BETHEL — The Bethel Town Board meeting March 26 opened with presentations by Jeffrey Allison and Moreen Lerner about the current work of the Sustainable Bethel Committee, which is advising the local government on sustainability issues.

The committee is currently in the process of drafting a Community Action Plan which will support reduction of GHG emissions by individuals and families. According to research compiled by the Hudson Valley Regional Council, it was determined that most polluting emissions are derived from transportation (71 percent) and residential waste (26 percent).

There will be an open house Sustainability Forum June 15, noon-3 p.m., in the Duggan School gym in White Lake. In attendance will be representatives from the Dept. of Health, the DEC, and landscape experts to generate public knowledge on local water quality, heating and cooling systems, e-vehicles, community solar, wastewater septic systems, composting, use of native plants and organic fertilizers.

Sustainable Bethel is advising the committee that is updating the Bethel Comprehensive Plan by meeting with its consultant, and it will review the draft plan for sustainability issues.

Supervisor Dan Sturm thanked Allison and the committee for “helping us make good decisions.” 

By attending the upcoming Forum and becoming active voices as individuals, we can work together towards implementing these actions towards a healthier environment: implement wise land use policies, foster green economic development, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, use natural resources efficiently, protect open spaces and drinking water, manage solid waste via composting and recycling, and promote adaptation to climate change.

Committee history

Initially appointed as “The Green Committee,” Sustainable Bethel has been working since 2013 to improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildings and the local community. 178 LED streetlights have been installed which have reduced greenhouse gas emissions 79 percent between 2016 and 2024; a solar array has been built on otherwise unusable land, generating income of $20,000 annually; a new Town Hall has been designed with energy efficient passive building standards; and a new energy efficient highway barn has been designed, which will enter its first phase of construction soon.

Comparing greenhouse gas emissions from 2016-2024, Bethel government buildings have seen a reduction of 27 percent (from 215.2 tons of CO2 to 158.7 tons). Departments with the greatest reductions were the Justice Court (72.4 percent) and the Sewer Plant (26.3 percent).

In 2018 and 2024 the town was awarded Bronze Star Certification as a Climate Smart Community. Once the Town Hall and Highway Barn are completed it will be in a position to assess its ability to reach the next level of certification, Silver Star, which can provide the town with greater access to funding. Already, it has received a grant of $150,000 for the Highway Barn’s HVAC system and landscaping equipment. A USDA loan of $7.5M was granted at a low rate of 3.62 percent, as well as a NYSERDA grant to further offset the total cost.

Park projects

Bethel resident Moreen Lerner presented the Town of Bethel Parks Project, which is supported by grants from Sullivan 180. Initiated in 2006, the camp and public playground known as Town of Bethel Youth aka TOBY Park, has expanded to three sites: TOBY, Gazebo Park, and the Forest Reserve in Smallwood, They are useable by all ages and by people of various abilities, providing “equitable and intergenerational spaces” to families. Investing in “open space recreation”, the playgrounds and parks boost health, tourism, and strengthen the economy. The “inclusive playground design” enables “users to access and travel through play spaces freely by ensuring that playgrounds offer physical accessibility to meet” the needs of all children.

In 2025 pending equipment includes a Roxall four seat seesaw with high backs and side rails; a “Spin With Me” inclusive merry go round; a Zero-G swing chair; and a Sensory Wave Wall. Also to be installed are signs with playground rules and supervision recommendations.

Funding for various projects and activities under the supervision of Lerner includes a Legislative Grant for the Farmers Markets and repair to the Town of Bethel Welcome sign; a Sullivan 180 grant for outdoor chess tables; and a DVAA grant for the  Bethel Lakeside Music Concert series. 

The concerts drew 1,000 attendees last year and they will be held Thursdays, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Gazebo Park in Kauneonga Lake through September 4. The first concert on July 3 will be a tribute to first responders.