"New Urbanism" is Wrong for Bedford

Bedford's taxpayers are about to experience the biggest boondoggle of their lives if they don't do something to stop it.

A half dozen or so outside groups, working with an unelected "regional" commission (that you never knew existed) are exerting an inordinate influence on our Master Plan update process. The commission works with many groups that are merely private entities, and hence, unaccountable. Specifically, the town hired Tennessee consultants Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, LLC who are inviting your input during Planapalooza which is to take place from November 1-5. This is the same company which, in the opinion of some, destroyed Londonderry.

Most things in the current Bedford Master Plan are unneeded, unwanted and inappropriate for a rural/semi-rural town that is loved for the way it is. These "New Urbanist" ideas would cost millions and forever change the character of the town. Why would town officials even think of doing this?

In our minds, a Master Plan should merely include a timeline for the responsibilities of town government, according to priorities and ability to pay. Fix the roads, keep public buildings maintained, and forget the rest!

High-density infill in every possible spot, trains, buses, town centers, who needs a circus on every corner? What could be worse to destroy our peaceful lifestyle at the end of the day? We enjoy our single-family homes on private property, and driving cars is not a crime.

Regionalism is an attempt to take the place of local government. You've heard people talk about "shadow government"? Well, this is it. When unelected groups are in charge, there is little transparency. Most have never heard of the SNHRPC.

It is imperative that every Bedford taxpayer attend at least one of these sessions in November. Please visit www.BlueprintBedford.com for the details and to give your input.

The principles of "New Urbanism" need to be removed from Bedford's Master Plan altogether because this movement is wrong for Bedford.

Related links:

http://tiny.cc/PlanBedford
https://blueprintbedford.com/what-you-think
http://bedfordresidents.com/bra/petitions/
http://bedfordresidents.com/bra/calendar/
http://bedfordresidents.com/bra/mailing-list/

For more info:
www.bedfordresidents.com
471-0138