BEDFORD – Bedford Mayor Sam Craig held his second State of the City Address on Monday, where he talked about projects that the city has taken on over the past year, as well as some of the plans for future improvements around Bedford.
Below are some of the highlights.
The full address can be viewed here on the city’s Facebook page.
Milling and Paving projects
Through the Community Crossings grant, Craig said the city has been able to resurface 5.4 miles of roadway across Bedford. The grant required a 50/50 match from the city, which Craig said amounted to $441,417.72.
Craig specifically discussed improvements made at 18th and J Streets in 2022, which included removing railroad ties and rails before repaving the street. He said the intersection had long been the site of many car accidents in the city, so he made it a priority of his to make changes while in office.
The city intends to pave another 4.8 miles of roadway in 2023.
Events and Engagement
Craig spoke about some of the events that the city has either hosted or supported in Bedford during 2022, including Food Truck Mondays, the Limestone Heritage Festival and the fireworks display at Wilson Park. He said the fireworks display was previously a big event for the city, as an outdoors event during the COVID-19 pandemic and that he hopes to see that excitement continue.
Investment from General Motors
Craig spoke about General Motors’ $45 million investment in the Bedford plant’s casting operations to allow for the expansion of electric vehicle castings production. He said it is important for the city to continue to work with economic partners, particularly one like GM, which employs a large number of residents.
Parks Department projects
Craig discussed some of the city’s recreational goals, including the construction of pickleball courts at Wilson Park, which is currently ongoing, building a sand volleyball court at Thornton Park, reclaiming bunkers at Otis Golf Course and paving the walking path around Garden Park.
