BEDFORD - JANUARY - 11, 2024 - The Bedford Plan Commission voted to keep the Nelson Heights Subdivision as single-family housing verses construction of duplexes located at location at near 26th Street.
The Southland Church of Christ sold the property to land developer Jay Nelson.
Photo: Construction of single-family housing at the Nelson Heights Subdivision is underway
Residents who are neighbors to the development spoke against putting in the duplexes on the north parcels.
Travis Norman spoke about the subdivision and the changes proposed changes.
Norman presented two options to the Bedford Plan Commission one option was to construct five duplexes thought this was a good option for the community and for downsizing. However, after the objections by the community the second option of lots 13 - 22 being 56 feet wide on the north side of the development.
Photo: Lots 13 - 22 will be 56 feet wide and will be single -family dwellings
The Jay Nelson spoke to those in attendance that anyone with concerns can contact him about the project.
The playground proposed for the project has been eliminated. The water retention pond will remain to meet the requirements of Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
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,"
Photo: Work has begun on Bedford's latest housing project
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:
3-Standing water and erosion control for the subdivision after lots 1, 2, and 34 currently already pool water
Size of retention pond would not provide enough room to include drainage and this will be located near a Duke Energy easement
 Homes have narrow frontages, saying the lots are to narrow
Unusable lots
Ravine lots
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.
Power line - Due to the high-voltage lots 1 -10 will be effected by the proposal
 Bedford sewer utilities - Concerns over the Bedford Utilities able to handle the additional homes in the area
 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
 Playground location - The playground is plotted on a slope, in the ravine edge and near a 3 ft sewer main.
 Utility distribution plans - Local distribution of electric, water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and street lights utilities are not shown on the plans
 Floor plans and blueprints - Can you show the drawings or renderings of some of the homes
 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.
ADVERTISEMENTS
