The story
The planning/zoning board and the town seem to be learning from this whole abutter development issue.
Explain
Seven amendments to planning/zoning board policy have been proposed, and will be voted on in the March election. Four of these amendments seem to be to spite of the Bow Lane developers. Because, if you didn’t know, people aren’t to happy about it.
What amendments?
We’ll start with the easy ones－amendments four through seven, all of which have to do with workforce housing. Isn’t it fitting? Amendment four eliminates the possibility of building workforce housing on Rt. 101, and instead expands the possibility of workforce housing on South River Road. Amendment five would prevent developers from offering density bonuses when building workforce housing in residential areas. Amendments six and seven go together. Six prohibits buildings above two stories in the town center, and seven will change the zoning behind Harvest from historic to commercial.
Break it down more
Four is pretty self-explanatory. We’re going to trust in your comprehension skills. Five is just a part of the anti-workforce housing crusade. Seven was actually proposed by Dick Anagnost, one of the Bow Lane developers. Both Anagnost and Bill Greiner own the Harvest Plaza. By zoning the land behind it as commercial, they can build MORE workforce housing. Seems like their generosity run deep. However, amendment six would restrict them to two stories.
Would this stop the Bow Lane development?
Nope. Apparently you can’t just go changing the law on people. The developers would not have to abide by these amendments because they purchased the land before they were passed. These amendments are just preparing the town for the future, so this doesn’t happen again.
What about the other amendments?
Amendment one is about windmill noise, and amendment three forces developers to move forward within a logical time period. Amendment two is where it gets a little interesting. Basically, when you calculate the density allowed for development (e.g., workforce housing), you cannot include the area of undevelopable lands. This means that currently, you can count the undevelopable lands when calculating density, such as other buildings and wetlands.
Why do I care? Really, WHYYYYYY?
Planning board director, Becky Hebert, said that Anagnost and Greiner could not calculate density using the entire property (which includes Shorty’s). The amendment contradicts that. It proposes to change calculation practices to align with hers, but, it also indirectly states that the developers original calculations of about 110 apartments is correct.
The Runaway
It’s becoming clear that the Bow Lane development really can’t be stopped. But, that doesn’t mean the town can’t stop any future developments like it. What’s that thing people always say? History repeats itself? Well, if these amendments are passed, then it can’t.
What to say…
When you keep seeing the Bedford hashtag popping up…
Aren’t we great? Yes. Yes we are. And you know why? A couple of reasons: boys hockey is in first, a Bedford family won $36,000 on the Ellen show, and we’re saving sea turtles. AGAIN. The district has a new energy efficiency project, which will keep the sea turtles from getting too warm. And now, we have biodegradable lunch trays, to keep the sea turtles from choking. That’s all we care about, the sea turtles. The PFOA free lunch trays, which were brought forward by a destination imagination team a year ago, will be implemented sometime this month. Isn’t that student initiative just absolutely beautiful? The state is following our example, and looking at creating bills to make sure trays don’t have PFOAs. Just what every other town wants to hear－be more like Bedford. #sorrynotsorry. We can’t help it.
When someone makes plans with for the beginning of March…
I just might be available. Especially since the boys basketball team may not be making playoffs. Yep. You heard us. The boys are tied with Goffstown for 15th, and only 15 teams make it to playoffs. Goffstown will take the last spot because they beat us in a head-to-head victory last Friday. What about the remainder of the season? Out of the next eight games, two should be definite wins, and five are most likely losses. The one wild card is Dover, who is in 14th. We believe, though. We’re hoping that we can break the top 15. If not, we still wouldn’t be making plans in early March. Boys hockey and girls basketball are definitely heading to playoffs.
When you’ve had an enormous hole in your heart since last July…
Finally, it’s filled－Mr. Fournier is officially the new superintendent. We’re happy with the outcome. After going through trial-by-fire last summer, we feel like he’s ready. We’re also both incredibly impressed and incredibly annoyed that he has yet to call a snow day. All we want is one. Or three delays in a row, which will add up to one snow day. We’re fine with either.
When you have a ‘lil oopsie…
Learn from your mistakes. And, it seems like the school board is doing so. Must be following the town’s example. A draft policy was released a week ago about representing the district in court. Wonder why…something about last summer, and a few employees…counselors, maybe…something with Chip McGee. We’re definitely circling it.
When you finally figured out all of the school board members names…
Enjoy it while it lasts. Jen DeAngelis’ position is up for grabs in the March elections, and she will not be running again. A moment of silence, please? Kamee Leshner, John Trent, and John M. Schneller are all running for the position. It’s a battle!
When you’re starting to think about warm weather and being outside…
So is track. The team had states yesterday, with the boys coming in eighth and the girls coming in ninth. You can look at our winter sports guide to see their whole season. Now, it’s time for spring.
Things to Know
The Big Decisions
Course selection night tonight at 6:00. Just in case you need them to break it down for ya.
Channel that School Spirit
Spirit week next week! We have ‘merica day, tropical day, decade day, and jersey day. We’re telling you in advance in case you need to go out and buy stuff.