Bedford trustees rezone 5 parcels

TEMPERANCE - Bedford Township residents and representatives from BedfordWatch.com have been worried that a parcel of land at Lewis Avenue and West Sterns Road in Temperance is rezoned, a Walmart or some other big box retailer would move in.

The square-mile dispute, which has been simmering for the last seven years, finally came up for a vote Tuesday evening.

Five out of the six areas on the Whitman family's property, which includes the Whitman Ford dealership, were approved for rezoning. Neither side, though, claimed victory.

The square-mile parcel of land was zoned residential but after recommendations from several consultants, Bedford Township trustees argreed to change most of the zoning. The middle parcel of land was left for residential development.

The mention of Walmart has been the crux of the concern from citizens. It revolved around the possibilty that a Walmart or other big box retailer could move in once that area's rezoned.

Numerous residents expressed concerns over crime, infrastructure issues, and the fact that it wouldn't be a good idea for the community as whole.

Tom Hansen, John Whitman's attorney, said if he wanted to, Whitman could have sold the land to a big box store years ago, avoiding rezoning the property.

As for what happens next, the decision to leave area six unchanged could go to to court depending on what the Whitmans decide to do.

Walmart, Bedford Township rezoning, big box retailer