BETHEL — Now in his eighteenth year of office, Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm lauded the collective accomplishments of the Bethel Town Board, town employees and appointees, as well as the Bethel Local Development Corporation (BLDC) during the past year at the Bethel Town Board meeting January 2. 

“We have accomplished a lot together, and we all have a lot to look forward to for 2025 and beyond. Financially we are in good shape, [with] the lowest tax increases in the county over the last eighteen years. This is not easy to do in these challenging economic times, but we have always been under the two percent tax cap and that will continue.”

Recapping 2024, he stated, “The Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan Committee was formed with a varied group of representations from all over Bethel.” 

The Comprehensive Plan Planner “has conducted over five focus group meetings with stakeholders…Bethel businesses..Sustainable Bethel…our farmers; a development group including members from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and the Building Department; as well as a group representing infrastructure, public safety, and EMS services. The Comprehensive Plan survey had over 1000 responses. For comparison, there were about 275 responses to the survey at the time the 2006 Comprehensive Plan was written. 

“So we are on a good path to success.”

“We also completed the new children’s playground at the Forest Reserve in Smallwood and added six garden benches.” 

He addressed concerns about growth and development: “I can assure you that one of my top priorities…has been to not only have economic development and jobs for our taxpayers and residents, but to also be aware and mindful of protecting the rural quality of life…We have been proactive and outspoken in protecting our natural resources.

We passed the first Critical Environmental Area (CEA) designation in Sullivan County last month to help protect the White Lake/Mountain Lake Watersheds, which I consider to be an important additional step (towards) environmental protection.”

He thanked the Town Board and all town staff for helping to make Bethel “the best it can be.”

Seeking Town Planner

Also presented at the meeting was a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Town Planner. The person ultimately selected will assist in conducting planning activities such as reviewing “studies, plans, applications, and maps for the Building Department, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Town Board, as needed.”

The Planner will integrate all aspects of development including parks, watershed protections, transportation and development, prioritizing environmental sustainability and community character. The Planner should have knowledge of current methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data; and good knowledge of legislation, current problems, and professional literature in field. 

They will conduct detailed field and office studies of land use trends, population characteristics, economic development, traffic and transit requirements, and housing.  

The role will include investigating and reporting on municipal zoning and subdivisions, formulating plans on “water supply, sewerage, open space, transit and highways”. The Planner will advise municipal officials and “boards on planning, zoning, and subdivision control matters”. 

Qualified applicants can respond to the RFP with a letter of interest, qualifications, and a proposal by US mail to: Town of Bethel, Attn.: Daniel Sturm, Town Supervisor, P.O. Box 300, White Lake, NY 12786; by email to: bethelsupervisor@libertybiz.rr.com; or hand delivered to: Town of Bethel, Town Hall, 3454 State Route 55, White Lake, NY 12786. The deadline is February 7, 2025.

Appointments

David Slater was re-appointed to the Planning Board with a term expiring December 31, 2031; Dan Gettel was re-appointed Chairman, and James Crowley as Vice Chairman. 

James Ahearn was re-appointed to the Zoning Board with a term expiring December 3, 2031; Adam Gold was re-appointed as an alternate with a term expiring December 31, 2029; Steve Morey was re-appointed Chairman and Richard Conroy was re-appointed Vice Chairman.