The Bedford Planning Board Tuesday approved a request to allow construction of a 160,000-square-foot life science facility and a 442-space parking structure at the 20-36 Crosby Drive campus.
The request was presented by Attorneys Mark Vaughan, Paul Finger, and Deanna Murphy from the firm Smolak & Vaughan, LLP on behalf of the Boston-based investment firm Anchor Line Partners.
During its May 10 meeting, the Board requested additional information regarding subsidized MBTA passes, electric vehicle parking, and bicycle access. Subsequently, the team of lawyers reviewed the proposal with town Planning Director Tony Fields.
Fields noted that an easement may be necessary to accommodate a bus shelter for passengers of the MBTA’s Route 351.
Catherine Perry, Assistant Planning Director, recommended including up to four bicycle racks near the entrance of the building in order to accommodate commuting. She commended the current plan to include 20 bicycle parking spaces in the garage as “sensible” and described the overall proposal as “reasonable.”
Murphy explained that there is a corridor between the buildings that would make it difficult to place bicycle racks at the entrance, but offered to include racks at other locations in the parking lot. Board member Amy Lloyd recommended adding bicycle racks inside the building along with on-site showers in order to encourage bicycle commuting.
Finger confirmed that there will be showers in both buildings and one building will include indoor bicycle racks.
Lloyd also stressed the importance of energy efficiency in the building’s design. Murphy agreed and emphasized the importance of energy efficiency to both Anchor Line and its tenants. Finger expanded upon Murphy’s assurances by highlighting the advantages of the parking garage’s design to accommodate solar panels.
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