BETHEL -— The Town of Bethel has begun updating its Comprehensive Plan from 2006.

The first meeting of the nine-member Comprehensive Plan Committee, together with the Town of Bethel Supervisor Daniel Sturm, Nan Stolzenburg and Rick Lederer-Barnes, Planning Consultants from Community Planning & Environmental Associates, and Project Coordinator Moreen Lerner, commenced on March 5.

The conversation covered the benefits of adopting a comprehensive plan from a practical and legal standpoint. It also emphasized the significance of public engagement in the plan’s preparation and how it should inform community planning. 

In addition, the panel deliberated on methods for gathering necessary information and maps to establish the plan’s orientation as well as soliciting public opinion. The Committee also talked about the procedures involved in adopting a comprehensive plan, as well as the function of the Bethel Comprehensive Plan Committee and its advisors.

The Town of Bethel received grant monies in 2023 from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund’s Smart Growth Community Planning Program for 2022–2023.  With the money, the Town of Bethel will revise its 2006 Comprehensive Plan, which will direct future land uses, infrastructure, recreation, conservation, and housing in a way that is consistent with the community’s vision and the state of the economy, environment and society.

Through a formal recruiting process, the Town Board established a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which consists of people from a wide range of varied backgrounds, to oversee the Comprehensive Plan update process. 

In addition to active public involvement, the Committee will launch public engagement to solicit feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, business owners, elected officials, civic leaders and environmental specialists.

“It was a successful meeting,” said Moreen Lerner, the Project Coordinator.

“We look forward to engaging in a well thought-out comprehensive plan.”