Grievance Day is May 26 - Appointment required

New for 2020

Appointments will be taken for Grievance Day. If you wish to present your grievance to the Board of Assessment review you must make an appointment.  We will be using Zoom to hold the hearings. If you do not have a computer or smart ph...

Town Board Public Hearings 5/27; input options available - online live or via email prior to meeting

The public may actively participate to provide comments during the public hearing by registering to attend the meeting via Zoom. A link to the registration is found here.

Click the registration link, it will bring you to a registration form. Complete the r...

Town buildings closed - Update

Town buildings are closed to help stem the spread of COVID-19, but we are adjusting the way we work to continue delivering services. Visit the web pages of each department/service for more information. Use the blue “Notify me” button t...

Help Wanted - Deputy Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator

Deputy Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator

The Town of Bethlehem Department of Public Works is seeking Deputy Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator candidates to work at the Town’s water treatment facilities.  Primary duties include, but...

2020 Census is underway

The 2020 Census is now open. Please take the census, while you are home. It doesn’t take long to complete and there are only a few questions. Letters were sent in the mail with instructions to complete online. The response period has been extend...

Domestic Violence/Abuse Telephone Numbers and Resources

As we all deal with the multiple effects that COVID-19 is having on us, the Bethlehem Police Department, and many other local law enforcement agencies are seeing a substantial increase in domestic violence related offenses and incidents. Know that there i...

Parks are open but... *UPDATE* 5/22

May 22, 2020

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex closed indefinitely for Summer 2020

May 15, 2020

• The lottery spin for summer program registration has been postponed until June 12
• Programs and events have been canceled through June 30, with the exception of our virt...

Bethlehem Boards holding meetings via video conference; as always, the public can watch online

NOTICE

Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Industrial Development Agency

Meetings to be held electronically

Because of health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, the Bethlehem Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Ind...

Message from BPD regarding resources to help when considering if a business is considered essential

Numerous Town Departments have been receiving calls in regards to questions about if business are considered essential, and are allowed to operate under the Executive Orders issued by the Governor.  Pursuant to the Executive Orders issued by Gove...

Spring Cleanup will start April 6 with Greatly Reduced Staffing due to CDC and NYS Guidelines

Spring Cleanup will start Monday, April 6 with greatly Reduced Staffing due to CDC and NYS guidelines for the Covid-19 pandemic.

NO Loose Leaf Collection this year. Place leaves in biodegradable paper bags/reusable barrels up to 32 gallons/50 poun...

Avoid Bear Conflict and Deer in Spring Information

The Town of Bethlehem Police Department dispatchers have received numerous calls of bears seen in town so far this year.  Many callers have reported the bear was after the bird feeder and/or garbage.  Please follow the precautions as not...

Important Court Appearance Notification as it relates to COVID-19 - UPDATED 4/29

Update 4/29/2020

If you have a pending court case scheduled for May, please note those cases will be rescheduled. Please contact the Court Office AFTER MAY 30, 2020 for a status update. You may reach out to HWeddell@TownOfBethlehem.org OR 518-439-9717.Than...

Town Hall closed - Senior Program Cancellations UPDATED 5/14

5/14/2020 Update

Senior Transportation is cancelled for the month of May with a review on June 1st.

All social and education programs are cancelled until the end of June with a reevaluation towards the end of June.

Bethlehem Senior Services is here to help y...

Information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Unemployment Insurance

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) may be eligible for assistance from the Small Business Administration. Learn more about available programs and the application process at the following links.

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Website
• SBA...

Announcement from Bethlehem Police

In an emergency, as always, call 911. When placing an emergency call, please advise dispatchers if you or any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms or are quarantined. This information will ensure first responders can prepare to pre...

NYS Dept of Transportation Project - work on State Rte 140 bridge; lane closures expected

The New York State Department of Transportation will be conducting rehabilitation of the State Route 140 (Cherry Avenue Extension) bridge, over the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, just north of the intersection of Kenwood Avenue.  This essential co...

Planning and Building Divisions - Temporary Policy Updates during COVID-19 Pandemic

As a result of altered work environments brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bethlehem Department of Economic Development and Planning has temporarily changed its polices.  For Planning, including Planning Board submittals, please visit t...

