'Traffic, Traffic, Traffic': Bedford Village Plans Draw Reaction

About a dozen folks—many expressing concerns about future housing units, traffic flow and the historic value of the area—weighed in Monday night at a charrette for development in Bedford Village.

Some speakers were very critical, while others welcomed the possibility that there could be more apartments and retail shops near the Bedford Playhouse if Phoenix Capital Partners LLC have their way. Before hearing public input, Phoenix's attorney, William P. Harrington, briefed folks on the plan for the two acres of land, which is zoned for residential use and adjacent to the building. He called it "conceptual" and "preliminary," while stressing that as a Pound Ridge resident, he lives here, too, so he understands concerns.

Resident Barbara Kornfield spoke out in support of "having more opportunities for people to live in the village." She asked how big the apartments would be, and if they were meant to accomodate families, couples, or single folks.

Harrington said that decision would be market-driven, but that right now, the idea is one and two-bedroom units. 

"I think you've got to really focus on traffic, traffic, traffic," resident Steve Rice said late in the meeting.

Calling himself the "unofficial traffic counter" of the section of Guard Hill Road that hits Routes 121 and 22—and mentioning some experience in his background, "legal and otherwise," with the New York State Department of Transportation, and in transportation policy—he cited numbers that "measure, over a very short period of time, i.e. a half an hour, of over 3,000 to 4,000 cars in the morning and in the evening."

Rice feels the traffic is a problem the community has to solve before moving forward with development. He warned Harrington that the project would bring "unintended consequences."

Several people asked about the style of the development. Chris Nolle said the village is a "hodgepodge of sorts." He hopes a new complex would not add to that feeling.

Laurie James recently moved to Bedford. Her comment followed talk about the Playhouse buildling, which some consider an eyesore.

"...I would hope there would be a more creative solution to try to get to the density you're looking for for your rental units," she said, "without having a mirror image of a monolithic buildling that people are not so in love with."