The Bedford Planning Board meeting on April 29, 2024, spotlighted a significant proposal to transform the former Stevens Buswell School into a community center. The Bedford Historical Society, in partnership with the Town of Bedford, is seeking site plan approval for this change of use at 18 North Amherst Road, a move that promises to revitalize the historic building while serving the community.

During the meeting, Jason Lopez from Keach Nordstrom Associates presented the plan, highlighting that the historical society has secured a long-term lease for the property. The proposal includes necessary upgrades, such as a new septic system and connection to municipal water, which will support both domestic use and fire suppression needs. Importantly, the exterior of the building will remain unchanged, preserving its historical character.

A key discussion point was parking. The site currently has 16 dedicated parking spaces, with an additional 68 available at the nearby town office during off-hours, totaling 84 spaces. While the regulations require 25 spaces based on occupancy calculations, the board acknowledged that the community center's needs might exceed this number. To address potential parking shortages during events, the society plans to coordinate with neighboring properties and utilize volunteers for larger gatherings.

The board also reviewed several waivers related to parking space requirements and solid waste storage. Notably, they are requesting a waiver to reduce the required distance for dumpster placement from 30 feet to 10 feet from the property line, which would facilitate better access without disrupting the parking layout.

The proposal received a positive response from the board, indicating a strong community interest in repurposing the school building for public use. As the project moves forward, the Bedford Historical Society aims to ensure that the community center meets local needs while respecting the site's historical significance.