BETHEL – Bethel officials said the town’s updated comprehensive plan is nearing completion and is expected to be released for public review by mid-to-late March, marking a major step in a multi-year effort to guide future development, zoning, and environmental policy.

Supervisor Dan Sturm provided a status update at the Jan. 28 Town Board meeting, saying the draft plan has already been submitted to the Comprehensive Plan Committee and is currently under review.

According to Sturm, the town has completed 11 of the 19 steps required by the state for adoption of a comprehensive plan. The remaining steps largely involve committee review, public hearings, and formal consideration by the Town Board.

“The plan is going to include recommendations to improve how we regulate high-density housing, and most importantly, how we protect our water resources and natural environment,” Sturm said.

Board members and committee representatives acknowledged public interest in how quickly zoning changes could follow adoption of the plan. Officials said the comprehensive plan is intended to provide the policy foundation needed to move forward with zoning amendments once it is finalized.

Town officials said the draft plan is expected to be released to the public by mid-to-late March, followed by public hearings and formal review by the Town Board.

Bethel seeks state grant to replace aging dog kennel facility

The Bethel Town Board on Jan. 28 authorized submission of a state grant application to fund construction of a new municipal dog kennel facility, citing new animal care standards that took effect in December and the limitations of the town’s existing infrastructure.

The board approved a resolution to seek $101,514 in grant funding, committing to a required 10 percent local match of $11,279, for a total project cost of approximately $112,000.

Sturm said the current kennel facility no longer meets updated New York State companion animal care standards, which went into effect on Dec. 15, 2025. The standards establish requirements related to temperature control, sanitation, ventilation, and animal welfare at municipal animal shelters.

Supervisor Dan Sturm said the town has made recent investments in the existing kennel facility, including roof work and insulation, but that incremental upgrades are no longer sufficient to ensure long-term compliance with state requirements.

As part of the discussion, the board reviewed recent inspection reports showing the town’s dog control officer received a satisfactory rating in all categories. A separate inspection of the kennel facility noted a lack of heat on the day of inspection due to a tripped fuse, which town officials said was immediately corrected and reported back to the state.

Town officials also outlined additional animal welfare efforts, including an emergency fund administered through the Bethel Local Development Corporation for abused or neglected animals and annual budget allocations to support spay and neuter services.

The proposed project would replace the existing kennel with a modern facility designed to meet current state standards and reduce the risk of disease transmission, while improving safety for animals, staff, and the public.

Sturm said State Sen. Peter Oberacker toured the facility and provided a letter of support for the grant application. Oberacker serves on a state agriculture committee, which oversees issues related to animal welfare and municipal shelter standards.

If awarded, town officials said the grant would allow Bethel to address state mandates while avoiding future compliance issues tied to the aging facility.