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BETHLEHEM—The Town Board heard comments regarding the possible conveyance of a parcel of land located near the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail and adjacent to the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post # 1040 from the state Department of Transportation to the town.
The 6,000-square-foot parcel of land in question was initially considered for the construction of a picnic pavilion with restrooms for Rail Trail users.
Scott Anson, chairman of the Legion’s Board of Directors explained that it had come to the attention of Legion membership that the town was still trying to acquire the parcel. He said that the post has filed to have the property conveyed to it on a long-term lease.
“We would ask the town not to continue with the conveyance of the property at this point, so that my members can maintain it and work on the long-term lease from DOT to get it back.”
The board adopted a new local law prohibiting the parking of commercial vehicles (snow plow attachments, trailers, boats, campers, motorhomes, recreational vehicles, storage containers and heavy construction vehicles) on town streets between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. BPD will have the authority to impound vehicles in violation of the new law.
Board members also approved purchases of a new track loader for the Highway Department and a new Chevrolet Equinox for the Bethlehem Police Department, to replace a 2005 Impala with 77,493 miles. According to Highway Superintendent John “Tiger” Anastasi, who also serves as the town’s Fleet Manager, corrosion on the vehicle would have prevented it from passing the annual state safety inspection.
Board members also approved summer Parks and Recreation personnel to oversee summertime pool, camp and summer sports activities. VanLuven also took a moment to recognize Nan Lanahan, the longtime Parks director who will be retiring this year.
As its last order of business, the Town Board voted unanimously to approve an application for a “Master Plan” required to combine three lots along Route 9W and allow for the construction of four new self-storage buildings—ranging from 7,875 square feet to 11,700 square feet—with driveways, sidewalks and a small parking lot. An existing farm stand and gravel driveway will be removed and an existing curb cut near the farm stand will revised to a right in/right out curb cut. An existing residence will remain. The town’s planning board has just under two months to review and make its recommendations on the master plan.