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Welcome to the Buzz
The "Bedford Buzz" e-newsletter is a publication of the Bedford Communications Division. If you have any questions about the Buzz, please email public.info@bedfordtx.gov.
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 During the February 25 City Council meeting, Midway Development Group provided an update on their research and proposed plans for the Bedford Commons property, which is owned by the City. The City purchased the land to help guide its development, aiming to create a lively town center with local businesses, public spaces, and housing options.
The Bedford Commons property spans approximately 30 acres and is generally located between E.M. Bilger Boulevard and Parkwood Drive, south of Bedford Road and north of L. Don Dodson Drive.
To recap, the City of Bedford entered into an agreement with Midway last July to provide conceptual designs, a summary of local market conditions, ways to involve the community and boost the economy, and ideas to cut costs while keeping quality.
The Proposal
Midway is suggesting a phased approach. The first phase will include a residential and a commercial section. The residential portion will be comprised of single-family homes (apartments are not planned). The type of homes, their price range, and number will be finalized once a home builder is chosen. The residential portion will be located on the eastern side of the property.
A commercial portion is planned for the western side of the property with the goal of creating a unique retail destination that would spur future development in the area. Midway has determined the following goals for the commercial portion:
- Design the layout of buildings and plazas around groups of existing large legacy trees.
- Build a walking path that connects the north and south parts of the area.
- Use the existing creek to help with drainage and make small changes to make it more inviting for visitors. Use eco-friendly methods to manage rainwater.
- Ensure shops have high visibility and convenient parking to support the businesses.
- Make rent achievable for small local businesses.
Although still early, Midway discussed adding a place for children to play and families to gather, in addition to an open plaza that could be used for musical performances and/or a farmer’s market.
The precise square footage, sizes, and style of buildings are still to be determined.
What will this cost and how will this be funded?
Midway noted the cost of the commercial portion of the development could be approximately $26.6 million. This was calculated by using $500 per square-foot for construction costs and then adding $200 per square-foot for tenant finish outs of the overall proposed 38,000 square-feet of retail space for a very rough estimate. By having a rough estimate, it helps guide decision making, as Midway and the City go through the development process.
However, the City has not made a final decision to what degree Bedford will participate in these costs. There are several things that could offset these costs, such as the value of the Bedford Commons land, the sale of the residential portion to a home builder, sale of the existing fire station (don’t worry, Central Fire Station will be relocated: bit.ly/4btvbxc) that could be turned into a private business, etc.
Please note, these are not formal construction estimates. Those will come later in the development process.
Funding will come from a variety of sources, which have not yet been determined, but will likely include participation by Midway, and TIRZ funds.
In 2021, the City of Bedford created a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) - a special district established by the City to encourage development in a specific area. The City of Bedford TIRZ was created specifically to fund the future infrastructure needs within Bedford Commons, such as streets, water/sewer lines, drainage, parking, etc. This means the cost of infrastructure improvements—like roads, drainage, and utilities—will be covered through the TIRZ funding.
TIRZ funds, in general, may only be used for public infrastructure projects. A TIRZ does not create a new tax. Instead, it sets a "base tax value" for the specific area within the designated zone. As property values increase, some or all of the extra property tax revenue from that growth is redirected to support improvements within the zone. For example, if a property was valued at $100,000 in 2021 and in 2024, it was valued at $200,000, a portion of the tax revenues on the additional $100,000 would be allocated into the City of Bedford’s TIRZ. It is estimated that over the life of the TIRZ, the City will collect $30 million in revenue. If needed, the City would be able to issue debt to fund immediate infrastructure needs against the TIRZ, without affecting the tax rate for residents.
As things progress, City officials will need to decide if they want to sell the property to Midway with an agreement in place ensuring the plans would be executed as designed. Or the City could choose to retain ownership of the commercial development to further control its operations and maintenance.
