Bedford City Council covered significant ground during its September 8 meeting, advancing major economic development agreements, long-term environmental infrastructure projects, and citywide community initiatives. From a tax abatement deal bringing 300 jobs to major school construction approvals, here is a breakdown of the key legislative actions, city updates, and public notices.
Economic Development & School Partnerships
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals Expansion Approved (Ord. 62-26): Council approved a 100%, 15-year property tax abatement for Hikma Pharmaceuticals’ new $50M+, 52,000-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility on Northfield Road. The project is expected to bring up to 300 new jobs to the city.
- Non-School TIF Agreement (Ord. 60-26): Passed on second reading, this ordinance establishes a non-school Tax Increment Financing (TIF) structure. The agreement ensures local schools remain 100% fully funded while allowing the city to collect tax revenues designated for local infrastructure improvements after year 15.
- New Bedford High School Site (Motion): Council approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation for GPD Group to construct the new Bedford High School facility located at 475 Northfield Road.
- School Resource Officer Funding Shift (Ord. 69-26): Council approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bedford City School District for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, shifting the school district’s financial share from 50% to 75%.
Infrastructure & Environmental Action
- Major EPA Wastewater Upgrades (Ord. 71-26 & 75-26): Bedford entered into a 25-year agreement with the Ohio EPA for long-term wastewater plant improvements. As part of this initiative, Council awarded an approximately $20.6 million contract to Great Lakes Construction Company for Phase 1 Headworks improvements, supported by a $4 million state grant.
- Pedestrian Bridge Grant Application (Res. 2642): Authorization was granted to apply for a $1.5 million NOACA TLCI grant to fund a proposed pedestrian bridge connecting Viaduct Park to the Egbert Road Trail.
- Rockside Road Culvert Weight Restriction: Cuyahoga County is placing weight limits on a deteriorating culvert near Bartlett Road while the city actively pursues joint grant funding for lining repairs.
City Operations & Community Updates
- former UH Hospital Site Demolition: Asbestos surveys for the former University Hospitals Bedford site are officially complete. Full demolition is expected to conclude by the end of the year through the county land bank.
- Greencroft Park Playground: Construction has officially begun on the new playground equipment, coinciding with ongoing waterline replacement and road resurfacing work in the area.
- City Pool & Summer Recap: City Manager Mike Malice commended Parks & Recreation staff on a successful summer pool season, noting that enforcing resident-only access rules kept the facility safe and well-managed.
- Traffic & Safety Controls: Officials discussed incoming data from speed indicator signs, policy surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters, and efforts to address illegal activity in local parks.
Public Notices & Resident Reminders
- Verify Contractor Registration: Council members strongly advised residents to confirm that contractors are fully registered and permitted with the City of Bedford prior to paying deposits, helping homeowners avoid civil disputes or fraudulent work.
- Community Shred Day & Garage Sale: Held Saturday, September 12, in the municipal parking lot.
- State of the City Address: Scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, at the Ellenwood Community Center.
