BETHEL — Town Supervisor Dan Sturm provided an update at the Town Board meeting on April 9 regarding the development of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, initiated in March 2024, with completion expected by early 2026. The plan focuses on sustainable community development and reflects the needs of residents through extensive public engagement.

In 2023, the Town was awarded a Smart Growth grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund designed to update its 2006 Comprehensive Plan. As part of the New York State grant the Town of Bethel will prioritize its sustainable and community character.

In January 2024, Nan Stolzenburg, Consultant Planning Better Places was selected to lead the development of Bethel’s Comprehensive Plan. Nan Stolzenberg will work with various stakeholders, including community members, government officials and other interested parties, to ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

Following the hiring of Stolzenburg, a comprehensive plan committee selection process was initiated. This involved several key steps: defining the committee’s purpose and scope, developing clear selection criteria, and implementing a transparent and inclusive selection process. The goal was to ensure the committee has the right mix of expertise, skills, and perspectives to effectively achieve its objectives. The 9-member Comprehensive Plan Committee includes Adam Gold, Sidney Gittleman, Gabriel Scott, Vanessa Olivo-McPhillips, James Lomax, Vicky Vassmer- Simpson, Joel Berger, Dan Gettel, and Sharon Silverman representing the face of Bethel. In addition, Moreen Lerner, Plan Director, works as a liaison with the committee, consultant and the Town Board. 

The Plan theme is titled “Bethel Moving Forward” was designed by committee member Sharon Silverman. 

Since the launch, various community engagement activities have taken place, including an open house attended by over 140 residents, a town-wide survey with over 900 responses, and eight focus groups representing different community sectors including representatives from local business, Young Adults, Safety/EMS/ the Fire, Sustainable Bethel, Ultra-Orthodox and several individual local and county Interviews.

Much of the information collected and mapping is on the Town of Bethel NY Website, www.townofbethelny.us, including watershed map, land use, ortho map, NY metro map, habitat map, wetlands, topography, soil, slopes, geology, summary of focus groups and interviews. Supervisor Sturm stated, “with the support of the (9) member Comprehensive Planning Committee, and the community a framework of achievable goals, strategies and policies will be developed. The plan will integrate all aspects of development including demographics, land use recommendations parks, public facilities, infrastructure, watershed protection, transportation, environmental considerations, and development trends.”

The Comprehensive Plan team is now working on the Towns’ Vision/Goals which is derived from the community survey focus groups and interviews. While the Town Board is the primary entity responsible for adopting the plan, the process involves significant public input and collaboration, ensuring the plan reflects the needs and opinions of the community.

The Supervisor projects completion early 2026. Sturm stated “Bethel will continue to lead by example and show that we can protect our environment and natural resources. Balancing community needs with environmental protection and growth requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on sustainable practices, community engagement, and integrated planning,” he said. 

“This involves considering the impact of development on ecosystems, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring equitable access to resources. The goal is to create thriving communities that are both environmentally sound and economically viable.”