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Council rejects Piedmont Developments rezoning for South/Ridge/Odey lot
Summary
The Town Council denied a request to rezone a lot at South, Ridge and Odey streets from R-1 to R-3 after neighbors and the planning commission raised spot-zoning, traffic and infrastructure concerns; the motion failed 6–1.
The Town Council of Bedford voted 6–1 on Aug. 4 to reject a rezoning request from Piedmont Developments LLC that would have changed a parcel at the corner of South Street, Ridge Street and Odey Street from R-1 (low-density residential) to R-3 (high-density residential).
Applicants Joseph Stern and Carter Keller told council they planned two modest single-family homes, offered written proffers limiting uses to single-family and a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet, and said they would cap sales prices for the homes. "We've offered additional proffers, specifically stating that the uses would only be single family," one applicant said during the hearing.
Several nearby residents objected. Catherine Callahan, who lives across the street, said she has lived there more than 15 years and urged council to preserve the neighborhood's low-density character and trees. Tina Barker cited the planning commission's earlier recommendation to deny the application, arguing approval would set an unwelcome precedent and could affect property values.
Planning Commissioner Cynthia Gano said the commission lacked consensus that the rezoning served a greater public good and noted driveway and precedent concerns. Town Attorney Mike Lockerbie clarified the legal definition of spot zoning and emphasized his remarks were legal advice rather than policy direction.
Vice Mayor Updike moved to approve the rezoning with the proffers; Councilman Dave Foster seconded. The motion failed, with Foster the lone vote in favor. "The motion to approve failed by a vote of 6 to 1," Warner summarized following the tally.
Council members discussed affordable housing needs and whether individual applications should be judged on their merits, but many expressed worry about setting a precedent for R-3 uses within established R-1 neighborhoods and potential impacts on traffic and infrastructure.
The council record shows the Planning Commission voted 5–1 (with one vacancy) on May 7 to recommend denial. With the vote concluded, the rezoning request will not move forward unless applicants pursue a revised application or appeal options available under local procedures.
