BETHEL — The Town of Bethel Town Board on Wednesday approved a $275,000 bond to cover the purchase and initial setup of the newly established Smallwood Water District.

The board first adopted a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) determination classifying the project as a Type II action, then unanimously approved the bond resolution.

Town Supervisor Dan Sturm said the borrowing covers the $225,000 purchase price plus legal, engineering and administrative costs.

The town expects to borrow $500,000 total, with another $225,000 bond expected in two weeks for equipment and infrastructure improvements.

Sturm said about 90 percent of water bills have been issued, with staff continuing to resolve account discrepancies as the system transitions to town control.

“It’s a work in progress,” Sturm said. “We’re going to straighten everything out and make it equitable and fair for everybody.”

During public comment, one resident said water pressure at her home is insufficient to reach a second floor. Officials said staff will inspect individual connections and address issues as needed.

The town has also begun acquiring equipment for the district, including a new service truck.

Bethel renews Motor Speedway license; limited events planned

The Town of Bethel Town Board renewed the operating license for Bethel Motor Speedway following a public hearing Wednesday, with plans for a limited number of events this year.

The license was approved unanimously.

A representative for the speedway said the facility is planning one to three events in 2026, with no weekly racing currently scheduled.

“Weekly racing is currently on the table, but it’s not out of reach,” the representative said.

Board members said the approval maintains prior operating parameters, though no regular schedule has been set.

Public comment was supportive.

One Monticello resident urged approval, calling the speedway a historic local asset.

“I would much rather watch race cars at the speedway than look at a brass plaque of what once was,” he said.

A neighboring property owner also spoke in favor, saying residents are not opposed to the track.

“We are not against the speedway,” he said. “We missed it when it wasn’t running.”

The board closed the hearing and approved the license.

Bethel approves traffic plans for Spartan Race, Billy Strings weekend

The Town of Bethel Town Board approved traffic management plans Wednesday for two major Bethel Woods events: the Spartan Race in June and a large camping weekend tied to a Billy Strings concert at the end of July.

Both measures were approved unanimously.

The Spartan Race plan includes a temporary closure of a quarter-mile section of Perry Road on Saturday, June 6.

The second approval covers a July 31-Aug. 1 camping weekend, expected to draw large crowds.

The plan authorizes closures on portions of West Shore Road and Bass Road, with the West Shore closure reduced from 6 a.m.–midnight to 2 p.m.–midnight.

Bethel Woods officials said increased camping demand prompted the request.

“We don’t want to be in a position where we’re in the middle of the weekend deciding we have to make a road closure,” said Paul Lloyd, a representative of Bethel Woods.

Residents raised concerns about traffic along Happy Avenue and surrounding roads, citing congestion and unfamiliar drivers.

Officials said traffic will be monitored with coordination from emergency services.