The residential portion of the property will be sold to a home builder specifically chosen by the City. The proceeds of that sale will be used to fund amenities and development within Bedford Commons and could also be used to offset the cost of the commercial buildings.
A second phase beyond the first residential and commercial portion has not been determined yet. The goal is to prioritize this phase and the businesses’ success before deciding the best approach for the second phase.
What’s Next?
The City Council approved Midway to move forward, which includes gathering community input, deciding on the best mix of businesses, creating more defined plans, and estimating construction costs. The Mayor and Council gave direction to staff to draft a new partnership agreement with Midway, for the group to continue their work on the development. City Council will review the agreement before July.
At this point, the City has not given any funding to Midway. However, this next step will require a deeper level of expertise, and the use of detailed engineering plans, and will therefore require funding.
Why it Takes Time
Projects like this require years of planning before construction can begin. Planning for this property really took off in 2021 with the creation of the TIRZ, conducting formal engineering studies on the property, and the reconstruction of Parkwood Drive – which is expected to be complete this spring.
The City is committed to the long-term success and sustainability of the Bedford Commons development. The City’s ultimate vision for this property is for it to become a true destination for residents and visitors, a place the Bedford community can truly take pride in.
More Information
To read about past progress, TIRZ, and to view the presentation from Midway given during the February 25 City Council meeting, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/bedfordcommons.
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 In February, crews reopened Brown Trail, after completing water and sewer line upgrades along the roadway. There will be no additional work along Brown Trail until it's time to repave the roadway, which is estimated to begin in first quarter 2026.
Bedford Road
Crews have now begun water and sewer line improvements along Bedford Road, from Brown Trail to Norwood Drive. When this phase of construction begins, the two westbound lanes of Bedford Road will be closed. The two eastbound lanes will remain open for two-way traffic. Construction is anticipated to last through summer, weather dependent.
For updates on the progress (as well as a project completion percentage tool that is frequently updated), you can visit the City’s Construction Projects webpage at www.bedfordtx.gov/construction.
In February, the City of Euless contractor reached a milestone on the Pipeline Road construction, as crews finished the westbound lanes and sidewalk, between Raider Drive and Forest Ridge Drive. Two-way traffic has now switched to the freshly-paved westbound lanes and crews have begun the demolition and construction of the eastbound lanes.
Crews are still estimating the entire project to be complete by early 2026.
Please note, the City of Euless is overseeing this phase of the Pipeline Road project, and updates regarding the timeline will be posted on their website at https://www.eulesstx.gov/departments/public-works-and-engineering/construction-updates.
Could your sprinkler system use a check-up? The City is partnering with the Tarrant Regional Water District to hold a FREE sprinkler workshop on Thursday, March 20 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Bedford Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr.
During the workshop, participants will learn about the parts in a home sprinkler system, how to determine how much water your system uses, programming your controller, checking your system for leaks, easy DIY repairs to common issues, and more!
All attendees will also receive a free sprinkler test kit. This class is free to attend; however, registration is required. Register online now at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2dc8fha.
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How can I help? That’s a common question people ask after a disaster. For those with the time, talent, and training, becoming a member of your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), is the answer.
Bedford is proud to have a well-developed CERT program, and there's always more room for members! If you’re interested in joining the Bedford CERT, make sure and sign up for the next training soon! Upcoming classes will take place at City Hall, Building C (1805 L. Don Dodson Dr.) in Bedford at the following dates and times:
- Friday, March 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, April 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants are required to attend all three classes. The program is FREE and registration is required by Thursday, March 20. For more information and to register, please visit www.bedfordtx.gov/cert.
For the 13th consecutive year, the Bedford Public Library received the Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. Out of 542 public library systems in Texas, only 102 received this honor; meaning, your Bedford Library is in the TOP 19% of all public libraries in the state. To achieve this, libraries were evaluated for their variety of services, programming, and staff development that occurred in 2024.
