A town museum? A relocation of Bedford TV? A new home to a barbershop? The Select Board spent most of its November 9 meeting to discuss the lease terms and renewals at the historic depot building, 80 Loomis St.
The board unanimously approved a two-year lease for a new tenant, For-The-Boyz Barber Shop, and a two-year renewal for Bedford Babe Ruth Baseball-Softball, Inc., both expiring on December 31, 2022.
For-The-Boyz Barber Shop is leasing space formerly occupied by Colasante Salon.
Joseph Piantedosi, chair of the Depot Park Advisory Committee, advised the Select Board to approve the lease terms and renewals. Select Board member Bill Moonan objected to the arrangements, as they could constrain plans for the relocation of Bedford TV or even a town museum.
The Board engaged in a lengthy discussion about the immediate and longer fate of the depot. Moonan continually reiterated his desire, with the support of Select Board Chair Ed Pierce, to include an option for the town after one year to reassess the contract. They explained that this would allow the town to have more of a say in what will happen with the building.
Piantedosi pushed back against this timetable, arguing that it did not align with the original intention of the depot’s commercial use. Board members Margot Fleischman, Emily Mitchell, and Bopha Malone agreed with Piantedosi.
After extended back and forth about the select board members’ views on the leases, the board agreed that a two-year commitment would not impede any long-term development the town may wish to pursue.
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