Bedford advisory committee reviews plan to add former VFW property to Depot Park, schedules surveys and design talks

The Town of Bedford Depot Park Advisory Committee on May 19 reviewed a draft Designer Scope of Service for an addition to Depot Park that would incorporate the former VFW property and discussed next steps for demolition, surveying and public design input.

The item, presented by Chair Joseph Piantedosi, covered a draft scope dated May 12, 2025, that would guide design work for the park expansion. Facilities Director Ronald Scaltreto told the committee that demolition of the VFW building remains tied to other town projects and “has not yet been scheduled.” Piantedosi said civil engineer Peter Blaisdell of Williams & Sparages, who was interviewed May 16, submitted a proposal to prepare an existing‑conditions plan and a survey of property boundaries.

Why it matters: Expanding Depot Park onto the former VFW site would add publicly accessible green space and requires coordinated work—surveying, potential demolition, and design—that will determine cost, timeline and public access. Committee members said they want professional plans before committing to a timeline.

Committee members discussed engaging a landscape architect to lead design and public engagement. Piantedosi mentioned Chris Huntress of Huntress Associates as a possible consultant. The committee did not set a firm date for further action, agreeing instead to await proposals and a conversation with a landscape architect before scheduling the next meeting.

Public input at the start of the session framed local priorities. Cynthia Mork presented a written set of recommendations for Depot Park and urged that any expansion include sufficient open space for multiple uses, such as special events. Terry Gleason warned that current signage confuses bikeway users and urged continuity between existing park signage and any new green space; he also recommended that the scope not be constrained by private donations.

Also discussed was a proposal from Williams & Sparages to produce a survey and existing‑conditions plan; the committee noted such work is necessary to determine lot lines and design constraints. No demolition date or contract award was decided at the meeting.

Actions and next steps: The committee recorded that a proposal for survey work was received and that it will pursue engagement with a landscape architect; no formal vote on contracting demolition or design work occurred during the meeting. The committee approved past meeting minutes from June 20, 2024 and April 28, 2025 during the session.

The committee plans to reconvene after they have had an opportunity to meet with a landscape architect; a meeting date was not set during the May 19 session.