Bethlehem Town, New York
Upcoming
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Planning Board will consider a Qualified Action Exemption under SEQR for a proposed 3-lot minor subdivision at 55 McCormack Rd, and possibly schedule a public hearing for July 21, 2026. Additionally, the Board will receive an initial presentation for a proposed 3-unit multifamily housing site plan at 50 Adams Place, Delmar. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from May 5, 2026.
- 55 McCormack Rd, Slingerlands – update and possible action on SEQR Qualified Action Exemption for a 3-lot minor subdivision
- 55 McCormack Rd – possible action to schedule a public hearing for July 21, 2026 on the same subdivision
- 50 Adams Place, Delmar – initial presentation for a proposed 3-unit multifamily housing site plan
- Approval of minutes from the May 5, 2026 Planning Board meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Bethlehem Town Board will hold a public hearing on the 2026 BEST Grant application for Perfect Blend and consider several appointments, contracts, and budget transfers. Key items include hiring a police officer and an equipment operator, approving engineering services for Elm Avenue Park spray pads, purchasing a sewer crawler camera, and exempting a parking lot restriping from minimum width requirements.
- Public hearing on 2026 BEST Grant project application for Perfect Blend
- Appointment of Joseph M. Dillabough as Police Officer at $72,922 annual salary
- Engineering contract with CHA Consulting for Elm Avenue Park spray pads UV treatment system, up to $49,500 from Park Land Set-aside fund
- Purchase of sewer crawler camera system from Spartan Tool, LLC for $52,677.82 from Sewer Fund Capital Reserve
- Budget transfer of $159,400 for engineering services on water main extension along Lasher Road and State Route 9W
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
Town Board - Regular Meeting
Recent meetings
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings and discussions on two area variance applications: a garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave and a proposed senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd. The board will also consider a resolution to approve a variance for David Essex at 30 Manor Dr. Information items include a memo requesting the Planning Board to act as lead agency for a machine shop expansion at 619 Wemple Rd, and a withdrawal of an appeal by Hoffman Car Wash at 55 Delaware Ave.
- Public hearing for Louis Kurrelmeyer: garage addition variance at 17 Hawthorne Ave
- Public hearing (continuation) for WAWEB LLC: senior housing project variance at 152 Rockefeller Rd
- Resolution to approve variance for David Essex at 30 Manor Dr
- Memo requesting Planning Board as lead agency for VVK Inc machine shop expansion at 619 Wemple Rd (proposed 12,200 SF building)
- Withdrawal of appeal by Hoffman Car Wash at 55 Delaware Ave regarding vacate order
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Bethlehem Town Board will vote on a local law imposing a 12-month moratorium on data center development and discuss zoning code revisions tied to state SEQRA changes. Other actions include awarding chemical contracts, approving budget transfers, and authorizing a $29,987.10 vehicle purchase for Senior Services.
- Adopt local law for a 12-month moratorium on data center development
- Discussion on zoning update revisions related to NYS SEQRA changes
- Award Peroxide-Based Algaecide bid to BioSafe Systems, LLC
- Award Zinc Orthophosphate & Poly Orthophosphate contract to Shannon Chemical Corp.
- Purchase 2026 Chevy Equinox EV for Senior Services at $29,987.10 from General Fund Capital Reserves
Town Board - Special Meeting
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding public hearings on three area variance applications: a 7' fence at 30 Manor Dr, a 6,000 sqft addition at 619 Wemple Rd, and a senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd. The board will also consider scheduling a public hearing for a garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave.
- David Essex - 30 Manor Dr: construct a 7' fence (variance Article VI, Section 128-47)
- VVK Inc - 619 Wemple Rd: construct a 6,000 sqft addition (variance Article V, Section 128-25 D(2) and (4))
- WAWEB LLC - 152 Rockefeller Rd: senior housing project (variance Article VI, Section 128-56 H and Article XIII, Section 128-100, reopened)
- Louis Kurrelmeyer - 17 Hawthorne Ave: set public hearing for garage addition (variance Article V, Section 128-30 A and C(3))
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request for a 7' backyard fence at 30 Manor Dr. The board also set a public hearing for a detached garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave.
