Discussion of Town Meeting Article 21
• Executive session to discuss ATB legal strategy

Cultural Council

The Bedford Cultural Council will meet to vote on FY27 priorities and local guidelines, review the treasurer's report, and discuss a community input survey. The council will also consider reimbursement and publicity requirements for the upcoming grant cycle and hold elections for officers.

• Approve FY27 Priorities and Local Guidelines
• Review and approve Reimbursement and Publicity Requirements and Guidelines
• Grant recipient outreach for upcoming grant cycle
• Elections for co-chairs, clerk, and co-treasurers
• Community input survey follow-up

Hanscom Field Advisory Commission

The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission will consider two amendments proposed by Chris Eliots: requesting Massport to allow ICE observers on its property, and to install public webcams providing 24/7 live streams of prisoner loading zones. The commission will also take announcements and set the next meeting date. All votes will be by roll call.

• Vote on amendment to request Massport to allow ICE observers on Massport property
• Vote on amendment to request Massport to install public-facing webcams for 24/7 live video of prisoner loading zones, following King County International Airport-Boeing Field template
• Next meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026

Cultural Council

The Bedford Cultural Council meeting agenda for August 11, 2026, could not be retrieved because the linked PDF file was not found on the town website. The agenda page shows only a system error message, so no meeting items are available to summarize.

Trails Committee

The Bedford Trails Committee will discuss committee membership, kiosks/signage/ebikes, Hartwell Town Forest status, access to Burlington Landlocked Forest, VA garage status, Page Place easement, and trail map/trail guide status. They will also review recent trail work and propose new projects including bridge replacements at Hosmer Way (84'), Springs Brook (12' and 8'), and Town Campus (56'), as well as boardwalk replacements at York C.A. (60') and Huckins Farm.

• Replace existing bridges at Hosmer Way (84') and build stairs to NGRT
• Replace small bridges at Springs Brook (12' and 8')
• Replace existing bridges on Town Campus pond loop (56') as Eagle Scout project
• Replace boardwalk at York C.A. north end (60') and bridge over ditch (12')
• Remove old bridges at Huckins Farm Cozy Lane and replace bridges on Blue Trail

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a definitive subdivision plan for 4 lots off Jeffrey Circle at 145 Davis Road, and discuss a site plan review for an accessory dwelling unit at 103 Page Road. The business session includes discussions on accessory dwelling ownership options, dark sky lighting, small clean energy facility and data center permitting, a tree protection bylaw, and 340 Great Road.

• Public hearing – 145 Davis Road definitive subdivision plan (4 lots off Jeffrey Circle), Middlesex Development LLC
• Discussion – 103 Page Road site plan review for proposed free-standing accessory dwelling unit
• Discussion topics: accessory dwelling ownership options, dark sky lighting, small clean energy facility permitting, data center permitting, tree protection bylaw, 340 Great Road

Select Board

The Bedford Select Board will hold a public hearing on National Grid's request to install a gas main at 2 Short Street, and consider approving a $404,800 contract for a new ADA entrance at Town Hall. They will also discuss dissolving the Housing Partnership, appointing members to the Affordable Housing Trust, and reviewing other DPW items. The meeting includes interviews for Council on Aging appointments and a request for an Art Walk along the NGRT.

• Public hearing on National Grid gas main installation at 2 Short Street & Pine Street (250 feet of 2-inch plastic main)
• Contract award to New England Builders & Contractors for Town Hall ADA entrance ($404,800)
• Discussion on dissolving Housing Partnership and appointments to Affordable Housing Trust
• Request for Art Walk installation along NGRT
• DPW items: tree regulation revisions, stormwater permit contract, trail easement at 277 Great Road, geometry change at Old Burlington Road/Hemlock Lane

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public meeting to review two permit applications: signage at 99 The Great Road and a shed at 5 Springs Road. The commission will also discuss non-approved work at 36 North Road and 43 The Great Road, as well as Cultural District sign locations and the HDC Guidelines book. A new HDC clerk will be appointed, and the June 3 meeting minutes will be approved.

• Little Something LLC, 99 The Great Road, for signage
• Philip Kallis, 5 Springs Road, for shed
• Discussion of non-approved work at 36 North Road (Prince Street Café)
• Discussion of non-approved work at 43 The Great Road
• Discussion of Cultural District sign locations

Council on Aging

The Bedford Council on Aging Board is holding a regular meeting with routine items: public comment, approval of June minutes, a director's update, liaison reports, and action item updates. No major policy decisions or new initiatives are on the agenda.

• Approval of June 23rd meeting minutes (vote)
• Director's update on staffing (in board packet)
• Liaison reports from Select Board, Board of Health, and FBCOA
• Action item updates on awareness, advocacy, and transport

Volunteer Coordinating Committee

The Volunteer Coordinating Committee will meet via Zoom to approve prior minutes, review new volunteer applications, and discuss open positions using a vacancy worksheet. Updates include the annual reappointment process and a recruitment plan with a new spotlight and website document revisions.

