Archive for October, 2008

Similarities on Sterns?

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Ok, so after reading, deciphering, and coming to a (speculative) conclusion I proved myself wrong and then right. You’ll see.

It was my earlier contention that there were similarities between 2008 Indian Acres residents and 2000 New Colonial Gardens residents. 2008 Indian Acres residents are battling the potential rezoning of land immediately east of their neighborhood on Sterns while in 2000 New Colonial Gardens residents were up in arms about the potential Kroger Plaza being built immediately east of their neighborhood off of Sterns. HOWEVER, the land Kroger was to be built on was also zoned C-2 Shopping Center; therefore, no rezoning needed to take place for the plaza to be built.

BUT

I did find out some history where my contention was off approximately 21 years. Follow along.

The land at Secor and Sterns had been zoned C-2 Shopping Center dating way back into the 60s. In December of 1978 Bedford Land Improvement, Inc. came to the township asking that all but 25 acres be rezoned. The rezoning asked that 9.92 acres on the far west side of the parcel be changed from C-2 to RM-2 (multiple family) and an additional 6.55 acres adjoining the other parcel from C-2 to R-2B (multiple family and single family).

At that time residents of New Colonial Gardens (the subdivision immediately west of present day Kroger) were against the rezoning. Unfortunately the minutes do not indicate why. The motion to approve and reject never passed the Planning Commission  on December 20, 1978 mostly do to an absent member; the votes for each went 3-3. At this time the Township Board would have the final say.

There was something that caught my eye in the minutes which leads me to believe why the residents were against the rezoning. Richard Mueller, a PC member at the time, stated that there had been no commerical growth at the intersection of Secor and Sterns for the past ten years. This would date back to 1968. It is my contention and belief that the reason they were against rezoning the land was because they wished for that area to remain void of any structures – residential or commerical!

Unfortunately for the residents on February 6, 1979 (the night before I was born!) the township board by a vote of 4-3 voted to approve the rezoning. Needless to say the residents weren’t happy and the predecessor to BedfordWatch.com was born. The residents petitioned and gained a referendum forcing a special election to overturn the rezoning that was approved …. and won! At this time the entirety of the property returned to C-2 Shopping Center zoning.

So I was wrong in my contention about a similarity between Indian Acres residents of today and residents of Colonial Gardens in 2000. However, I was somewhat correct … just off a few years!

I’ve tried to find articles indicating displeasure regarding Kroger building there and creating a plaza and haven’t come up with much – mostly because internet archives for the BN and MEN don’t date back past 2005 it appears. I found one quote from the recent Whitman meeting, made by Gail Keane, that mentioned the anxiety of residents living near Secor and Sterns circa 2000 regarding the Kroger build but that she believed it turned out ok.  I would tend to agree and it appears that during the site plan approval meetings in 2000 that Kroger made it of great importance to listen to the nearby residents and address their concerns. The type of lighting was discussed, an agreement to move a dumpster, ensure that there would be no loading docks behind the strip plaza, and that deliveries would only occur during normal waking hours, and that trucks would enter and exit off of Secor Rd.

It seems to me a lot can get done at the site plan approval meetings. This could be of great benefit to the Indian Acres residents.

I still support the rezoning. If it is of great issue to the Indian Acres residents should the rezoning pass they should follow suit of the New Colonial Gardens residents of 1979. Otherwise work through the proper channels to ensure that any potential disturbances are discussed and handled via site planning approvals. It seems to me that Kroger has been a great corporate neighbor (I live nearby myself). The lights aren’t intrusive (it’s quite dark behind the plaza at night), the area is well maintained, they sponsor the car show, etc. Who is to say that a similar great corporate neighbor couldn’t be a part of that property at Sterns and Lewis?

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Posted in Bedford Township, Bedford Watch, Whitman rezoning | No Comments »

Dr. Herbert Moyer

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

I received some terrible news today that has reminded me of how absolutely precious life is. While I had another post planned for today this clearly takes precedence. Bedford lost one of it’s absolute finest today in Dr. Herb Moyer.

Dr. Moyer was our former Superintendent of Bedford Public Schools, serving from 1984-1996, and hands down one of the most genuine and outstanding individuals you would ever meet. His passion for education and his students was unrivaled – even to this day. Undoubtedly Dr. Moyer will go down as the most influential and greatest leader of our school district.

Dr. Moyer was responsible for intiating the PTA within Bedford Public Schools; an act that I must continue to thank him for as it allows me great access to my child’s education and gives me increased ability to help and be of assistance.

If memory serves me correct Dr. Moyer was also responsible for establishing the ‘Guaranteed Graduate’ for those students who graduated from Bedford High School.