- Approved 7' backyard fence variance for David Essex at 30 Manor Dr (4-0)
- Kept open VVK Inc request for 6000 sqft addition at 619 Wemple Rd
- Set public hearing for Louis Kurrelmeyer garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave (4-0)
- Tabled May 06, 2026 minutes (4-0)
- Accepted May 20, 2026 minutes (4-0)
- Tabled June 03, 2026 minutes (4-0)
- Approved adjournment (4-0)
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three area variance requests, including a proposed senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd that does not meet town zoning code. The board will also consider scheduling a public hearing for a garage addition variance at 17 Hawthorne Ave. Approval of minutes from previous meetings is also on the agenda.
- Public hearing for WAWEB LLC to construct a new senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd (Area Variance 24-01000015)
- Public hearing for VVK Inc to build a 6,000 sqft addition at 619 Wemple Rd (Area Variance 26-01000006)
- Public hearing for David Essex to erect a 7-ft fence at 30 Manor Dr (Area Variance 26-01000005)
- Set public hearing for Louis Kurrelmeyer to add an exercise area and sauna to a detached garage at 17 Hawthorne Ave (Area Variance 26-01000006)
- Approval of minutes from May 6, May 20, and June 3, 2026 meetings
The Zoning Board of Appeals closed a public hearing for a 7-foot fence variance at 30 Manor Dr. (unanimous), kept open a hearing for a 6,000 sq ft addition at 619 Wemple Rd., and approved scheduling a public hearing for a garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave. The board also accepted minutes from May 20 and tabled minutes from May 6 and June 3.
- Closed public hearing for David Essex 7' fence variance at 30 Manor Dr. (unanimous)
- Kept open public hearing for VVK Inc. 6,000 sq ft addition at 619 Wemple Rd.
- Approved setting public hearing for Louis Kurrelmeyer garage addition at 17 Hawthorne Ave. (unanimous)
- Tabled approval of May 6, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted May 20, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
- Tabled approval of June 3, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will hold a public hearing to solicit comment on a proposed local law establishing a temporary 12-month moratorium on data center development within Bethlehem. The board will also consider promoting Officer Luke Mara to Sergeant at an annual salary of $101,458, authorizing the purchase of a Ford F-350 for the Highway Department for $80,666.16, and scheduling a public hearing on July 8, 2026, for a BEST Grant project application for Perfect Blend.
- Public hearing on proposed local law for a 12-month moratorium on data center construction
- Promotion of Officer Luke Mara to Sergeant effective June 11, 2026, at $101,458/year
- Purchase of a Ford F-350 for Highway Department using Onondaga County contract for $80,666.16
- Request to schedule a public hearing on July 8, 2026, for Perfect Blend 2026 BEST Grant application
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on a 7' fence variance at 30 Manor Dr and a senior housing project needing multiple variances at 152 Rockefeller Rd. They will also review a 6000 sqft addition at 619 Wemple Rd, vote on reconsideration of a 3-unit apartment at 50 Adams Pl, and consider resolutions for additions at 47 University Ave and 81 Fairlawn Dr.
- Public hearing for fence variance at 30 Manor Dr (David Essex)
- Public hearing for senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd (WAWEB LLC)
- Review of 6000 sqft addition variance at 619 Wemple Rd (VVK Inc)
- Vote on reconsideration of 3-unit apartment at 50 Adams Pl (Jenna Giacone)
- Resolutions for additions at 47 University Ave (Lynn Zeh) and 81 Fairlawn Dr (Joseph Martell)
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance requests: a 7' fence at 30 Manor Dr and a senior housing project at 152 Rockefeller Rd. The board will also consider resolutions for three other variance applications and a vote on reconsideration for a three-unit apartment at 50 Adams Pl.