• Review New Applications
• Review Open Positions: Vacancy Worksheet and Volunteers Needed flyer update
• Update on annual reappointment process
• Review Recruitment Plan with new spotlight and website document updates

Council on Aging

This is a regular meeting of the Bedford Council on Aging Board. The board will vote on approval of minutes from the June 23rd meeting and receive updates from the director, including a staffing update. The meeting theme is 'Preparation', and board members will provide updates on awareness, advocacy, and transport action items.

• Vote on approval of June 23rd meeting minutes
• Director's update on staffing
• Liaison reports from Select Board, Board of Health, and FBCOA
• Action item updates on Awareness, Advocacy, and Transport

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on approving the motor vehicle excise tax commitment for April 2026 and discuss a Town Meeting Article 21 application. The meeting also includes public comment, minutes approval, and an executive session on legal strategy for ATB cases.

• Motor vehicle commitment for 2026-04 approval/vote
• Town Meeting Article 21 application discussion
• Executive session for legal strategy on ATB cases

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a scenic road application for stone wall alterations at 102 Page Road, and will discuss several policy items including dark sky lighting, data center permitting, and a tree protection bylaw. A previously scheduled hearing for a subdivision at 145 Davis Road has been continued to August 11 without testimony.

• Public hearing: 102 Page Road – scenic road application for stone wall alterations (Derek Gardner, applicant)
• Discussion: Dark Sky lighting regulations
• Discussion: Small Clean Energy Facility permitting
• Discussion: Data Center permitting
• Discussion: Tree Protection Bylaw

Capital Expenditure Committee Appointing Authority

The Capital Expenditure Committee Appointing Authority will meet to consider the reappointment of Mary Ellen Carter. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and other routine business.

• Reappointment of Mary Ellen Carter

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a remote meeting to vote on the motor vehicle excise commitment for April 2026 and discuss a Town Meeting Article 21 application. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of previous minutes, and an assessor update. The board will then adjourn to executive session for legal strategy discussions on pending ATB cases.

• Motor vehicle commitment for 2026-04 approval/vote
• Town Meeting Article 21 application discussion
• Executive session for legal strategy on ATB cases

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss and potentially vote on revisions to the town's tobacco sales regulations and a new food establishment permit for Café Services at Werfen, 180 Hartwell Road. The agenda also includes staff reports, board goals discussion, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• New Food Establishment Permit – Café Services at Werfen, 180 Hartwell Road (discussion and vote)
• Revision of Board of Health Regulation Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products (discussion and potential vote)
• Updates on Board of Health goals and implementation frameworks
• Approval of draft minutes from June 15, 2026 meeting

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on appointing Town Counsel, reorganize liaison assignments, and review progress on FY26 goals while developing goals for FY27. Consent items include one-day liquor licenses and board/committee reappointments.

• Appointment of Town Counsel
• Liaison assignment reorganization
• Review of FY26 goals and development of FY27 goals
• One-day liquor license approvals (consent agenda)
• Board/committee reappointments (consent agenda)

Fire Station Building Committee

The committee will review active construction work, upcoming schedule, and proposed change orders for the fire station project. They will also discuss safety, inspections, commissioning, and project risks related to scope, schedule, and budget.

• Review of work completed and active construction activities
• Discussion of proposed change orders
• Review of completed and scheduled inspections
• Risk assessment for scope, schedule, and budget

The Bedford Fire Station Building Committee met on July 27, 2026, but a quorum was not present, so no business or agenda items were discussed. A Change Order Subcommittee meeting was scheduled for July 29 at 9:00 AM to review an outstanding change request. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.

• Scheduled Change Order Subcommittee meeting for July 29 at 9:00 AM
• Adjourned meeting due to lack of quorum

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on July 23, 2026, to consider five petitions: a variance for an addition at 2 Benjamin Kidder Lane, and special permits for additions or new construction at 15 Hayden Lane, 42 Crescent Avenue, and 103 Page Road, plus a variance for a shed at 5 Springs Road. The board will also discuss updated standards for special permits and variances under state law and review two sets of meeting minutes.

• Continuation: Amanda Carman, 2 Benjamin Kidder Lane — variance for addition within front yard setbacks
• Dickinson Architects, 15 Hayden Lane — special permit for addition over 600 sq ft on non-conforming lot
• Jenny Buchholz, 23 Crescent Avenue — special permit to enclose existing non-conforming porch
• Pamela Brown for Philip Kallis, 5 Springs Road — variance for accessory shed closer than 10 ft from property lines
• David Brickman, 103 Page Road — special permit to demolish and rebuild house on non-conforming lot

Bedford Housing Authority

The Housing Authority will discuss and potentially act on the Ashby Place lighting project, including a change order and certificate of final completion, along with other ongoing projects and administrative services. The meeting also includes a public comment period for tenant concerns.

• Fish #023063 - Railroad Ave. Lighting Replacement project: Change Order #1 and Certificate of Final Completion
• On-going projects update
• Administrative services review
• Tenant concerns and comments

Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Bedford Bicycle Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 7:30 pm in the Lower-Level Conference Room. The agenda includes a presentation by Jim Katz on the 10-year comprehensive plan, updates and discussion on the Wilson Park intersection redesign, public comment, liaison reports, and approval of minutes.

• Jim Katz will present on the 10-year comprehensive plan
• Wilson Park intersection redesign updates and discussion
• Public comment period
• Liaison reports
• Approval of minutes