Few people have ever impressed me more than Dr. Moyer. I can remember, the exact year escapes me but I know it was while at the Jr. High, I had been kicked out of the classroom and was sitting in the hall doing my work. Dr. Moyer happened to be in the building and stopped to talk to me in the hallway where I sat. He asked me what I had done and made me promise I would no longer get into trouble so that I could be in the classroom learning. I wasn’t an unruly child to begin with (my folks may disagree) but what kid didn’t find themselves in the wrong from time to time? I was impressed that Dr. Moyer cared greatly for each individual student; he didn’t need to stop and check on me but he cared enough to. A great leader.

It is situations such as Dr. Moyer’s passing that makes me realize (or remember) that we should all cherish the passion he shared … for whatever we’re passionate about. Dr. Moyer was a champion for all things Bedford and wanted what was best, in his eyes, for the schools and this community. Imagine how much more great this community could be if we all shared that passion!

To Dr. Moyer’s family I send you my best wishes and condolences. God bless you all.

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Posted in Bedford Public Schools, Bedford Township | No Comments »

Civility, Bedford Chatter, and the nature of our township

Monday, October 13th, 2008

Civility is defined as polite and/or courteous behavior. Recently my father asked me what ever happened to civility, common courtesy, and respect for others. It gave me something to seriously ponder and think about and all I could muster was …. I don’t know.

I’m certainly aware that I am not always the most civil person in the world but it is something that I am certainly working on and strive towards being a more well rounded, positive, respectful person. I never mean ill will towards anyone but I have certainly not done the best job in decision making and word choices in the past.

But the issue doesn’t reside solely in me. I see this lack of civility everywhere I go. At work, at home, in the community, on the Bedford Chatter.

At work a few weeks ago I had a woman screaming at me that she was going to smoke in the rental, make sure her dog shed it’s hair all over the place, and not replace the fuel in the vehicle. All this because her car had broke down which is clearly NOT something I had anything to do with. Now granted she had every right to be frustrated because she has had mechanical issues with her vehicle but did this give her the right to act towards me this way? I didn’t build her car nor have I ever worked on it. Finally, I was able to get her into a vehicle (which she complained about the type of vehicle she was given) and she squawked the tires as she drove away. This is one example of many that have happened recently. I suppose what made this particular story great to me was that later that day I found out her car stalled and broke down because it was out of gas!!

At home I see things happen too. We’re a young family and we don’t see much of each other. My wife and I generally work opposite schedules so that one of us is always with the kids. Sometimes cooler heads don’t prevail. And having kids … well if they’re not behaving we all know our blood can boil a wee bit quicker. Every family goes through this and ultimately it makes you stronger. I love my wife and my children more than anything in this world and I wish and hope the best for them.

In the community .. this is something that bothers me more so than the others. My father was telling me that he had an opportunity to speak with George Welling, the republican running for Township Clerk. My dad informed him that we (as a family) were longtime friends of Bob Schockman, the democrat running for the same position, but my dad allowed Mr. Welling his opportunity to speak. One of the things that George shared with him was the countless horrible things he has been called on the campaign trail – words including m’effer and more. How disappointing and terrible. While I won’t be voting for Mr. Welling he deserves to be commended for his time and efforts and desires to be a part of our township government.

And finally I mentioned the Bedford Chatter. Perhaps its the anonymity of the internet which makes people ’stronger’. I don’t really know what it is. I have been repeatedly assailed on the forum itself. The newest member has a moniker of NOMOREKEITH. I have had my college degree compared to a worthless piece of paper, been told that because of the amount of time I spend on the forum I must not have a family. I even had someone, before I came out and announced who I am, figure out who I am and where I live and mail me township memos to my home; something I didn’t ask for.

I have seen people say unsavory things about public officials, other poster, folks in the news, etc. For what? Why? I don’t know and I don’t have an answer for it. I do know though that if I hadn’t grown up here its this type of behavior that may make me wish to move to a different community if I were looking for somewhere to live in this area. I love Bedford and that is a large reason as to why we moved back here. I know it to be a safe community, great schools for my kids, and it is a place I want to live and be an active participant within the community.   

To my community I want to let you know that I am trying to change my ways and lend my positive voice. I hope you’re noticing a changed tone when it comes to me. I will continue to challenge those that wish to challenge me and I welcome the opportunity at sprited and respectful debate. I hope that all of you will find it within yourselves to join me in leading the charge back to civility. We may not always agree and we may not always see eye-to-eye but I hope that we can at least chose to do so respectfully.

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Posted in Bedford Now, Bedford Township, Neighbors | 1 Comment »