Bethlehem, N.Y. – Town officials are moving closer to a final vote on a comprehensive overhaul of the town’s zoning code, a measure they say is needed to manage the community’s steady growth.
Why the changes are being considered
“Bethlehem is going to grow, whether we have zoning changes or not,” said Town Supervisor David VanLuven. “So I believe it’s smart to make improvements to our zoning code.” VanLuven explained that the revisions aim to balance new development with the town’s capacity to handle traffic and preserve the character of established neighborhoods.
Public hearing and neighbor concerns
The board scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday night, giving residents another opportunity to voice their opinions before a possible vote later this month. Long‑time resident Colleen Scott expressed worries that the new rules could lead to more multifamily units, higher‑density apartments, and taller buildings that strain local roads.
“My backyard, I hope, obviously never changes,” Scott said. “But I do understand I bought the house with the fact that it could change. If it changes, we just would want to see the growth, keep pace with what the town can absorb.”
Adjustments made after earlier pushback
Earlier this summer, after receiving complaints from neighbors like Scott, the board temporarily shelved the proposal to reassess its impact. VanLuven noted that the town has since made several concessions, including keeping zoning unchanged near the local school district—a move intended to limit the construction of new multifamily homes in that area.
“One of the main things that addresses is traffic,” VanLuven added, emphasizing that the revised code includes provisions to mitigate congestion in high‑traffic zones.
What remains contested
Despite the adjustments, some residents remain uneasy about the lack of a cap on building height for certain apartment projects and the overall density of new units per acre. Critics argue that without clear limits, the town could see a surge in large apartment complexes that alter the rural feel of many neighborhoods.
VanLuven assured the community that the board is “listening very carefully to a lot of public input” and that any final decision will reflect a balance between growth and quality of life.
Next steps
The town board will reconvene after the Tuesday night hearing to consider additional feedback. If the board decides to move forward, a vote could be scheduled as early as the next meeting later this month.
Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing, submit written comments, or contact the town clerk for more information on the proposed zoning changes.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
