1. Prepare a Comprehensive Plan pursuant to MGL c. 41 s. 81-D, including such maps, data graphics, and illustrations as may be appropriate, for the following topics: Goals and Policies The Goals and Policies Element shall include an assessment of the Town’s current economic, social, and environmental conditions, and preparation of a strategic framework to guide how the Comprehensive Plan will address the growth, development and sustainability of Bedford, based on one or more public visioning sessions to establish overall goals pertaining to the subsequent specific topics. Land Use The Land Use Element shall identify present land use and designate the proposed distribution, location, and inter-relationship of public and private land uses. This element shall relate the proposed standards of population density and building intensity to the capacity of land available or planned facilities and services. A land use plan map illustrating the land use policies of the municipality shall be included. Transportation and Circulation The Transportation and Circulation Element shall analyze the Town's current and proposed future transportation system, focusing on its major streets, pedestrian mobility, bicycling routes and accommodations, access to public transit (both MBTA and LRTA), and parking. This section shall reflect input from the Transportation Advisory Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Select Board, and DPW/Engineering Staff. Prior transportation studies such as the Great Road Streetscape Master Plan, Great Road Traffic Optimization Study, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan are available for background. This Element should also consider any regional recommendations initiated by MAPC or the Boston MPO. The resulting Plan should include an assessment of circulation system problems; strategies for improving vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian safety; specific recommendations for geometric changes or traffic signals along major corridors and intersections; and recommendations for improvements to non-SOV transportation options including pedestrian and bicycle routes, and facilities to foster greater use of public transit. Housing The Housing Element shall identify and analyze existing and forecasted housing needs and objectives including programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. This element shall reflect input from the Bedford Housing Partnership and the public to identify policies and strategies to provide a balance of local housing opportunities for all citizens and promote compliance with all applicable state/federal Fair Housing laws. Strategies detailed in this section shall balance and integrate Bedford's housing initiatives with other community goals, including land conservation, economic development, and historic preservation. Economic Development The Economic Development element shall review the Town’s economic status, plans and strategies, and identify programs and policies for maintaining and expanding the Town’s economic base and promoting employment opportunities. Areas of emphasis include economic vitality of the Great Road Business Districts, the Wiggins Avenue industrial corridor, and the industrial districts along Middlesex Turnpike and Crosby Drive. Natural and Cultural Resources This element shall inventory Bedford’s natural, cultural, and historic resources, and identity policies and programs necessary to further protect and manage those resources. The Plan should reflect input from the Bedford Historic District Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, the Bedford Cultural District Partnership, Arbor Resources Committee, and Bedford Historical Society. Open Space and Recreation. The Open Space and Recreation Element shall inventory Bedford’s open spaces and recreational resources and identify policies and programs to promote, enhance, and expand these resources. This Element should reflect input from the Recreation Commission, Conservation Commission, and Trails Committee. Town Facilities and Services The Town Facilities and Services Element shall inventory and forecast needs for public facilities, infrastructure, and services, including municipal offices, schools, fire, police, water system, sewer system, stormwater drainage, roads, sidewalks, and other community facilities. This section shall include an inventory of existing public facilities and services and provide recommendations to coordinate longrange planning efforts and capital improvement planning efforts within the Town. Implementation The Implementation Element shall serve as a summary section that defines and schedules the specific municipal actions necessary to achieve the objectives of each element of the Comprehensive Plan. Recommendations should include an indication of the order of magnitude, level of priority, and sources of potential funding assistance for achievement. This element shall specify the process by which the municipality's regulatory structures need to be amended to be consistent with the Plan. This section should be coordinated with the Select Board, Finance Committee, and other key Town boards/staff including various public safety officials to ensure reasonable accuracy and projection. Additionally, discussion of current issues related to climate change, resilience, sustainability, and equity, should either be included within each of the above topics or within a separate chapter/section of the Plan. 2. Prepare a framework paper (discussion document) with a preliminary outline of the proposers’ recommended breakdown of timing for each plan element, and the public process(es) intended to be used for each element. The target timeline for this document is March 2025. 3. Prepare drafts and revisions of each element of the Comprehensive Plan, which may be recommended for grouping by the Proposer. For planning purposes, the Proposer should assume at least two drafts and a reading period for each. The final reading draft should be the “consensus” version as recommended by the Steering Committee/ Planning Board. 4. The target timeline for the entire Plan is two years (24 months) after signing of a contract, but preferably not later than December 2026.
