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Issue · Bedford, MA

145 Davis Road Subdivision Floodplain Concerns

Four-lot subdivision raises abutters' concerns over FEMA floodplain adjustments, stormwater management, and flooding risks.

Overview

Abutters are challenging a four-lot subdivision at 145 Davis Road over FEMA floodplain adjustments and stormwater management. The Planning Board has continued the public hearing three times since April 2026 amid growing skepticism about the applicant's drainage updates and FEMA documentation. The hearing remains open with the next session scheduled for June 23, 2026.

Background

The 145 Davis Road definitive subdivision proposal by Middlesex Development, LLC first appeared before the Planning Board on April 28, 2026, when the board granted a continuance of the public hearing at the applicant's request.

On May 26, 2026, the board again voted to continue the hearing, this time to June 9, after the applicant sought additional time to address the four-lot plan off Jeffrey Circle.

The June 9, 2026 public hearing marked the first substantive discussion, during which the applicant presented updated drainage plans that replaced porous pavement with conventional asphalt and relied on a FEMA Letter of Map Amendment removing part of the site from the floodplain.

Abutters and their counsel immediately challenged the technical accuracy of the FEMA adjustment and the adequacy of stormwater controls, citing risks of increased flooding and mosquito breeding from standing water.

Board members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of explanation for FEMA's decision and reached consensus that further due diligence was required before any action.

Public comments at the hearing reinforced these concerns, with residents questioning catch-basin capacity during extreme weather, maintenance responsibilities, and the width of proposed sidewalks and trail easements.

The board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to June 23, 2026, leaving the subdivision's status unresolved.

On June 22 and June 23, 2026, the applicant requested further continuances of the 145 Davis Road public hearing to permit completion of the peer review by JEMA on behalf of the neighborhood group. The board granted both requests.

How it unfolded
The board approved via roll call vote (Aye, Aye, Aye, Aye) the motion to continue the public hearing regarding the definitive subdivision plan for 145 Davis Road to the April 28th meeting at the applicant's request.
2026-04-14Planning Board
Board granted continuance of the public hearing for the 145 Davis Road definitive subdivision plan to May 12th following an applicant request.
2026-04-28Planning Board
Board voted 5-0-0 to continue the public hearing for the 145 Davis Road definitive subdivision plan to June 9th at the applicant's request.
2026-05-26Planning Board
Public hearing opened on the 145 Davis Road four-lot subdivision; applicant presented updated drainage and FEMA LOMA materials; abutters raised floodplain and stormwater concerns; board voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to June 23rd.
2026-06-09Planning Board
Applicant requested continuance of the 145 Davis Road public hearing to allow completion of pending peer review by JEMA; board voted to continue the hearing to July 14, 2026.
2026-06-22Planning Board
Applicant requested continuance of the 145 Davis Road public hearing to allow completion of pending peer review by JEMA; board voted to continue the hearing to July 14, 2026.
2026-06-23Planning Board
Arguments against
FEMA's Letter of Map Amendment lacks transparency and may be technically inaccurate, as evidenced by a prior FEMA determination that failed to prevent flooding on an abutter's property.
planning-board 2026-06-09
Against
Proposed catch basins may lack capacity to handle extreme weather events, potentially increasing flooding risks for neighboring properties.
planning-board 2026-06-09
Against
Standing water from the new drainage system could create mosquito breeding sites, and maintenance responsibilities for the system remain unclear.
planning-board 2026-06-09
Against
The subdivision should be deferred to allow independent peer review of stormwater analysis by experts.
planning-board 2026-06-09
Against
Key voices
“Expressed opposition to the subdivision as currently designed and requested deferral for proper evaluation of stormwater analysis and peer review.”
Resident (representing abutters)planning-board 2026-06-09
“Shared skepticism regarding the recent FEMA map amendment and recounted a previous FEMA determination that failed to prevent flooding on his property.”
Resident (abutter)planning-board 2026-06-09
“Inquired about catch-basin capacity for extreme weather and raised concerns about maintenance and potential mosquito issues from standing water.”
Residentplanning-board 2026-06-09
What's next

Public hearing to continue on July 14, 2026.

145 Davis Roadsubdivisionfloodplain