The Town of Bethany Planning Board is looking for more control over their zoning codes in preparation for future growth and requests in regards to signs, solar and industrial uses that might create a high hazard condition.
“We are never 100% bulletproof, but we want to be able to control decisions as a town as opposed to just being railroaded,” says Tom Foss, Chair of the Planning Board.
Residents and planning board members have had concerns over a possible propane distribution facility that was looking to open in the hamlet along Rt. 63. with the creation of Water District 5.
Planning Board member Ray Cipriano says the Smart Growth area along Rt. 63 from East Bethany LeRoy road to East Road is different.
“What is unique about Bethany is the high speed truck traffic on Rt. 63, that’s what makes it hazardous.”
The Planning Board says they have not been approached with any plans for the propane distribution facility and Water District 5 is about 3-5 years away from completion.
Chairman Tom Foss says the board has not been contacted by any solar companies at this time, but would entertain the idea of a moratorium if approached until the town’s zoning codes were updated.
The zoning codes in regards to new LED signs is also in need of an update, as the Bethany Fire Department is looking to install an LED sign to replace their current one on Bethany Center road.
Code Officer Tom Douglas has looked into what several other towns are doing with LED signs and says there are many things to consider, such as the brightness, the amount of messages and how long they would be up and if there would be motion graphics.