Bethlehem, New York Development News
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Town Board - Regular Meeting - Video
Published: Jul 8, 2026
Resident Argues Against High-Density Development for Affordability, Cites Overdevelopment Concerns
Bruce Grossman provided an analysis of the comprehensive plan update, noting that residents value Glenmont's single-family neighborhoods but do not support solving housing affordability through high-density apartment development. He pointed out that only a small fraction of survey respondents lived in apartments or considered affordable housing a major concern. Grossman questioned the projected population growth versus the number of units already in the development pipeline, suggesting potential overdevelopment. He urged the board to amend zoning codes to control growth, maintain quality of life, revise the definition of low-density residential, remove cluster housing provisions, and reconsider the 'Glenmont gold rush' of developer incentives.
Resident Details Negative Impacts of Development, Calls for Speed Limit Reduction and Traffic Study
Brian Reichel described living the reality of development on Parkland Drive, experiencing house shaking from tractor trailers and a 1000% increase in truck traffic, along with unbelievable automobile traffic, speeds, and drag racing. He stated he cannot enjoy his backyard due to noise. Reichel opposes the current zoning 'within reason' and urges lowering the speed limit from 55 to 35 mph on the bypass. He is developing a petition for the NYS DOT to evaluate speed control on the highway and noted that houses are situated very close to the bypass. He believes the bypass was intended for a roundabout and to connect to Slingerlands, but this did not happen.
Resident Urges Community Inclusion and Independent Traffic Study Amidst Rezoning Concerns
Caitlin Permomo, a resident of Colonial Acres, thanked the board for pausing and expressed hope for community inclusion. She advocated for an independent traffic study due to the enormous increase in traffic in Glenmont over the past two years, making it scary for children playing freely. Permomo noted that her neighborhood was affected by rezoning, impacting children who won't fit in the newly assigned schools, causing them to potentially go through the rezoning process again. She urged the board to consider these impacts and avoid repeating costly and time-consuming processes.
Resident Submits Letter of Support for Perfect Blend's Grant, Cites Community Impact and Personal Connections
Craig Yasser submitted a letter in support of Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery's BEST grant application. A 17-year resident, Yasser highlighted Bethlehem's sense of community and Perfect Blend's role in galvanizing this sentiment. He praised owners Dan and Brendan as 'gems' and the cafe as a 'staple.' Yasser shared a personal anecdote about building a friendship with Dan through youth sports, emphasizing the personal connections fostered by the business. He wholeheartedly supports the grant to allow the cafe and bakery to continue their positive impact on Bethlehem.
Resident Questions Zoning Discrepancies, Urges Focus on Community and Sensible Density
Matt Carrum expressed that the situation is ridiculous, questioning why a farm on 9W cannot be developed while allowing seven units per acre across Fairbush Road in a neighborhood where children play. He argued this is a 'kick in the face' to those who worked hard to achieve homeownership in that neighborhood. Carrum emphasized that the focus should be on the neighborhood and community as a whole, not just individual houses, and highlighted the tight-knit nature of his community. He criticized the town's decision regarding the 200-acre exclusion on 9W and stated that seven units per acre is 'crazy,' suggesting single-family homes or low-density options (one or two units per acre) instead.
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The Bethlehem News archive
Planning Board - Regular Meeting - Video
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting - Video
Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting - Video
Town Board - Regular Meeting - Video
Planning Board - Regular Meeting - Video
Planning Board - Regular Meeting - Video
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