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Council approves rezoning for Del Taco, several resolutions and community funding; Stonegate reports rising rental revenue
Summary
Council approved multiple items April 21 including rezoning for a commercial project (Del Taco), two RDC reimbursement resolutions, CF1 tax‑abatement compliance statements, a $20,000 restricted opioid fund award to Families Forever (one abstention), and an additional $3,500 match for an owner‑occupied rehab grant; Stonegate reported higher first‑quarter rental revenue and submitted a $191,000 arts grant request.
At its April 21 meeting, the Bedford Common Council approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions and heard community updates.
Rezoning and ordinances: The council approved Ordinance 9‑2026 to rezone 5.62 acres owned by K&J Investments at John Williams Boulevard and Limestone Drive from I2 to B3 to allow commercial development including a planned Del Taco. Kevin briefed the council on the planning commission’s March 24 recommendation and said adjoining owners were notified and no objections were recorded during the public hearing. The council suspended the rules and gave third and final passage the same night.
Sewer ordinance: Council discussed Ordinance 7‑2026, which would tighten sewer reporting requirements for industrial users: Misty said the draft changes require immediate reporting within two hours for accidental or sludge discharges, and a 24‑hour notification requirement if monitoring indicates a pretreatment standard is likely to be violated. The council approved the measure and gave second passage; third and final passage is scheduled for the next meeting.
Resolutions: Council approved Resolution 1‑2026 (2027 INDOT 5311/5339 transit grant authorization) to allow the mayor to sign grant documents; Resolution 2‑2026 authorizing transfer of RDC public safety reimbursements (not to exceed $220,000); and Resolution 3‑2026 authorizing quarterly RDC reimbursements for economic development staffing (not to exceed $79,800).
Tax abatement and compliance statements: The council accepted CF1 compliance statements for Justin M. Davis (Anytime Laundry) and for Charles "Chuck" Hinsley of EH20 Properties LLC. Justin said his operation currently employs three part‑time workers at about $15 per hour and plans concrete work and future paving; the council approved his compliance statement by voice vote. Hinsley described renovation of the Great Escape theater and said the business employs about 30 people now and plans a new 14,000 ft² building; his compliance statement was approved.
Community programs and grants: John, speaking for Families Forever, requested $20,000 from restricted opioid funds for free assessments and case management. He told the council the organization averages about 93 individuals served per quarter through case management. The council approved the $20,000 award; Mayor Craig recorded an abstention. Sarah updated the council on the owner‑occupied rehabilitation program (OKRA): due to a program rule change the city’s required match increased to $38,500 for a $350,000 award; the council approved the additional $3,500 so the city can apply in June.
Stonegate Arts & Education Center update: Linda reported first‑quarter rental revenue rose from roughly $8,000 last year to about $17,000 this year. She said Stonegate is pursuing a Ready 2.0 arts and culture grant (about $191,000 over 30 months), expanding training partnerships, planning lower‑cost children’s camps for 2026 and exploring new workforce and nursing‑school collaborations.
What’s next: Several items require follow up: Ordinance 7‑2026 will return for a final vote at the next meeting; staff will verify LTAP revenue numbers for any wheel tax decision and coordinate with the BMV; staff will process RDC transfers and prepare grant application materials.
