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  • Writer's pictureBill Raines

Nelson Heights Subdivision Approved by Bedford Plan Commission despite neighbors concerns

Updated: Jul 13, 2023

BEDFORD - JULY 12, 2023 - Despite more than 15 concerns from area residents such as stormwater issues, erosion, narrow streets in the area, lack of sidewalks on nearby streets, increase traffic, and a large retention pond the Nelson Height Subdivision was approved by the Bedford Plan Commission.


Photo: A 24 lot subdivision will be constructed near 26th and U Street in Bedford


The housing subdivision will be placed on 8 acres for single family homes. The price range of the homes would be around $200,000 to $300,000 homes.



Bedford Plan Commission President Bryon Buker told the group of neighbors who expressed their concerns; "We are not here to determine stormwater issues, that is Bedford Utilities issue, We are not here to determine the size of streets, that is the Bedford Street Commissioners, we are only here to determine the approval of the number of lots,"


The proposal by Jay Nelson, was proposed at 30-40 lots but was reduced down to 24 lots after consideration of utilities and other concerns.


The concerns include:


  1. 1Storm sewers needed on U Street which already spills over into U Street causing residents issues when there is a significant rain.

  2. 2 The 26th Street culvert already gets obstructed when it rains

  3. 3-Standing water and erosion control for the subdivision after lots 1, 2, and 34 currently already pool water

  4. Size of retention pond would not provide enough room to include drainage and this will be located near a Duke Energy easement

  5. Homes have narrow frontages, saying the lots are to narrow

  6. Unusable lots

  7. Ravine lots

  8. Homeowner zoning and planning - Neighbors are wanting HOA to hold the property owners accountable to keep their properties up and adhere to the policies of the construction and upkeep of the properties.

  9. Power line - Due to the high-voltage lots 1 -10 will be effected by the proposal

  10. Bedford sewer utilities - Concerns over the Bedford Utilities able to handle the additional homes in the area

  11. Sewer and water - The 3 ft diameter sewer main runs under or near the power lines. The city's main comes directly from the water filtration plant on 27th street

  12. Playground location - The playground is plotted on a slope, in the ravine edge and near a 3 ft sewer main.

  13. Utility distribution plans - Local distribution of electric, water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and street lights utilities are not shown on the plans

  14. Floor plans and blueprints - Can you show the drawings or renderings of some of the homes

  15. Business plan - Is the developer constructing and selling the homes? And are local contractors and construction material going to be purchased locally?

Duke Energy was contacted and told Travis Norman who is the land surveyor on the project that lots 2-9 must 90 degrees to the proposed homes on the project.


Both Utilities Director Misty Adams and Bedford Street Commissioner David Flinn was consulted on the project.


The Cul de Sac will be constructed so that fire trucks can get in and out of the addition, there will be placement of three fire hydrants in the addition. In addition, sidewalks will be constructed in the housing addition.


" I am just done with Monroe County and their restrictions in trying to get a project approved," said Jay Nelson in why choosing Bedford as the location for this project.


After about a 20 - 30 minute discussion and concerns with the local residents, the Bedford Plan Commission members passed the proposal.



For breaking news, news and information go to lczephyr.org or like/follow the Lawrence County Zephyr Facebook page.


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