If you haven’t stopped by lately, head over to 2424 Forest Ridge Dr. and explore the Library’s vast collection of physical books and digital items, children and adult programming, Library of Things collection, and much more! Or, just check them out online at https://bedfordlibrary.org/.
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The City is aware of the unfortunate closing of two of its larger businesses within Bedford - the Movie Tavern and Big Lots. Both businesses served the community well for many years and are an unfortunate sign of the changing business landscape for retailers and movie theaters.
Please know the City is doing all it can on its end to work with the property owners of both developments. City staff have been in contact with the owners and learned there IS interest in both sites already. However, no one has signed a lease yet and it could potentially jeopardize those deals if we shared which businesses have expressed interest.
All businesses deeply analyze a potential new location prior to choosing to locate there, and their ultimate decision is based on certain criteria that they deem must be met in order for the business to be successful, such as rent prices, lease terms, site visibility and access, population within certain distance from the site, the spending habits of that population, the vicinity of other existing similar businesses, and the market demand for the type of use/competition, to name a few.
Please note, whatever future business opens in those locations will be a market-driven decision and the City does not have control over what that will be if it aligns with the existing commercial zoning of these sites, which allows all standard retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses that would complement the other nearby businesses.
However, the City does have control over a future tenant in those spaces if the business looking to locate there has a use outside what is allowed there by current zoning for the property. If that is the case, it would require City Council approval. As an example, any uses that are a little more intense than a standard retail establishment, such as a banquet or meeting facility, indoor amusement center, restaurants with outdoor seating, mini-golf/batting cages, any type of vehicle, boat, or equipment sales and service, building materials/lumber yard, any use requiring outside storage, mini-storage facilities, or medical clinics.
When the City is notified of a new tenant for these spaces, through the permitting process, we will release that information. We are grateful for both the Movie Tavern and Big Lots’ time in Bedford and look forward to celebrating the next business for these locations.
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It's Bo Time in Bedford
 IT’S BO TIME! Located at 1953 Airport Fwy (next to Andy’s Frozen Custard), Bojangles specializes in southern chicken, scratch-made biscuits, and legendary iced tea, all made fresh daily.
For breakfast (served until 2 p.m. daily), choose from seven different biscuit combos, paired with some bo-tato rounds (hashbrowns) and a coffee. Lunch/dinner options include chicken sandwiches, hand-breaded chicken tenders, or a salad, along with a variety of sides like fries, dirty rice, baked macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with some bo-berry biscuits, peach cobbler, or a milkshake! Learn more online at www.bojangles.com.
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Bubble & Bean Cafe Now Open
 Located at 2901 Martin Dr., the shop offers a variety of flavored or classic milk teas, fruit teas, and lemonades. Customers can also choose from a variety of drink add-ons including boba; coffee, coconut, or rainbow jelly; and several flavors of popping pearls (bobas with flavorful liquid inside). In the mood for something else? Try a delicious milkshake, hot or iced coffee, latte, energy drink, or international candy!
The Bedford location is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Got unwanted paint? Skip the lines at the upcoming Crud Cruiser event by properly disposing of it now!
Household paint is a common, everyday product, but when wet, it is considered hazardous waste. Please do not mix wet paint with your trash or recycling. When dried, small amounts of paint, along with empty paint cans, can be thrown out in your regular trash. To properly dispose the can in your trash, make sure the small amount of wet paint has completely dried by filling the can with an absorbent material, like cat litter.
Large amounts of wet paint (latex or oil-based), along with paint thinners should be disposed of through the City’s household hazardous waste program, or at an upcoming disposal event, like Crud Cruiser (learn more: www.bedfordtx.gov/crudcruiser).
Year round, Bedford residents can take all hazardous household items to the Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center for free. Make sure to bring proof of residency (like a recent water bill) to dispose of items. For a full list of acceptable items, visit www.bedfordtx.gov/hazardouswaste.