- David Essex - 30 Manor Dr: public hearing for a 7' fence needing an area variance
- WAWEB LLC - 152 Rockefeller Rd: public hearing for a new senior housing project requiring multiple area variances
- VVK Inc - 619 Wemple Rd: set public hearing for a 6000 sqft addition needing area variances
- Jenna Giacone - 50 Adams Pl: possible vote on reconsideration and resolution for a 3-unit apartment
- Lynn Zeh - 47 University Ave: resolution for addition to house (Area Variance 26-01000003)
The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted an application for a 6,000 square foot addition at 619 Wemple Road. Two other public hearings regarding a residential fence and a senior housing project were tabled.
- Tabled David Essex fence variance hearing
- Tabled WAWEB LLC senior housing project hearing pending local residence mail notice
- Accepted VVK Inc. application for 6,000 sqft addition (3-0)
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will set a public hearing for June 24, 2026, on a proposed local law establishing a temporary twelve-month moratorium on data center construction. They will also set a public hearing for June 10, 2026, on comprehensive zoning and subdivision code amendments. Other actions include approving budget transfers, accepting a $999 donation, and authorizing up to $125,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for park paving and signage.
- Set public hearing (June 24) for 12-month moratorium on data center development
- Set public hearing (June 10) for comprehensive rewrite of Zoning Chapter 128 and Subdivision Regulations Chapter 103
- Approve 2026 budget transfers/modifications as attached
- Accept $999 donation from Friends of Parks and Recreation
- Authorize up to $125,000 from Capital Reserve Fund for park paving, line painting, and signage
The May 27, 2026 regular meeting of the Bethlehem Town Board consisted of announcements and public comments only. No resolutions, votes, or substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes excerpt. Public comments addressed zoning changes and Wemple Road closure concerns.
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
The Development Planning Committee is reviewing two site plan proposals: a 3,000-square-foot addition to an existing motor vehicle repair shop at 43 Frontage Road in Glenmont, and construction of five self-storage buildings (83,823 total square feet) at 28 Chamberlain Street. Both projects are in the Rural Light Industrial (RLI) Zoning District. No votes or decisions are listed.
- 43 Frontage Rd: 3,000 sf building addition for 6 motor vehicle repair bays (PaintWorx)
- 28 Chamberlain St: 5 self-storage buildings totaling 83,823 sf on two combined lots
- Both projects are subject only to site plan review in the RLI district
- Self-storage project includes demolition of existing home and driveway, no water/sewer connections
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals holds public hearings on two area variance requests: Lynn Zeh at 47 University St. and Joseph Martell at 81 Fairlawn Dr., both seeking to construct additions that do not meet setback requirements. The board will also discuss these applications and consider scheduling a public hearing for David Essex's request for a 7-foot fence at 30 Manor Dr. Minutes from the May 6, 2026 meeting are pending approval.
- Public hearing for Lynn Zeh – 47 University St. – proposed addition with 0.5-foot side setback instead of required 10 feet (Area Variance 26-01000003)
- Public hearing for Joseph Martell – 81 Fairlawn Dr. – proposed addition not meeting Article V, Section 128-40 (Area Variance 26-01000004)
- Discussion and possible action on both Zeh and Martell applications
- Set public hearing for David Essex – 30 Manor Dr. – proposed 7-foot backyard fence not meeting zoning (Area Variance 26-01000005)
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings and discussions on three area variance requests. Two applicants seek to construct additions that do not meet required setbacks (Lynn Zeh at 47 University St, Joseph Martell at 81 Fairlawn Dr). A third applicant requests a variance for a 7-foot fence at 30 Manor Dr. The board may also set a public hearing date for the fence variance.
