Members of Bedford’s development, real estate and engineering professions got together to discuss the town’s business climate on July 22, part of the Bedford Economic Development Commission’s effort to reach out to the community about what kind of economic development function they would like to see in town.

“Are we helping you? Are we not helping you?” Russ Marcoux, the town manager, asked at the start of the meeting. Developers discussed the somewhat lengthy, but shortening, process of getting plans approved by the town, as well as obstacles to developing certain areas, especially Route 101, which is not equipped with the water and sewer lines that larger development would require.

Steve Beals, who owns Beals Insurance, said it would be important to explain to Bedford residents the advantages business has on the town’s tax base.

John Lariviere, of R.J. Moreau Communities, said communication with business who might establish their offices in Bedford would also be key to attracting new development.

“Without identifying what Bedford’s advantages are and communicating them to the public, we have only one thing to go on: price,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the way to go.”

Steve Keach, a civil engineer, said it is a matter of seizing opportunities and looking for the best kinds of business for the little land that is left to develop, especially around the airport access road.

“I would hate to see that land allocated in a way that would not give Bedford the biggest bang for its buck,” he said.

Marcoux said after the meeting that Bedford has begun doing that in some respects, since part of the area is zoned under stricter rules as a performance zone, designed to attract businesses that will better broaden the tax rate. But in terms of courting specific business, the town does not yet have that capability.

“We just don’t have the people to do that,” he said.

At the end of the year, the Economic Development Commission will make suggestions to the town council about what kind of economic development function people who live and work in the town would like to see. Marcoux said he thought the council would be responsive to the suggestions.

Some complaints about the development climate in Bedford included conflicting responses to plans from the state and the town; changes to what is allowed in a plan as different departments get involved in the process, and that the responsibility for smoothing out wrinkles between different departments lies with the developer, which can take time and cost money.

But many said the town typically moved quickly on development plans and was clear and up front about requirements.

Bill Dermody, the town council representative on the commission, said he thought the businesses and developers were pleased the town was reaching out to them, “I think people realize that the Economic Development Commission is sincere,” he said.