Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment met on November 18, 2025, to consider a variance application for a medical office building at 265 and 269 South River Road. The board also approved minutes from October 21, 2025, and noted the postponement of a second agenda item. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from October 21, 2025: Approved with one correction on page six (changing "are being used" to "are not being used") on a vote of 5-0-1 (one abstention).

Discussion Items

• Variance Application – 265-269 South River Road (Lots 24-1-1 and 24-98-7): Applicant Jason Hill (TF Moran) and property owner representative Dean Navaroli requested a variance from Article 3, Section 275-28A to permanently impact 2,128 square feet and temporarily impact 270 square feet of wetlands to construct a 19,270-square-foot medical and professional office building in the Performance (PZ) zone. The same plan had been approved by the board in 2022/2023 but the variance expired due to delays caused by the NHDOT’s South River Road improvement project. The applicants argued the impacted wetlands are low-quality, erosional features at the margin of a man-made slope, and that the project would improve stormwater treatment. They stated alternative building orientations were considered but resulted in greater wetland impacts or were not feasible due to existing access easements, parking minimums, and the recent DOT right‑of‑way taking that pushed the building eastward. Board members questioned the feasibility of a smaller building, alternative parking configurations, and the applicants’ commitment to Conservation Commission recommendations. The applicants stated the building size (approximately 20,000 square feet) is economically necessary and that they will incorporate native species and pollinator plants in the landscape plan at the planning board stage.
• Postponed Item – Appeal of Administrative Decision (16 Suzanne Drive): The applicant (Joshua and Kathleen Miller, Kevin and Mary Brown) requested postponement to December 16, 2025. The board noted that only four members would have been available to vote on the original date, and the applicant was informed of that option.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Granted (5-0): The board approved the variance, finding all five criteria satisfied. The motion included an amendment requiring the landowner to landscape with native species and incorporate pollinator plants to the extent feasible. The board incorporated findings of fact from the meeting minutes, concluding the variance would not threaten public health, safety, or welfare; would create additional tax revenue and improved stormwater treatment; and that denial would prevent the applicant from economically developing the property. The meeting adjourned after the vote.