Developers present updated drive‑thru campus plans for 777 Bedford Road; board asks consultants to review traffic report

Developers for a proposed drive‑thru campus and coffee facility at 777 Bedford Road presented updated plans and told the Bedford Planning Board they are incorporating feedback from the town’s traffic consultant.

Jay Black of Diamond Properties said the team has updated the plant list to replace several non‑native species with native alternatives and is proposing operating hours of about 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Peter Katzone, the project’s civil engineer, walked the board through circulation plans, noting two access points, proposed pavement markings to reduce cut‑through movements and a maximum queuing illustration of 10 vehicles for the drive‑thru lane.

Katzone said the applicant will revise graphics to show actual vehicle dimensions, clarify maneuvers and add pavement markings and wayfinding so that queuing does not interfere with adjacent drive aisles. The team also displayed proposed tenant signage and said a sign variance will be filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals because one of the freestanding signs exceeds current size limits.

Board members urged the applicant to refine the site’s "campus" design so the development reads as part of Bedford/Bedford Hills rather than an out‑of‑context commercial strip, suggesting stronger landscaping, artwork and consistent wayfinding. Members also asked whether outdoor seating is intended and requested clearer information about deliveries and whether NY State Department of Transportation permits will be required; the applicant said DOT engagement will begin after the team has incorporated traffic‑consultant feedback.

Given that the town consultant’s traffic memo was only recently supplied to the applicant, board members recommended waiting to treat the submission as a preliminary application until the applicant and town consultants have had time to reconcile circulation and queuing questions.