- Public hearing for Lynn Zeh – 47 University St: addition with proposed 6-inch side yard setback vs. required 10 feet (Area Variance 26-01000003)
- Public hearing for Joseph Martell – 81 Fairlawn Dr: addition not meeting setback requirements (Area Variance 26-01000004)
- Set public hearing for David Essex – 30 Manor Dr: proposed 7-foot fence in backyard not meeting zoning (Area Variance 26-01000005)
- Discussion/possible action on the Zeh and Martell variance applications
- Approval of May 6, 2026 meeting minutes
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will vote on several public works contracts, including a $379,000 construction contract for chemical bulk storage replacement at the Clapper Road Water Treatment Plant, use of $410,000 from the Water Fund Capital Reserve for the same project, and $145,000 from the Sewer Fund Capital Reserve for the Dinmore Road WWTP UV disinfection project. They will also discuss the zoning law update and consider a resolution declaring June 2026 as Pride Month. Additionally, the board will accept microenterprise grant awards to Stacked Grill and Sunray Community Farm.
- Award $379,000 construction contract to MCJ Construction for Clapper Road WTP Chemical Bulk Storage Replacement Contract 1G
- Approve $410,000 from Water Fund Capital Reserve for Chemical Bulk Storage Tank Replacement
- Approve $145,000 from Sewer Fund Capital Reserve for Dinmore Road WWTP UV Disinfection Project
- Discussion on Zoning Law Update
- Accept microenterprise grant awards to Stacked Grill and Sunray Community Farm
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an area variance application from Joseph Martell for a proposed addition at 81 Fairlawn Drive that does not meet town zoning setback requirements under Article V, Section 128-40. The board will also consider setting a public hearing date, approve previous meeting minutes, and discuss other business.
- Public hearing on area variance application for Joseph Martell at 81 Fairlawn Dr for an addition not meeting Article V, Section 128-40
- Application review and possible scheduling of a public hearing for the same variance (Case 26-01000004)
- Approval of minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting
- Discussion and possible action on pending items
The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted an application for an area variance from Joseph Martell at 81 Fairlawn Drive and scheduled a public hearing for May 20, 2026. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from its April 15, 2026 meeting.
- Accepted application and set public hearing for Joseph Martell area variance at 81 Fairlawn Dr (3-0, 2 excused)
- Approved minutes from April 15, 2026 meeting (3-0, 2 excused)
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The board will receive an update and possibly act on a SEQR Negative Declaration for a proposed 3-story, 90-unit senior housing building with parking at 152 Rockefeller Rd in Delmar. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the April 7 meeting.
- Update and possible action on SEQR Negative Declaration for Rockefeller Road Senior Housing – 90 units, 3 stories, site plan application 23-00100012
Public Meeting - Public Meeting
Public Meeting - Public Meeting
The Town Board is holding a public community meeting to discuss proposed updates to the Zoning Law and Subdivision Regulations, specifically for the Delmar and Elsmere areas. The meeting is intended for public input and discussion, with details available on the town's zoning update webpage.
- Zoning Law and Subdivision Regulation Community Meeting covering Delmar and Elsmere
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will consider several personnel actions, including a new telecommunicator hire at $50,012 and salary adjustments for police chiefs. It will also award an annual sidewalk and curb construction term contract to Callanan Industries, and authorize an agricultural lease on 21 acres along Weisheit Road to Stanton Farms. Additionally, the board will appoint a part-time Volunteer Coordinator at $27.16 per hour.
- Appointment of Jennifer L. Stevens as Telecommunicator at $50,012/year
- Salary adjustments: Chief of Police $151,583; Deputy Chief $147,845; Commanders $143,874
- Award Annual Sidewalk and Curbing Construction Program Term Contract to Callanan Industries, Inc.
- Authorize agricultural use lease on 21 acres along Weisheit Road to Stanton Farms
- Appoint Jeanne Bender as part-time Volunteer Coordinator at $27.16/hour
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will vote on several personnel and contract items at its regular April 22 meeting. Actions include appointing a telecommunicator, adjusting police chief salaries, awarding a sidewalk and curbing construction contract, and leasing 21 acres of farmland on Weisheit Road to Stanton Farms.
