Planning board tables 150,000‑sq‑ft South River Road site plan after questions on landscaping, traffic and waivers

The Bedford Planning Board voted on Oct. 6 to table consideration of a site‑plan application for a 150,000‑square‑foot speculative commercial and industrial building at 308 South River Road to the board’s Nov. 3 meeting after an extended presentation and detailed questioning about landscaping, architecture, traffic and multiple requested waivers.

The proposal, submitted by the applicant identified in the public record as RLG Properties and described by staff as a speculative warehouse/light‑manufacturing facility, includes a single‑story building, extensive loading facilities and a large parking field. The motion to table the application was made from the floor, seconded and carried; the board set the continued hearing and required additional materials and clarifications from the applicant prior to the next meeting.

Why it matters: board members and staff said they need clearer evidence that the development will meet the performance‑zone standards for screening and visual quality and will not produce unmitigated traffic or stormwater impacts. Planning staff and the peer review consultants have had limited time to review materials the applicant submitted less than a week before the meeting, and the board…