BETHEL —Traffic control and the speed limit on 17B in White Lake was the focal point of a letter addressed to NYS Senator Peter Oberacker and NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, presented at the Bethel Town Board meeting September 13. 

The town is asking for the legislators’ “assistance with safety conditions and for them to look into data on serious and fatal accidents.” It cited an exponential increase in drivers and an increase in the number of accidents. 

It asked for “more consistency in the posted speed limits and for a decrease in speed limit in congested areas.” Attached were several correspondences from the Department of Transportation (DOT) dated in 2011, 2019 and April 2023 that explained why previous similar requests have been denied.

Town resident Mary Ellen Seitelman said, “My concern is all the people who will be walking across the road [in light of new building projects,]” She also cited a new proposed underground parking lot at the Mansion House which will potentially toss earth into the lake during excavation.

A letter from Barbara Lerner defined “cumulative impact” as it refers to fast paced development along Old White Lake Turnpike and adjacent roads, as well as at The Swan in Swan Lake. A project of 244 units, The Swan Lake Nest (178 units), and 40 units at Tolas Yaakov, total over 450 homes. She said “cumulative impacts” occur when multiple actions affect the same resource incrementally. It called for assessment of and to not ignore the “impact of new construction on infrastructure, community services, character, and environment.”

Supervisor Dan Sturm said, “Each and every project goes through a traffic study and needs approval…The Planning Board does due diligence and looks at the cumulative impacts.”

A recent meeting with the DOT at Assemblywoman Gunther’s office discussed these topics; they responded that they would return with an action plan soon.

Water and sewer

A letter from KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. described the results of a tour of the Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Facility and a report from the Licensed Operator, H2O Innovator. It gave the capacity of 6 million gallons a day and stated that in peak season, it processes 3 million gallons daily, or half capacity. It described the components of the facility and clarified a misconception of some residents that it is operating over capacity. 

Dan Sturm said, “Operators test daily and a monthly report is reviewed by the DEC. $7 million has been spent since 2009 in a four-phase sewer project whereby the facility and pipes were upgraded to meet permit capacity. Most pipes have been relined.” 

Sturm went on to say, “We are not having any negative effects on any water body. We have the last few reports on inspections available now and a letter to the public will be available next meeting.”

Councilwoman Vicki Simpson said, “Any situation [such as a malfunctioning pump] is addressed immediately and professionally.”

Other business

Resident Joyce Caracci thanked everyone who attended the 9/11 Memorial Service. 

“I think this day needs to be set aside to commemorate all the people who served. It is a part of history. The speeches were heartwarming…we need to keep this alive and teach our children. There still are people who are suffering.”

She wants the date to be a federal holiday and plans to send letters to NYS Senators and Legislators.

A Trunk or Treat event by request of Tony Carlucci of Prestige Towing was approved for Saturday 10/21 at the school parking lot after 3pm.

A request for a two mile walk by the American Federation for Suicide Prevention was approved for Sunday 10/29. Location will be decided. Dan Sturm said,” We look forward to supporting that effort.”