- Appoint Jennifer L. Stevens as Telecommunicator at $50,012/year, effective May 4
- Adjust police chief salary to $151,583, deputy chief to $147,845, commanders to $143,874
- Award Annual Sidewalk and Curbing Construction Program Term Contract to Callanan Industries
- Authorize agricultural lease on 21 acres along Weisheit Road, Selkirk to Stanton Farms
- Appoint Jeanne Bender as part-time Volunteer Coordinator at $27.16/hour
Development Planning Committee - Regular Meeting
Public Meeting - Public Meeting
The Town of Bethlehem is holding a community meeting to discuss zoning law and subdivision regulations in the Glenmont area. This is a public input session, not a voting or decision-making meeting.
- Zoning Law & Subdivision Regulation Community Meeting for Glenmont
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an area variance request for a proposed addition at 47 University St (Lynn Zeh) that fails to meet the required 10-foot side setback. The board may also vote on a resolution for an existing sign variance at 387 Krumkill Rd (Albany Sanatani Mandir) and discuss the Zeh application further. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes.
- Public hearing: Lynn Zeh – 47 University St – area variance for an addition with a 6-inch proposed setback vs. required 10 ft (Article V, Section 128-40)
- Possible action: Albany Sanatani Mandir – 387 Krumkill Rd – resolution for existing sign area variance (Area Variance 26-01000002)
- Discussion: Lynn Zeh – 47 University St – area variance request for addition
- Minutes approval for April 1, 2026 meeting
Public Meeting - Public Meeting
This is a community meeting to discuss proposed changes to zoning laws and subdivision regulations in the Selkirk and South Bethlehem areas. The public is invited to provide input, and no formal decisions are scheduled.
- Zoning Law and Subdivision Regulation Community Meeting for Selkirk and South Bethlehem
Town Board - Regular Meeting
The Town Board will vote on several resolutions including the purchase of a dump truck, a snow/ice control truck, a compact track loader, and other vehicles using county and state contracts. A $347,522 project to install a truck scale at the compost facility is subject to permissive referendum. The board will also consider multiple agricultural leases on town-owned land and a resolution authorizing lease agreements for about 120 acres. An update on town communications improvements and discussion of a proposed logo is also on the agenda.
- Resolution to award $347,522 composting facility truck scale project to Flach Industries, Inc., subject to permissive referendum
- Purchase of International/Navistar truck with snow/ice control for $241,455.63 from Highway operating budget
- Purchase of Ford F-550 dump truck for $100,667.72 from Sewer Fund Capital Reserve
- Purchase of Bobcat Compact Track Loader for $77,296.28 (with trade-in) from Highway operating budget
- Authorization of lease agreements for approximately 120 acres of farmland for agricultural use
The Town Board convened a regular meeting to hear announcements and public comments. No official actions were taken during the session.
- Meeting convened at 6:00 PM
- Town Supervisor David VanLuven made 8 announcements
- Public comments were heard from residents
Planning Board - Regular Meeting
The Bethlehem Planning Board will hold a public hearing and possible vote on a site plan amendment for a second-floor deck and a two-story restaurant at 333 Delaware Avenue. They will also discuss a proposed amendment to the McCormacks Hollow subdivision to reduce lots to three, convey 23.76 acres to the town, and bury electric lines. The board will approve minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting.
- Site Plan Amendment 25-01500003 for a second-floor deck and use of part of second floor for a 2-story restaurant at 333 Delaware Ave, Delmar
- Subdivision Amendment 24-01200001 to reduce McCormacks Hollow lots to 3, convey 23.76 acres to town, and bury electric lines on North Street
- Approval of minutes from March 17, 2026 meeting
- Public comment period of up to 10 minutes for agenda items
The Planning Board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting. The board held a discussion on an application to amend the previously approved McCormacks Hollow Subdivision, Section 2, but took no vote or decision. No other substantive actions occurred.
- Approved minutes of March 17, 2026 (unanimous)