New Comprehensive Plan moves forward

Split decision on police EVs

By JEFF MORRIS

The Bedford Town Board again reviewed the draft of the new comprehensive plan, and approved the purchase of two electric police vehicles at its meeting March 18.

Comprehensive Plan

At the continuation of the public hearing on the draft comprehensive plan, the board heard comments from five people, including the chair of the planning board. Most reiterated what had already been stated in written comments. As at the previous public hearing, preservation of the town’s dirt roads was a highlighted concern.

Carol Kurth said she thought there wasn’t enough emphasis in the plan on the historic nature of the dirt roads, and wanted that stressed in the verbal record even though she had also written about it. She also felt it was inappropriate to allow banking of donated open space so that it could be used for development elsewhere. However, it was pointed out such land-banking had been referred to in a different earlier document and was not something included in the draft comprehensive plan.

Chris Spain applauded the work that was done to put the plan together, and enthusiastically endorsed the section on cluster housing and streamlining the regulations for accessory dwelling units. He said he thought the town should do everything it can to facilitate aging in place, giving “long-standing community members the flexibility to remain in the community.”

Planning board Chair Deirdre Courtney-Batson said she stood by that board’s comment letter, but wanted to reemphasize that while she supported appending the climate action plan to the document, she did not support attempting to incorporate it into the plan. 

Supervisor Ellen Calves responded that as she understood comments from Bedford 2030, they were recommending appending the CAP as a guidepost, as it had been to the previous comprehensive plan. She said it was a “menu of options, that doesn’t really mandate how things are done.”

Anne Kronenberg wanted to highlight one of the comments she sent in: that language suggesting updating zoning for solar arrays only refers to residential arrays, and does not encourage development of commercial solar arrays.

Calves moved to close the public hearing, and the board also approved extending the written comment period for 10 more days. Calves said it appeared the only changes that might be needed, based on comments received, were minor. Planning Director Jesica Youngblood then quickly ran through explanations of answers provided on the environmental review questionnaire, noting that the plan has no significant environmental impacts.

“If we have no significant changes that are being incorporated, we can hopefully have it adopted pretty soon, and start thinking about what our next steps are with respect to what’s been recommended,” Calves said.

Police EVs

A request by Police Chief Melvin Padilla to approve the purchase of two fully electric police vehicles was approved, but did not receive the board’s unanimous support.

“These two vehicles will kind of complete our, for lack of a better term, foray into deploying electric police vehicles,” said Padilla. He said they were simultaneously trying to build out the infrastructure needed.

The two are a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E, or an equivalent if supply chain issues should lead to unreasonable delay, to be purchased at a state contract price not to exceed $70,500; and a preowned black 2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV, to be purchased from Vail Buick GMC in Bedford Hills for $89,500. The total cost for both would be within the existing $160,000 approved capital budget. 

Padilla said they were looking at the Hummer for community outreach purposes. He said it would be useful for recruitment when deployed at Fox Lane High School. In his written request, he said, “It is a cutting edge, environmentally-friendly vehicle that will draw attention and spark conversations during public events, community outreach initiatives and local demonstrations. Its distinctive design and electric vehicle technology make it an ideal centerpiece for promoting our department’s commitment to sustainability, modernization, and technological advancement.”

Board member Bobbi Bittker first questioned whether the Hummer wouldn’t have higher long-term costs to fully outfit and maintain than other vehicles. Padilla said that wasn’t necessarily the case, as they have had high maintenance costs with standard utility vehicles, and their experiences so far with other EVs has been that they cost less to maintain.

Bittker questioned whether using the vehicle for recruitment is even necessary, given that Bedford is “a plum department” and already a place where people want to work. 

“It just doesn’t seem like a good investment for $90,000,” said Bittker. “I’m not sure I see the value to this,” she said, pointing out the town already has a UTV that attracts people at events. “If this were something that is going to enhance safety, rescue, life-saving, I could see investing the money in that, but I’m not sure I see the value of investing the money this way.” 

Bittker said it was not an electric vehicle problem, but she didn’t know if this was the right direction to take. Padilla cited other departments across the country that have successfully utilized such vehicles for recruitment and to promote EVs, but Bittker was not persuaded. 

“I feel like now we have to reign in spending,” she said. “Just because the money is allocated doesn›t mean we have to spend it.” 

She said she would be more supportive of getting two vehicles for that price, which led board member Stephanie McCaine to say, “Good luck getting two cars for $90,000 that are going to meet the expectations that we want.” 

McCaine said this purchase was “not particularly egregious” and was consistent with the town’s values and goals.

Calves noted it would be used in a variety of ways, and because it was preowned, was already costing less than it otherwise would. Bittker contended the fact it was used could lead to increased maintenance costs; Padilla countered that electric vehicles are much less expensive to maintain than internal combustion vehicles.

Ultimately the board voted 4-1 to approve the request, with Bittker opposed.