Subdivision delays at Bethel planning board

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL, NY — The Town of Bethel Planning Board just keeps getting busier.

At the June 10 meeting, the agenda was packed with 14 items, including six public hearings. One of them drew a considerable amount of public attention.

The proposed 25-lot subdivision on Misty Acres Chapin Estates proposed by Ulticrest Funding Corp drew a handful of Moscoe Road residents to the meeting. Those residents submitted a letter and spoke to the board requesting that the subdivision decision be delayed until a number of what they consider quality-of-life and safety issues were dealt with. Complaints of increased noise and traffic created by another nearby growing development topped their list, but some issues regarding the land survey and environmental impact statement were also raised.

“We don’t feel it is unreasonable,” said Robert Fontanella, “because we are not against development, we are just asking for it to be done in a way that suits the community and the people that live here.”

Fontanella and his wife, Nancy, own property that is adjacent to one section of the proposed subdivision. Their map shows what they consider very different property lines from the map submitted to the board in the subdivision plan.

“We own a piece of land on [the Ulticrest side],” Nancy pointed out.

After reviewing the two maps, both from reputable surveyors according to board members, they agreed that the issue warranted more investigation.

Also called into question was an assertion made in the initial environmental impact report that the Ulticrest property did not have any bald eagles within the subdivision borders.

“I take exception to the environmental report,” said resident Gail Gorton. Gorton said she has pictures of eagles flying and nesting on or near the property.

Planning consultant Tom Shepstone suggested that issues other than the survey map be looked at when the final environmental review is conducted by the board.

“Most of those issues do not and cannot be dealt with under the regulations of your subdivision law,” he told the board. “They can only be looked at in the environmental review.”

As a result, the board tabled their decision on the subdivision.