Bethel fire training tower earns thanks

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL — With the final details of the deal made complete about a month ago, the town of Bethel is already getting hefty helpings of “thank yous” from state and local organizations regarding plans to build a fire training facility in the town.

At the June 13 town board meeting, the Kauneonga Lake Volunteer Fire Department became the latest group to praise the town for donating the land that will house the three-story fire training tower. “This facility will provide the complete progression of fire training in New York State,” wrote the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department. “The board recognized and responded to the important responsibility of providing a needed instructional site… for all firefighters. Your commitment to the education excellence of our fire service is greatly appreciated.”

Located on 12 acres of land on Old White Lake Turnpike off Route 55, the $250,000, state-funded fire training center would serve all 41 fire departments in Sullivan County. Once completed, the facility will be able to simulate a variety of fire conditions, from electrical fires to hazardous materials fires.

“There is no more worthwhile project than helping our firefighters to be better prepared in times of crisis,” Senator John Bonacic, a key figure in obtaining the state funding for the project, wrote in an April statement about the project. Bonacic went on to cite the contributions of Sullivan County legislators Rodney Gaebel and Jonathan Rouis for their part in bringing the project to his attention.

At the meeting the board also:

• Commissioned the creation of a local law that would address zoning concerns in the White Lake Homes sub-division.
• Approved the placement of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Lake Street and Scott Avenue.
• Set a public hearing date of July 25 for Local Law #1 of 2002, regarding the prohibition of casino gambling in the town.
• Forwarded to the planning board letters of support for the proposed veterans’ memorial park to be constructed adjacent to the Citgo station at the end of Pine Grove Road.
• Forwarded to the planning board the notice of application for a restaurant beer and wine license from the Citgo station at the end of Pine Grove Road.
• Approved fireworks displays at the Kauneonga Lake Speedway and Lt. Brender Highway.
• Announced that the highway department has acquired the necessary manhole covers and risers to allow for the proper paving of some roads with sewer access.
• Finally found a road to name Ocean Avenue, ending a many years long quest to use that road name in the town.
• Announced that the proposed mushroom plant would not be coming to Bethel due to inadequate water supply at the proposed site. Now, the board reports it is courting a tofu business for the same location.
• Announced that the final comments are being prepared for the draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the proposed performing arts center at the Woodstock site.