Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
After a Scenic Roads public hearing, held jointly with the Tree Warden on June 25, 2019, the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the construction of a sidewalk on the south side of Pine Hill Road, from Heritage Drive to North Road.
Responding to community concern about the number of trees that would be removed, Department of Public Works director David Manugian wrote to the Bedford Arbor Resources Committee (BARC) on July 23. He noted that the DPW walked the area again, keeping in mind a sketch suggested by BARC members for meandering the sidewalk to save several trees, and added:
- Based on flat grades and the proximity of the sidewalk to Heritage, we feel we should try to save the easternmost project tree, a 15″ cherry (picture attached).
- While we did not find places to meander the sidewalk, we are committed to providing plantings within the median (the three feet of the vegetated area between the sidewalk and road). These will include daylilies, hostas, and catmint. They’ll be mowed once a year and allowed to grow naturally otherwise.
- We will work with BARC to replant tall grasses, ground cover, and other plants in the backside of disturbed areas between the sidewalk and property lines.
Construction is expected to begin in a few weeks.
Prior coverage in The Bedford Citizen
- Scenic Roads hearing before the Bedford Planning Board – https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2019/06/pine-hill-sidewalk-plan-moves-past-scenic-roads-hearing-at-planning-board/
- Informational meeting at the DPW – https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2019/06/gathering-information-for-tuesdays-scenic-roads-hearing-to-consider-tree-cutting-and-sidewalk-installation-on-pine-hill-road/
