Many residents have asked what is happening with the former hospital property in Bedford. Tony Longino (Councilman Ward 6) and I (Cory Berry Councilman Ward 5) want to provide a clear update on where things stand and what comes next.

In 2022, University Hospitals closed inpatient, surgery, and emergency services at the Bedford facility. The closure led to a legal dispute between the City of Bedford and UH.

In January 2025, the City reached a settlement agreement with University Hospitals. Under that agreement:

  • The City receives $2.1 million
  • The City takes ownership of the entire 11+ acre hospital site and multiple buildings
  • The property is transferred with no restrictive covenants on future use
  • UH must remove hazardous materials and prepare the property for redevelopment within 180 days
  • UH will continue operating medical services out of the medical office building on site

This agreement gives Bedford full control over the future of the property and opens the door for redevelopment or a future healthcare presence.

Demolition & Site Preparation (This Summer)

The first major step will be demolition.

The City has secured approximately $2 million in grant funding specifically for demolition of the former hospital structures. It is required that these funds be used by the summer of 2026. These funds will allow us to:

  • Demolish the majority of the facility (In Red Below)
  • Preserve the westernmost medical office building (In Green Below), which has standalone utilities
  • Keeping the medical office building will allow UH to continue operations
Bedford UH Hospital
Cory Berry

Initially, I believed we might be able to preserve additional portions of the hospital because, from the outside, parts of the structure appear to be in decent condition. However, after further review, we learned that:

  • Utilities are centrally routed through the main building
  • Separating and rerouting those utilities would be extremely expensive
  • Attempting to salvage portions of the structure would significantly increase costs

For that reason, using grant money to fully demolish the connected hospital structures is the most financially responsible path forward.

The goal is to make the site development-ready.

The Sites Future

That decision has not yet been finalized — and it shouldn’t be made without community input.

Now that the City owns the property, we must determine:

  • Should we pursue another healthcare provider?
  • Should we focus on economic redevelopment?
  • What type of use best serves Bedford long term?

Before any redevelopment occurs, we will need to evaluate:

  • Current zoning regulations
  • Whether zoning amendments are required
  • Market feasibility (with input from experienced commercial brokers)
  • Community priorities

City leadership plans to begin discussions this year, followed by public dialogue through:

  • Ward meetings
  • Master Plan engagement sessions
  • Potential special meetings focused solely on the property

Community Input Is Critical

This is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities Bedford has had in decades.

We are currently accepting feedback through the City’s Master Plan process. If you have ideas or concerns about the future of this site, please:

  • Attend a ward meeting
  • Participate in Master Plan discussions
  • Reach out directly to me
  • Or contact your City Council representative
City of Bedford Master Plan Survey
City of Bedford City of Bedford Master Plan Survey

The future of this property should reflect the needs and vision of Bedford residents.

Comments From Council

In discussion with Councilman Tony Longino and other members of Council, the importance of this site is not lost on us. This is a tremendous opportunity for Bedford to create a lasting impact that benefits residents across the entire city.

At this time, we want to hear directly from residents so we can make informed, thoughtful decisions as we help guide the future of this property. Your input will play a key role in shaping what comes next.

Please feel free to contact either of us directly:

We look forward to hearing from residents and working together on what is truly a pivotal moment for our community.

The closure of the hospital was difficult for our community. However, the settlement has positioned Bedford with:

  • Ownership of a prime 11-acre site
  • Demolition funding already secured
  • No deed restrictions
  • Continued medical presence on part of the property

Now, the focus shifts from litigation to opportunity. We will continue providing updates as demolition timelines and redevelopment discussions move forward.

If you have thoughts, ideas, or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.