Council approves homestay permit at 1307 Boone Drive and temporarily closes Macon Street

The Bedford Town Council approved two formal actions at its March 17 meeting.

First, the council voted unanimously to approve a conditional-use permit allowing a homestay (short-term rental) at 1307 Boone Drive requested by property owner Courtney Holdren. Mayor C. G. Stanley moved to approve the permit "with the condition that legal physical access to a public road is provided," the motion was seconded by Councilman Dave Foster and passed 6–0 (Councilman Stacy Haley was absent). Warner said the planning commission had recommended approval with a condition addressing a driveway encroachment concern raised by an adjacent property owner and that town staff and the town attorney discussed limiting the town role in private neighbor disputes while ensuring legal access.

Second, the council adopted a resolution to temporarily close the middle portion of Macon Street (between Rough Drive and 950 Macon Street) to through traffic after staff reported standing water, drainage failure and illegal dumping made the segment hazardous. Vice Mayor Darrell Updike moved the resolution, Councilman Dwight Evans seconded, and the measure passed 6–0. Warner said Public Works will install and maintain physical barriers and will process requests for legitimate access; he noted the town electric department retains access responsibilities for a transmission line that runs through the affected section.

Both actions were recorded as unanimous among members present; Warner noted Councilman Stacy Haley had previously advised he would be absent. The council adjourned after the votes.