State of Emergency declaration for the Town of Bethlehem due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019

March 19, 2020:Supervisor David VanLuven has issued a State of Emergency declaration for the Town of Bethlehem due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health and welfare of Bethlehem’s reside...

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - new web page created

Updated March 13, 2020:

The Town of Bethlehem is working hard to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and protect our staff, our residents, and our businesses.  To help keep you informed about what the Town is doing, we ha...

Help Wanted - School Crossing Guards

School Crossing Guards

The Town of Bethlehem is seeking candidates to work as School Crossing Guards. Primary duties/knowledge include the following:

• Direct or escort pedestrian students across streets, stopping traffic as necessary.
• Guide or control vehicul...

Residential Data Improvement Project - *6/26 update* Data collectors in the field

Update June 26, 2019

GAR Data collectors will be working in the following areas: Fairlawn Drive, Linton Street, Peel Street, Rigi Court, Sherbrook Drive, University Drive, Vista Lane,Jefferson Road, Liberty Court, Manor Drive, Penn Lane, and Wm Paca Ct.Ref...

Parking Ordinance - No parking on town roads 1-7 am from 11/1 to 4/15

The town has a parking ordinance in effect each year from November 1 through April 15 whereby no vehicles are allowed to be parked on any town roads between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. regardless of the weather.  For more information on t...

Owning, possessing or harboring of certain animals must be reported to the Town Clerk by 4/1

Under Chapter 680 of the Laws of 2002 enacted General Municipal Law Section 209-cc, requires the annual reporting of the presence of wild animals (for example, certain cats, dogs, snakes, monkeys). Each person owning, possessing or harboring a wild animal...

Fire Hydrant Clearing Notice

Our Water Department employees work very hard to keep the fire hydrants cleared and accessible at all times.  The Town of Bethlehem has over 1600 fire hydrants spread out over many miles of the water distribution system.  If you have a f...

Important Winter Reminders from the Department of Public Works

Important Winter Reminders from the Department of Public Works

Water Pipes & Water Meters

Due to the extreme cold winter weather, the Department of Public Works would like to remind our residents of ways to avoid frozen water pipes and meters. Property ...

Carbon Monoxide Detectors in homes MANDATORY

Beginning on February 22, 2010 all homes in New York are now required to have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer. It´s odorless, tasteless and colorless. Breath in large amount and it can kill you. Amanda´s Law is name...

Your House/Business Number MUST be visible

IS YOUR HOUSE OR BUSINESS STREET NUMBER LEGIBLE AND VISIBLE? In accordance with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Codes, all new and existing residential and commercial buildings are required to display a legible street number that is visibl...

What to do before, during and after gas and electrical outages

The Bethlehem Office of Emergency Management provides information on many safety issues. A National Grid Guide to Natural Gas and Electric Outage Preparation and Safety has been posted on the office's web pages that proves to be helpful year round.

Temporary Signs Information

Town code provisions adopted in 2012 clarified the rules for temporary lawn signs often used by candidates for election, not-for-profits, civic groups or others promoting their events or causes. The town code permits the use of temporary signs on private ...

Know What´s Below Before You Dig, call for FREE underground utilities markings, it's the law

If you plan to dig or do any type of excavation or construction work, State law requires you to call Dig Safely New York 2 full working days prior to starting your work not counting the day of your call, weekends or holidays. Whether you are planning to d...

Debunked: 5 Lightning Myths That Could Kill You

(source: NBCNEWS.com, June 20, 2014) When it comes to staying safe from lightning strikes, everything you think you know is probably wrong. That’s the word from weather experts, who worry that outdated advice and persistent myths about thunder and lightni...

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Extreme heat can be very dangerous, leading to heat stroke and death. Heat stroke occurs when your temperature rises quickly and your body cannot cool down.  It often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps...

30-day annual review period for Albany County Agricultural Districts begins February 1

Please be advised that the 30-day annual review period for Albany County Agricultural Districts begins on February 1. During this period, landowners can apply to have predominantly viable agricultural land included in a certified Agricultural District.The...

Bear sightings have occurred in many locations in town - Reducing Human-Bear Conflicts

Bear sightings are not uncommon in the Town of Bethlehem and can and have occurred in numerous locations.  It doesn't matter where a bear was sighted, the following is important for everyone.

A reminder from the town's Animal Control Officer: Peop...

