Bedford hires consultant to rewrite design guidelines; plans outreach and CAMP trainings

The Bedford Historic District Commission agreed May 12 to begin a rewrite of its design guidelines and to use a mix of community outreach, public listening sessions and training events to update guidance for applicants and the commission.

Chris Skelly of Skelly Preservation Services, the commission's hired consultant, told members he plans to run at least two listening sessions, an online survey and drop-in public events before producing a public draft. "Design guidelines are your best public relations piece," Skelly said, arguing that a clear, accessible guideline reduces surprises and after-the-fact work by property owners. He said he expects the project to include public outreach and to be ready "sometime winter" for a completed draft.

Skelly described the proposed outreach mix that he has used with other communities: an initial public input session, targeted drop-in meetings (for example at the library or town hall), a public-comment period on a draft, and additional revisions based on that comment. He said the written guidelines should include background on the district, a step-by-step application process, an alphabetical set of feature-by-feature recommendations (doors, windows, roofing, etc.), and clear statements about exemptions and enforcement.

Commissioners emphasized trees and enforcement as priority issues, noting repeated after-the-fact clearings and inconsistent notification to new owners. Conservation Planner Kathleen Ports confirmed the commission has improved notification with the building department but said more work is needed. "The best way to deal with violations is to not have any," Skelly said; he advised education and outreach as the primary strategy, supplemented by clearer rules about legacy or heritage trees.

Commission members also discussed the Commission Assistance Mentoring Program (CAMP) training in Somersworth on June 7. Skelly is one of the Somersworth trainers and said the session topics available there include: the Secretary of the Interior's standards and design guidelines, envisioning infill design, alternative materials, and community engagement. Commissioners agreed to coordinate attendance so the commission benefits from multiple sessions without duplicating cost.

The commission asked staff and the consultant to schedule outreach events and to circulate a short summary of issues to help residents prepare for the public sessions. No formal vote was required to start the guideline project; commissioners expressed unanimous support for the outreach plan and next steps.