Bedford County approves development of 54 new townhomes amid traffic concerns

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — On Monday, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors approved the development of 54 townhomes in Forest.

These townhomes would be built on a vacant parcel off of U.S. 221 in Forest near the intersection of Enterprise Drive.

According to the Bedford County Planning Commission, the concept plan would include 54 townhouses, which would be a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes. It would also include 122 parking spaces.

The plan would include a new right in and out entrance from Forest Road and Route 221.

Jamey White represented the developer at the meeting. He said he knows traffic is an issue, that they plan to deal with.

"I just want to reiterate again, I mean I know that traffic is a problem with our proper conditions of having access to Brook Park and the number of traffic trips that we're generating with 54 townhouse units it's a definite improvement," White said.

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Philip Parnell is a neighbor near where the new development will be built. He said these new townhomes could cause issues with traffic.

"I think it's cramming a lot more people in an already overly congested area. It's a lot already to deal with," Parnell said.

Overall, Parnell is not excited about the new developments.

"Personally, I'd say against it. We already have so many townhomes and apartments available, more towards the Lynchburg side, but even around here, if you look hard enough, you'll find some good spots," Parnell said.

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Gene Cranford is another nearby neighbor. He sees the new townhome developments as causing issues as well.

"I think yes, it's definitely going to add to the traffic congestion. This is a very busy road in the afternoons and in the mornings making left-hand turns out of here is almost impossible. So yeah, I think it's going to add to the congestion, might see some more accidents unless they put in some more traffic control," Cranford said.

Cranford said that safety-wise, additional traffic lights would be beneficial to help control traffic flow.

"Keeping people alert to the extra traffic, adding stop lights is probably the best safety issue," Cranford said.

VDOT said the development is in the early stages of traffic plans. And the developer will have to provide information to VDOT about traffic impacts.