Planning Board grants one‑year extension for South River Road electric car facility site plan
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Summary
The board granted a one‑year time extension for a previously approved site plan for a 41,486‑square‑foot electric car maintenance facility and dealership after the owner requested more time to pursue the project following a lost lease; the extension preserves prior conditions through April 18, 2026.
The Bedford Planning Board on June 16 voted to grant South River Road Ventures LLC a one‑year extension to its prior site‑plan approval for a 41,486‑square‑foot electric vehicle maintenance facility and dealership at South River Road and Technology Drive.
Why it matters: The applicant said a prospective tenant (a dealer) declined at the last minute, and the owner asked to preserve the approvals while exploring alternate uses or tenants. The extension keeps existing approvals and conditions in effect so the owner can apply for building permits without losing the vested approvals.
Key points - The board acknowledged the applicant’s extension request arrived after the formal deadline for an extension request but waived the procedural timing requirement and approved a one‑year extension through 04/18/2026. - Staff noted the board’s policy is to require a building permit within one year of final approval, so each extension effectively waives that requirement for the approved timeframe. - The extension vote passed with no recorded opposition.
What the applicant said - Applicant representative described the delay as the result of a lease that did not finalize (the prospective lessee built elsewhere); the owner requested additional time while evaluating other options and the long‑term viability of the site.
Next steps - The extension preserves the 04/18/2022 approval conditions until 04/18/2026; the owner may continue to pursue a building permit and other approvals within that period.