BETHEL — Residents overwhelmingly urged the Bethel Town Board Wednesday night to adopt a moratorium on high-density residential development during a public hearing on Proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2026. The measure would temporarily halt new applications while the town updates its Comprehensive Plan and reviews possible zoning changes.

The proposed law would prohibit the acceptance or review of new applications for high-density residential development before the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals while the town evaluates revisions to its comprehensive plan.

Before opening the hearing, Supervisor Daniel Sturm reported that Sullivan County Planning reviewed the proposal under General Municipal Law §239-m and issued no technical comments. The Bethel Planning Board also voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend the moratorium, according to a memo submitted to the board.

Residents who spoke during the hearing largely supported the proposal, arguing the pause would give the town time to complete its comprehensive plan update and evaluate zoning changes before approving additional large developments.

Barbara Warner said the moratorium would allow the town to address infrastructure and environmental concerns before new projects move forward.

“This is not an act of hostility toward growth,” Warner said. “It’s an act of prudence to ensure the long-term viability of our community.”

Several speakers cited concerns about road capacity, water and sewer infrastructure, environmental impacts and emergency response times if development continues under the current zoning rules.

Jeff Baker of the Bethel Roundtable said development decisions made now could have lasting consequences.

“Once projects are approved and built, those choices cannot be reversed,” Baker said.

One resident speaking via Zoom opposed the moratorium, warning that such measures can expose municipalities to legal challenges and referencing litigation involving development restrictions in other communities.

The issue also revealed divisions within the Town Board.

After the meeting, Supervisor Sturm said the moratorium debate has divided the community, though he believes a majority of residents support the temporary pause on high-density residential development.

Councilmember William Crumley, however, reiterated his opposition to a moratorium during board comments following the hearing.

“Let’s just make it clear right now,” Crumley said. “[My] vote is going to remain ‘no’ a month from now. The people that don’t support the moratorium are tired of this… there are plenty of them, they just didn’t want to come tonight… It’s getting ridiculous. Let’s just move on.”

The board closed the public hearing but voted to keep the record open for written comments until March 25 at 4 p.m., allowing residents additional time to submit feedback before a final vote is scheduled.