By JEFF MORRIS
A draft of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee’s Preliminary Comprehensive Plan should be available for public review on the town website, where it was to go live Thursday evening.
“We are thrilled to share this forward-looking draft of the preliminary plan with the community,” said CPAC member Terri Belkas-Mitchell.
“Reflecting the feedback received, the document considers such strategic priorities as: preserving historic and cultural aesthetics; addressing the need for housing that both attracts new residents while retaining current residents; imagining a more walkable and bikeable Bedford; reducing our carbon footprint; and amplifying excellence in Bedford’s parks, facilities and infrastructure,” she said.
The draft has been synthesized over many months of gathering a variety of ideas. Beginning with an overview of Bedford today, it follows with sections outlining Issues, Opportunities & Recommendations, and Implementation. Presented through five thematic areas — Shape, Live, Connect, Thrive and Strengthen — the draft of the preliminary plan organizes and contemplates a variety of issues, opportunities and recommendations influencing Bedford’s foreseeable future.
In addition to the feedback already incorporated from subcommittee reports, surveys and forums, CPAC members have set three additional input sessions for the public to consider the draft of the preliminary plan and weigh in once again before the plan is presented to the town board.
The town board will hold its own public hearings before final adoption.
Public input sessions are as follows:
— Wednesday, Oct. 23, Katonah Village Library Open House, from 6 to 8 p.m.
— Tuesday, Oct. 29, Bedford Village Historical Hall Open House, from 6 to 8 p.m.
— Wednesday, Nov. 13, Bedford Hills Community House, CPAC Presentation & Public Hearing, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The public is encouraged to review the draft of the preliminary plan on the website and attend an upcoming public input session. Shortly after the CPAC Public Hearing on Nov. 13, revisions will be made to the draft of the preliminary plan and sent to the town board for its consideration and to undertake reviews pursuant to state law.
The town board will hold additional public hearings before adopting a new comprehensive plan. Once adopted, the new comprehensive plan will guide land use, preservation, infrastructure, transportation, parks and recreation and other policy decisions for the next 10 to 20 years in Bedford.
Supervisor Ellen Calves said she was grateful to CPAC members Chris Beganksy, Belkas-Mitchell, Nick Bueti, Maria Colaco, Deirdre Courtney-Batson, Mary Martinez, Robin McCaine, Tom McShane, Peter Michaelis and Holly Taylor “for their incredible work on the draft of this preliminary plan.
“We are excited to see their work, hear from residents and see the way in which our community envisions the road map for preserving and enriching our town,” Calves said.
The draft of the preliminary plan is now available for public consideration at: bedfordny.gov/191/comprehesive-plan.