Bedford Approves Indoor Amusement Center at 3225 Harwood Road for Paris Gifts

In a recent meeting of the Bedford Planning & Zoning Commission, discussions centered around a proposed indoor amusement center at 3225 Harwood Road, Suite F. The center, which will feature five coin-operated gaming machines, is part of a novelty store that aims to enhance the shopping experience for customers. The store's owner, George Garcia, emphasized that the machines were added in response to customer requests, providing entertainment for those accompanying shoppers.

The proposed center is classified as an indoor amusement facility due to the number of gaming machines, which triggers specific zoning requirements. The store is currently operating under a certificate of occupancy for retail use, but the addition of the machines necessitates a special use permit. The center is expected to operate daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, with one employee on-site to manage operations.

Commission members raised concerns about potential traffic impacts and loitering, given the center's proximity to a high school and other commercial establishments. The site plan includes 39 parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum requirement for retail use. However, the commission noted that the gaming machines could attract additional visitors, potentially affecting parking availability.

Public input during the meeting highlighted community support for the project, with Garcia's representative describing Bedford as a vibrant city that would benefit from the unique shopping experience the store aims to provide. The representative assured the commission that measures would be in place to monitor the age of customers using the gaming machines, which are regulated by state law.

The commission's decision on the special use permit will determine whether the indoor amusement center can proceed. If approved, the store will also need to register the gaming machines with the city secretary's office, ensuring compliance with local regulations. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for similar establishments in Bedford, reflecting the city's evolving commercial landscape.