BETHEL — Many residents turned out to a public hearing on October 22 on a proposed local law in the Town of Bethel that would impose a moratorium on applications for high-density residential development.

The law would prohibit acceptance for review any application seeking approval of, or a variance for, high-density multi-family development, effective September 10, 2025 and continuing for 12 months. 

The proposal includes multi-family dwellings, mixed-use development, major subdivisions, and conversions of seasonal dwelling communities. A pause on this type of building would allow the Comprehensive Plan Committee time to work on its update considering current housing needs and economic trends.

Written comments on the proposed moratorium are still being accepted, and the town board will hold a vote on the proposed law at its next meeting on November 12.

Residents spoke both in favor of and against the moratorium. Kauneonga Lake resident Moreen Lerner stated, “It freezes development while updating and creating our long-term vision. It prevents the type of development that would undermine our long-term goals.”

Dee Bee Kula, a resident of White Lake Homes, said, “It is ensuring growth” that is based on “an understanding of our infrastructure and community character. Moving forward without this puts a strain on schools, roads, water, sewage and other essentials.” 

Children’s book author Kip Cosson of Mt. Hope Road, whose book “Dogs of Woofstock” was inspired by Bethel, voiced concern about the recent application for construction of 37 homes on 77 acres for up to 400 new residents in his Horseshoe Lake neighborhood that would threaten existing wells.

However, several people voiced concerns about the moratorium and were not in favor.

Attorney Steven Barshov of Haverstraw, who specializes in land use and zoning, said that a moratorium “doesn’t change the code in any way… It’s only a stopping of the process.” 

He said the projected 6,168 multi-family units on 2,000 acres according to the buildout analysis equals three units per acre. “This is not high density,” he stated. “I don’t see the necessity for this.”

Dr. Philip Jacobs of Kauneonga Lake, via Zoom, said, “Bethel Woods gobbles up millions of gallons of water—Not a peep!...Bumper to bumper traffic—Not a peep! This is an anti-Jewish law.” 

Via Zoom, Bethel resident Moishe Schwartz said, “Even responsible projects that comply with existing zoning wouldn’t go forward.” It would “hurt the local economy and prevent positive development… Growth keeps our community strong and vibrant,” he said.

Bethel resident Wayne Margulies said, “This is not a call to stop growth. It is a call to guide it. Planning first and building second is the only way to preserve with foresight this space we call home.” 

Attorney Jeff Baker, who drafted the original legislation, refuted Barshov’s and Schwartz’s claims. “The moratorium doesn’t restrict single-family homes. It’s not going to affect the average person,” he said. He said Barshov misinterpreted the law. “There’s no legitimate criticism. It is overwhelming that the moratorium is warranted.” Addressing the board, he said, ”State your position. People have a right to know what it is.”

Supervisor Dan Sturm asked to close the hearing and to leave voting open to allow time for the submittal and review of written comments. Members of the public can email their opinion on the moratorium law to bethelclerk@hvc.rr.com until 4 p.m. Monday, November 3. The comments will be made available on the town website.