Bedford Marketplace Moves Forward – Planning Board Issues Statement

Elevations for Bedford Marketplace submitted by the Bedford Planning Board, October 2014
Elevations for Bedford Marketplace submitted by the Bedford Planning Board, October 2014

Submitted by the Bedford Planning Board’s Assistant Planner Catherine Perry

Bedford Marketplace, the shopping center that includes Whole Foods and Marshalls, at 150-168 The Great Road in the center of Bedford, is currently undergoing refurbishment and redevelopment by the owner, Hamlin Development LLC. The project includes: new facades on Whole Foods and Marshalls; a building addition at the west (Marshalls) end (Building A on the plan); demolition of the old postal distribution office and construction there of a replacement for the current multi- tenant building that includes B.Good and Luigi’s (Building B on the plan); replacement of the other front multi-tenant building that includes Brueggers and the Post Office (Building C on the plan); bringing the fronts of these two buildings closer to The Great Road and incorporating a landscaped pedestrian strip down the center of the enlarged area between them; and reconstructing the parking lot with a better layout, upgraded utilities, stormwater management, landscaping, seating and bicycle racks.

The Planning Board conducted a site plan review of the development initially in 2008 but the owner at the time did not proceed. Revised plans were brought forward by the new owner in 2014 and the Board reviewed the changes at its meeting on August 12. This resulted in a positive recommendation to the Code Enforcement Director, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions. Further minor changes were proposed by the developer and considered by the Board on October 1, and resulted in a positive recommendation. Some aspects which the Board took steps to secure in the design were: keeping open connections to off-site trails and paths; provision of bicycle racks and public seating; varied tree planting and other suitable landscaping; and ensuring that the parking and circulation are adequate.

The first phase of the work, involving the Marshalls/Whole Foods facades and portions of the parking lot, has been completed. The developer’s second phase, now underway, covers the areas of the new Buildings A and B although the existing Building B is not expected to be demolished until next spring (2015). The replacement of Building C is likely to occur during next spring and summer.

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Readers should note that the Planning Board does not control the selection of tenants, which is a matter for the property owner within the scope of the zoning. The rear block of buildings is in the General Business District and the front buildings are in the Limited Business District. These two districts allow a range of business types including retail stores, restaurants, banks, personal service shops, repair shops/ building trade and indoor amusements, as well as mixed business/residential and light manufacturing. The difference between the two Districts is that supermarkets and general department stores are allowed in General Business but not in Limited Business.

Click Marketplace Plans to find the following documents

  • Site Plan of proposed development (as amended Oct 2, 2014)
  • Existing conditions plan (dated Jan 31, 2008)
  • Illustrative elevation drawings for Buildings B and C (dated July 14, 2014)
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