BETHEL — The Forest Reserve at Smallwood might get an upgrade soon thanks to State Senator Jen Metzger.

In a letter to the Bethel Town Board, she stated she has been able to secure a $100,000 State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program grant that can be used for the reserve.

The grant will be used for the construction of an information center and comfort station at the Forest Reserve.

“I am thrilled to support this worthwhile project which will include restrooms, an information kiosk, along with parking for park visitors,” said Metzger in a letter to the Bethel Town Board.

The building of the comfort station, according to Metzger, will enhance the experience of residents and out of town visitors to the reserve and help grow Bethel's recreational tourism industry.

The town would need to fill out an application to begin the process to move the grant forward.

It will then be reviewed by Governor Andrew Cuomo's Budget Office and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

Metzger advised the town should not spend money until they receive a signed contract from DASNY.

According to Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm, this is a matching grant with the town needing to raise $75,000, which includes in-kind donations.

The reserve currently has outdoor exercise equipment, a dog park, and hiking trails.

Sturm said, “The town of Bethel has a continuing plan to develop a recreational community park on 126 acres of publicly owned property in the hamlet of Smallwood. We have created a network of walking trails that we are steadily upgrading and expanding.”

Moreover, the town with the grant can construct a 400 square foot information center and comfort station on a small piece of property the town separately owns at the entrance to the park.

The building will include bathrooms, a 16-space parking lot, and informational kiosk for visitors, which will outline the trail system and an educational component focusing on the flora fauna of the property.

Additionally, the town proposes to install a compostable restroom at the second entrance to the Forest Reserve near the exercise equipment if there is money left over in the grant once the other building is built.

Daniel Gettel Resigns

At the November 13 Bethel Town Board meeting, the Bethel Planning Board said it is seeking assistance in finding a new member for the planning board and wants the town to advertise for the position.

During the October 23 Bethel Town Board meeting, it was announced that after 10 years, Bethel Planning Board Chairman Daniel Gettel would step down.

When reached by the Democrat regarding his decision to step down, Gettel said, “no comment.”

In a letter to the town board that was read out loud at the October 23 meeting, Gettel said, “It has been my pleasure to serve the town for 10-plus years as both a member and the Chairman of the Planning Board. But I feel the time has come for me to step aside to allow the town to move forward in a direction they see fit.”

Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm said that Gettel would remain as Town Assessor.

“I want to thank [Gettel] for his years of service on the planning board as the chair and his years of service on the zoning board,” said Sturm.

Bethel Councilwoman Vicky Simpson said, “Dan was always prepared. He was always there, helping the rest of the board with any questions. He will be missed.”

Bethel Councilwoman Dawn Ryder said, “He did an awesome job.”

Bethel Councilwoman Lillian Hendrickson said, “Between this and a full-time job, he probably wants to rest.”

Jannetta MacArthur, the Bethel Planning Board Recording Secretary, pleaded with the town board to have Gettel reconsider.

“I've known Dan all my life. Dan has always been very well prepared for these meetings. [I] appreciate the kindness and professionalism that he has shown as chairperson, I asked the town board to please reconsider his letter of resignation.”

Simpson said, “We reluctantly accepted his resignation.”