Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Bethlehem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in water utilities
Electric utility cost increases
The budget projects an 18.2% ($270,000) electricity increase driven by three approved National Grid rate hikes, and residents warned the figure may be understated and questioned high utility service charges on all-electric homes.
Drinking Water Quality and Infrastructure
A resident said many townspeople don't trust the tap water, citing taste-and-odor issues and water main breaks, and warned construction on aging pipes is making things worse.
Stormwater Runoff and Industrial Encroachment at 619 Wemple Road
A resident urged the board to weigh wetland loss against flood risk, citing EPA and DEC data that wetlands store floodwater and that New York has lost most of its original freshwater wetlands. The concern ties to the 55 McCormick Road project and recent local flooding.
Transfer Station Replacement Truck Scale
The town authorized using up to $140,670 from capital reserves to design and construct a replacement truck scale at the transfer station on Rupert Road.
Albany Water Board purchase amendment
The cogeneration plant's water use surged, so the town renegotiated its Albany water purchase — 60 million gallons a year minimum at the residential rate, with flexibility to adjust if demand drops.