Healey 6 LLC seeks rezoning at 1423L for three‑pump gas station; commission forwards request to council

At its regular meeting the Bedford Planning Commission heard a public hearing from Healey 6 LLC for a rezoning of 1423L from PR to B2 so the site can operate a three‑pump gas station.

Austin, speaking for the applicant, said the site previously operated as a gas station and that underground tanks were removed about 12 years ago. He described the proposed system as meeting recent EPA standards: double‑wall tanks and piping, sensors in sumps under dispensers and at tank interstitial spaces, annual sensor testing and hydrostatic testing of sumps and piping on a three‑year cycle. "If a sensor does go off ... it shuts the system down immediately and notifies the owner, fuel provider and us," Austin said, adding that the system would allow the site operator and authorities to mobilize quickly to investigate any release.

Austin acknowledged safety and traffic concerns near a nearby four‑way stop and said the applicant plans to close and relocate a side entrance to move vehicle access farther from the intersection and reduce potential conflicts. "We're addressing the concerns people would have about that lot," he said.

Commission discussion focused on environmental safeguards and traffic management. Staff answered questions about the applicant's retail license and an email in the commission packet that the applicant had addressed. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the rezoning request; the motion carried on a voice vote. The commission recorded that the item will be forwarded to the city council for final consideration at its meeting next Tuesday in the Stonegate conference room.

The commission did not adopt binding operating conditions on the record; any specific operating permits, inspections or administrative approvals required by the city's code will be processed through staff and the permitting sequence if the council approves the rezoning.