Bethlehem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Bethlehem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Drinking Water Quality and Infrastructure
A resident said many townspeople don't trust the tap water, citing taste-and-odor issues and water main breaks, and warned construction on aging pipes is making things worse.
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 The Board rescinded without prejudice, so a future owner could reapply.
2027-2031 Capital Plan and Infrastructure Funding
The board locked in nearly $6 million in state agreements to build the Delaware Avenue Complete Streets project, including sidewalks and roadway resurfacing. The town fronts the money from its capital reserve and expects 80% federal/state reimbursement.
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.
Traffic Safety and Corridor Infrastructure
A Glenmont resident again asked when kids will get a safe sidewalk on Feura Bush Road to reach the park; the Elsmere-to-Murray segment doesn't get them there.
Subdivision and Stormwater Management at 55 McCormack Road
JRG Builders presented a 3-lot minor subdivision plan for single-family homes at 55 McCormack Road. The Board and staff discussed wetland determinations and the need for a comprehensive grading plan to ensure proper drainage.
11 Rapa Road Residential Subdivision & Site Plan
MJP Development Group is proposing a 2-lot subdivision and six four-unit apartment buildings on a 16.7-acre wooded parcel in Selkirk. The board reviewed neighborhood compatibility, access driveway placement relative to existing homes, and stormwater management.
Feura Bush Road Traffic Assessment
Residents repeatedly flagged worsening traffic on Feura Bush Road and criticized reliance on 2017/2020 traffic counts. The board agreed the counts need updating and will consider adding intersections like Spindler/Corrit and Bain to the study scope.
McCormack Hollow Subdivision Amendment
The developer wants to shrink the subdivision to three houses, give the Town 23.76 acres of contiguous open space next to Normans Kill Ravines Park, and skip burying power lines — a $1.3 million-plus requirement driven by National Grid's three-phase power rules. Most board members leaned toward allowing overhead lines, but no vote was taken yet.
Stormwater Runoff and Industrial Encroachment at 619 Wemple Road
A resident urged the board to weigh wetland loss against flood risk, citing EPA and DEC data that wetlands store floodwater and that New York has lost most of its original freshwater wetlands. The concern ties to the 55 McCormick Road project and recent local flooding.
Public Notice and Governance Transparency
The town's consultant reported progress on a redesigned newsletter, revived social media, and a proposed new logo based on the Four Corners clock. Board members asked for a paper-newsletter opt-out and suggested keeping existing department sub-logos. No vote yet on the logo.
Farmland Leasing and Sustainable Agriculture Program
The town is leasing its Heath Farm-area and other farmland to four different farm businesses instead of one, adding multi-year leases, a BeECO sustainable-farming pilot, and a federal grant application — keeping land in agriculture rather than development.
Open Space Conservation Expansion
The town is moving to buy 133 acres at 114 North Street in Delmar through the Farms and Forests Conservation Program, taking the first SEQR step tonight.
Proposed Historic Preservation Law and Board
Bethlehem now has an incentives-based law to encourage preserving historic structures, years in the making.
Solar Facility Approval on South Albany Road
A developer is proposing a 3.875-megawatt ground-mounted solar facility and a two-lot subdivision at 57 South Albany Road. The board cleared environmental hurdles and set a public hearing for February.
Safe Parks Law Adoption
In response to recent incidents of harassment and disrespectful behavior directed at park staff and visitors, the town board advanced a proposed Safe Parks Law that establishes clear behavioral rules and potential bans for violators.
Police Department Staffing and Appointments
The town board appointed three new police officers to bolster local law enforcement, bringing in fresh recruits who will undergo academy training before joining field operations.
Kimmy Point Subdivision and Traffic Impacts
A proposed 99-home conservation subdivision on 63.87 acres off Elm Avenue in Selkirk, now including the full Kimmey Drive collector road within one parcel. Residents worry about construction traffic through Dover Drive and Haswell Farms, school capacity, and wetland impacts.
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.