Gina F. Cocchiara

The Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) for the Town of Bethlehem aims to protect public health and safety by preventing pollutants from entering its drinking water supply. The plan's vision is to ensure clean and safe drinking water for the Bethlehem and New Scotland communities. This is achieved through key goals including improving public awareness, increasing land stewardship around water sources, identifying improvements for source water protection, and continuously informing communities about DWSP2 efforts. The plan focuses on assessing current and future water quality concerns for its 13 wells and Vly Creek Reservoir, identifying potential contaminant sources, and developing actionable protection methods.

This document outlines a five-year capital plan for the Town, spanning 2026 to 2030, with an estimated total investment of $81.5 million. The plan aims to maintain infrastructure, address community needs, and align with the town's long-term vision by optimizing resources and balancing goals within a sustainable financial framework. It details capital investments across general, highway, water, and sewer funds, identifying various funding sources including operating funds, capital reserves, grants, and debt, and provides an overview of major projects.

This document outlines proposed zoning regulations for residential districts within the Town of Bethlehem, presenting a draft zoning map. It defines four primary residential zones: Low-Density Residential, Mixed-Density Residential, Core Residential, and Residential Large Lot, detailing their purpose and characteristics. The plan includes permitted uses, site plan review requirements, and design standards, aiming to guide development and align with the Comprehensive Plan's housing goals.

The Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved a contract with the City of Albany for the supply of water, as well as the issuance of Trailer Camp Permits for Shady Grove West and Breckenridge Trailer Parks. They also approved the appointment of A. Joseph Scott, III, Esq. as Bond Counsel. Budget transfers were approved for repairs to police vehicles, and the board accepted donations from the Wal-Mart Foundation for the Police Department. Additionally, the board acknowledged receipt of the 2003 Annual Report from the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department and approved seasonal personnel. They authorized the disposal of vehicles at auction and the Town Supervisor to sign the 2004 contract with the City of Albany for the Rapp Road Landfill facility. The appointment of Gil Boucher as Assistant Building Inspector was approved, and the board acknowledged receipt of the 2003 Annual Report from the Town Clerk. The board also approved preparing bid advertisements for chemicals, materials, and water meters. A public hearing was held regarding the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the board adopted an Annual Plan for 2004 for the program.

The Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. A public hearing was held regarding Local Law No. 6 of 1993, focusing on amending vehicle and traffic regulations, specifically concerning one-way streets and stop intersections near Bethlehem Central Middle School. The board also addressed issues related to Cablevision's quarterly franchise fee, election fees for election officials, and the consolidation of election districts for the Conservative party primary. Additionally, the board discussed and approved seasonal personnel for the Parks & Recreation Department, authorized bidding for playground equipment, and honored Charles Fritts, former Chairman of the ZBA, with a resolution. Other items included approving house number assignments, acknowledging private road names, approving Officer Christopher Bowdish's attendance at a conference, and addressing a request from Capital Wood Recycling for a permit to operate a solid waste facility.