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Council authorizes topographic surveys for Swenson and Nashua Road fields amid debate over relocation and scope
Summary
After extended debate, the Bedford Town Council authorized a topographic survey for two field sites — Swenson and the Little League fields on Nashua Road — so staff and the council can develop engineering plans and cost estimates; the measure passed 4-2.
The Bedford Town Council voted 4-2 May 21 to authorize topographic surveys for two park sites — the Swenson fields and the Little League complex on Nashua (National) Road — to produce detailed plans and engineered cost estimates for possible field reconstruction or relocation.
Council discussion was extensive and at times contentious: Chair Lori Riafter and several councilors argued the town must move quickly because the Little League fields on National Road sit atop a former landfill and have recurring safety and maintenance issues. Riafter said, "I still believe that those fields over there on Nashor are not good for our kids to play in based on an old dump from years ago that's coming up." Several councilors emphasized the need for a complete engineering design that would show parking, drainage, utilities and more accurate cost estimates before placing a capital warrant article before voters.
Director Jeff Foote and DPW staff said the town has received proposals for two concept designs and that initial project-estimate work indicated lower cost than earlier rough figures. Foote told the council the topographic survey is a necessary first step; he said drone-based topographic mapping and field survey work would provide reliable base data for layout, grading and drainage work. The survey quotes presented by staff were roughly $12,400 for the Swenson topographic survey and $7,700 for the Nashua Road Little League parcel.
The council debated whether to commit design funds without a voter signal of support, the appropriate scope of an engineering project, parking capacity at Swenson for multiple fields, and whether to phase the work. Some councilors urged caution and requested more public outreach before advancing a full design and warrant item; others argued the town needs immediate data because deterioration of the existing landfill-capped fields could force closure.
The motion the council approved authorizes surveying work only. If the council later directs design work and ballot placement, the surveys will be the technical foundation for engineering cost estimates and construction documents.