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Bedford Polar Plunge - Saturday, March 8
The Bedford Police Department is teaming up with Special Olympics Texas for the annual polar plunge on Saturday, March 8 at 9:45 a.m. at The Bedford Center YMCA, with participants jumping into chilly water at the outdoor water park. Registration is $40 for adults and $25 for youth, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Texas.
Holi Festival of Color – Saturday, March 8
Holi is an ancient Indian celebration that marks the beginning of spring after a long winter and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. Join us for this free festival from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.) for performances by local dance groups, a DJ, henna tattoos, and more.
Wear an outfit you don’t mind getting color on for when you and other attendees throw colored chalk into the air and on one another (the two color throws will be at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.). Be sure to check out some color throw tips before attending: www.bedfordtx.gov/holifestival
Crud Cruiser: Household Hazardous Waste Disposal – Saturday, March 15
Bedford residents can properly dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste for free at Crud Cruiser from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Meadow Park Athletic Complex (3200 Meadow Park Dr.). Please note, the capacity of the Crud Cruiser is limited and we recommend arriving early (some people start getting in line around 7 a.m.)! For a list of acceptable materials and how to properly bring waste, visit www.bedfordtx.gov/crudcruiser.
You can skip the line by taking your household hazardous waste directly to the Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center during their hours of operation. For more information about how to do this, visit www.bedfordtx.gov/hhw.
Kids Yoga in the Park - Tuesday and Thursday, March 18 and 20
You have TWO opportunities to join us for a free playful and engaging children’s yoga session in Central Park (for kiddos ages 8-13) from 10-11 a.m. both days. This is not a drop-off event, and parents must stay with their kids, but can participate in the fun. Please bring a towel/yoga mat. Registration required online.
Spring Break Camp Out – Friday, March 21
Bring the family and camp out under the stars at Old Bedford School (2400 School Lane), beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday evening. City staff will be on-site providing games, activities, and snacks to keep the fun going well into the night. Tent spaces are $20 each and can be purchased online at www.bedfordtx/gov/events.
Senior Activity Center Craft Fair and Market - Saturday, March 29
Shop ‘til you drop from a variety of ceramics, jewelry, yard art, seasonal décor, treats, and more from 40 different vendors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at the Bedford Senior Activity Center, 3524 Central Drive.
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Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions.
QUESTION: What is the new housing development going in at Cheek-Sparger and Central?
ANSWER: That is Grace Park, a single-family home development, comprised of 42 lots. You can track the progress and look at other active development projects at www.bedfordtx.gov/construction.
QUESTION: I’m confused about recycling medicine bottles. I’ve called Republic but it’s still not clear to me. We can’t recycle prescription bottles, correct? But can we recycle bottles like aspirin?
ANSWER: Correct, you cannot recycle prescription bottles, but you CAN recycle over the counter medication bottles, in general. However, please make sure the over-the-counter bottles have a recycle logo on the bottom of it. Some are not actually recyclable.
QUESTION: I like to bake sweets and curious if the fire stations will accept homemade sweets...I understand times are changing and they might not want to accept food from people they do not know. We would love to get to know them and thank them for their hard work.
ANSWER: That is so kind of you! Unfortunately, for everyone's safety and health, the Fire Department asks that only store-bought treats are dropped off (if you feel compelled to do that).
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Resident Photo of the Month
 CREDIT: City of Bedford
We didn't receive a reader photo submission this month; however, here's one of our favorite snaps! If you're thinking of adding a new furry friend to the family, be sure to check out all the adoptable pets at the Bedford Animal Shelter at www.bedfordtx.gov/adopt.
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Have a photo of you enjoying Bedford? Whether it’s enjoying Generations Park at Boys Ranch or in your own backyard, send your best shot to public.info@bedfordtx.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of “Bedford Buzz.” Please make sure your photo is family-friendly, recently taken in Bedford, and everyone prominently featured in the photo is OK with becoming Buzz-worthy.
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