Bethlehem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Bethlehem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Comprehensive Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations Update
Residents repeatedly pressed the board over the proposed rezoning, arguing new MDR and CMU districts would allow up to 400% density increases, with no unit caps or height limits in Res A/B, before traffic, water, school and environmental studies are complete.
Front Yard Fence Variance at 73 Darroch Road
A homeowner got permission for a six-foot privacy fence in his front yard, exceeding the four-foot limit, to block deer and screen an overgrown neighbor's hedge row. The adjacent neighbor didn't object but worried about her shrubs' roots.
Variance Rescission and Litigation at 50 Adams Place
The owners who won a variance allowing three apartments at 50 Adams Place asked to drop it, likely ending neighbors' lawsuit over the approval. The Board rescinded without prejudice, so a future owner could reapply.
Multifamily Residential Density and Site Plan at 7785 Delaware Avenue
Developers want to convert part of an office building into 10 apartments, but town officials noted that steep slope constraints limit the site to eight units. The project also involves parking lot repairs and reviewing patio usage on state right-of-way land.
Accessory Structure Coverage Variance at 3807 Delaware Avenue
A homeowner wants to build a 120-square-foot shed, but their property already exceeds the allowable 5% lot coverage for accessory structures due to an existing garage. The total coverage would reach 7.6%, requiring an area variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Garage Addition and Wellness Room at 17 Hawthorne Avenue
Homeowner Louis Kurrelmeyer sought variances to expand a detached garage to install a golf simulator and sauna for health reasons. The board enthusiastically approved the request after noting it won't be visible from the street.
Side-Yard Variance at 81 Fairlawn Drive
A homeowner wants to build an addition that doesn't meet the town's dimensional zoning rules, so he needs an area variance from the ZBA. The board accepted the application; the real decision comes after the May 20 public hearing, where neighbors can comment.
Side-Yard Variance at 47 University Street
A homeowner is seeking an area variance to build a first-floor addition six inches from her property line, prompting board questions about alternative designs and neighboring open space ownership.
Fence Variance Application at 30 Manor Drive
David Essex applied for a fence that does not meet standard zoning code requirements. The board formally introduced the application and scheduled a public hearing for June 3.
Historic Signage Preservation at 387 Krumkill Road
A local temple sought permission to keep their oversized, 200-year-old historic sign. The board agreed to let them keep it, noting it honors local heritage without blocking traffic views.
PaintWorx Signage Area Variance
Albany Sanatani Mandir is seeking a variance to keep a sign at 387 Krumkill Road that is larger, taller, and closer to the road than town zoning rules allow. The board has scheduled a public hearing for neighbors to share their thoughts on April 1.
Proposed Historic Preservation Law and Board
Bethlehem now has an incentives-based law to encourage preserving historic structures, years in the making.
Proposed Signage and Electronic Messaging at 43 Frontage Road
An auto body shop moving to Glenmont requested permission to reuse its large existing sign, which exceeds local size limits and features an electronic message board. The board approved the size variance after the applicant agreed to keep the digital message board permanently turned off.
Commercial Signage Variance at 345 Delaware Avenue
Businesses along Delaware Avenue keep asking for bigger signs than the zoning code allows, and the board keeps granting them. The 345 Delaware Avenue approval adds another oversized sign to a corridor that already has several, raising questions about how the town balances business visibility against sign rules.
Glenmont Zoning Changes — Mixed-Density vs. Low-Density Residential
The zoning update would allow mixed-density housing along parts of Feura Bush Road in Glenmont. After strong public opposition, the board signaled it may study downgrading some areas to low-density residential and will compare densities of recent popular developments at the next meeting.