BETHEL — The Town Board on Wednesday approved nearly $420,000 in new highway equipment, waived a 30-day liquor license review period for a Kauneonga Lake restaurant and appointed three members to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Highway equipment purchase

The board authorized the purchase of a new road grader and backhoe loader through a Sourcewell state contract.

The grader will cost $286,117.20 and the backhoe loader $132,681.85, both purchased off state bid pricing.

Highway Superintendent Robert Bonnaci said the equipment will replace aging machinery that is increasingly difficult to maintain, especially as parts for those machines are no longer manufactured. The current grader dates to 2004, while one of the backhoes is from 1997, with another unit from the early 2000s.

“We’ve been babying it along for the last two, three years,” Bonnaci said, noting that parts are no longer readily available.

Bonnaci also reminded the board that the town maintains 46 dirt roads requiring regular grading and drainage work.

The purchase will be funded through available fund balance. Officials confirmed no bonding will be required.

Delivery is expected in approximately six months.

Kauneonga Lake sees new business investment

Two new businesses preparing to open in Kauneonga Lake were highlighted during Wednesday’s Town Board meeting as officials discussed continued growth in the hamlet’s business district.

El Sombrero, a Tex-Mex restaurant that operates a location in Rock Hill, is expanding into Kauneonga Lake. The town board unanimously waived the 30-day municipal review period required under state Alcoholic Beverage Control law, allowing the restaurant to move forward with its on-premises liquor license application.

Officials also noted that Lakeland Provisions is expected to sign a lease this week for space in the former Vasmars building.

According to information shared at the meeting and in a statement from ownership, Lakeland Provisions will combine a neighborhood market, café and an evening hand roll sushi bar under one roof. The business plans to offer brunch and lunch service along with a curated pantry of local goods and specialty products.

“These kinds of investments are encouraging and show that people see an opportunity in Kauneonga Lake,” Councilman Adam Gold said.

Gold added that while private investment ultimately determines which businesses open and where, the town plays a role in shaping the environment that supports growth.

“We are not able to decide which private businesses open or which towns they decide to open in,” Gold said. “Those decisions are driven by private investment and market demand, not the town board.”

He said the town can focus on walkability, aesthetics, supporting community events and coordinating with county and regional economic development partners.

“A successful downtown is built through partnership,” Gold said. “The town’s job is to create a welcoming, well-maintained and business-friendly environment, while entrepreneurs and property owners make that investment that brings it to life.”

Zoning Board appointments

Following interviews conducted earlier in the week, the board approved recommendations from the Zoning Board to fill three vacancies.

Appointed were Peter Fadis as a regular member, and Rafael Hernandez and Barbara McGraw as alternate members.