Bethlehem Food Pantry is available to all town residents

The Bethlehem Food Pantry is located at 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York at the Bethlehem Town Hall for town residents. It is run through Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. with help from Bethlehem Senior Outreach workers and is kept stocked through the...

If you are a Senior resident, 60+, see all our Senior Services Department has to offer

Get the latest Senior Services Newsletter in the Senior Services office at Town Hall, in one of the Senior Transportation vehicles or online to find out some of the great things available to our town's senior population. Social outings to plays, musicals,...

Victim and Witness Notification Program Available

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that the rights of victims are carefully observed. HSI administers a Victim Notification Program which allows eligib...

Passports can be processed at Delmar Post Office

Passport forms and information are available on the internet at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/.  Completed forms can be presented to the Delmar Post Office, 357 Delaware Avenue, for processing.

Attention Elementary School Teachers - Bring Local History into Your Classroom

Bring local history into your classroom. Native Americans in Bethlehem and Cutting Ice: Big Business in Bethlehem address the needs of Social Studies Standard 1: History of the United States and New York. Contact Susan Leath at sleath@townofbethlehem.org ...

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY - Cell Phone Tip

In case of emergency (ICE) is a program that enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, as well as hospital personnel, to contact the next of kin of the owner of a mobile phone to obtain important medical or support i...

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex closed indefinitely for Summer 2020

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex closed indefinitely for Summer 2020.  Please check back here for status updates.

Parks are open but... *UPDATE* 5/22

May 22, 2020

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex closed indefinitely for Summer 2020

May 15, 2020

• The lottery spin for summer program registration has been postponed until June 12
• Programs and events have been canceled through June 30, with the exception of our virt...

The online Parks and Recreation summer playbook has been updated to reflect the most recent changes

The online summer playbook has been updated to reflect the most recent changes to programs and events. Please follow us on social media for the latest updates. Facebook - Town of Bethlehem NY Parks & Recreation, Instagram - #bethlehemnyparksandrec

The Parks and Recreation Department has canceled all winter and spring programs/events/trips

March 13, 2020

Effective immediately, the Parks and Recreation Department has canceled all winter and spring programs/events/trips.

Pro-rated credits will be issued to all households. If you prefer a refund please contact the Park Office, parks@townofbethle...

Domestic Violence/Abuse Telephone Numbers and Resources

As we all deal with the multiple effects that COVID-19 is having on us, the Bethlehem Police Department, and many other local law enforcement agencies are seeing a substantial increase in domestic violence related offenses and incidents. Know that there i...

Message from BPD regarding resources to help when considering if a business is considered essential

Numerous Town Departments have been receiving calls in regards to questions about if business are considered essential, and are allowed to operate under the Executive Orders issued by the Governor.  Pursuant to the Executive Orders issued by Gove...

Announcement from Bethlehem Police

In an emergency, as always, call 911. When placing an emergency call, please advise dispatchers if you or any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms or are quarantined. This information will ensure first responders can prepare to pre...

Bethlehem Police Department Case 81-V-28-0026 – Unidentified Human Remains

Bethlehem Police Department Case 81-V-28-0026 – Unidentified Human Remains

The Bethlehem Police Department continues to investigate the 1981 finding of human remains, in an effort to identify the decedent.

DNA of the decedent is now on file, howev...

Updates to New York State Child Safety Seat Law

Updates to Child Safety Seat Law

            Effective November 1, 2019, New York State Law has been amended requiring all children under the age of two, be restrained in a rear-facing car seat. &nb...

Police Press Release - Are any fireworks legal in New York State?

With the the summer upon us, there have been many questions on legal and illegal fireworks.  The Bethlehem Police Department would like to clarify what fireworks are legal, and which are not.  Due to recent changes by the legislature the...

Town Hall closed - Senior Program Cancellations UPDATED 5/14

5/14/2020 Update

Senior Transportation is cancelled for the month of May with a review on June 1st.

All social and education programs are cancelled until the end of June with a reevaluation towards the end of June.

Bethlehem Senior Services is here to help y...

Food Pantry information

The food pantry is OPEN, but with some changes. We will continue to take appointments for the regular pantry hours. When you call to make the appointment you will be asked what essentials you need and what you do not want. The bags will be packed for you....