Agricultural and Farmland Study Advisory Committee members
| Lynn Dente |
Nancy Neff |
| Tom Gallagher |
Chuck Preska |
| Paul Kleinke |
Tim Stanton |
| George Leveille |
Bob Verstandig, Jr. |
| Stuart Lyman |
Giles Wagoner |
Town of Bethlehem Representative
Robert Leslie, AICP, Senior Planner
Contact information for Town Staff, Department of Economic Development & Planning
(518) 439-4955
Ext. 1157 - Robert Leslie, Senior Planner
Ext. 1159 - Deborah Kitchen, Administrative Aide
Background/Mission: The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan emerged from the 2005 Comprehensive
Plan’s recommendation for the development of a Farm and Open Space Protection
Plan. The Town was successful in applying for a grant from New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) in the amount of $25,000 to fund
the development of the Protection Plan. The purpose of the study is to work with
individuals involved in the Towns agricultural industry to establish strategies
that will result in the enhancement, management and continued viability of
agriculture and farmland areas and lands in the Town of Bethlehem.
To assist the Town in preparing the study, NYSDAM requires that a Study Advisory
Committee (SAC) be organized to assist in the planning process. The SAC will be an
advisory body that provides advice and recommendations to the study leaders,
consisting of Behan Planning Associates and American Farmland Trust. The Department of
Economic Development and Planning (DEDP) will provide staff support to the
Agriculture and Farmland study.
Term of Appointment: The Agriculture and Farmland SAC will be active for
the duration of the planning study, which is estimated to be 12 - 18 months. All
members will serve at the pleasure of the Town Board.
Meeting Schedule: The study will commence during the spring of 2008
and it is projected that the study will take approximately 12 - 18 months to
complete. There will be approximately one committee meeting per month and there
will also be approximately 2-4 public meetings and workshops held during the study
period.
Potential Tasks: The SAC will be responsible for providing general
guidance for the study, and reviewing interim and final work products and
reports. It is envisioned that the members
of the SAC will provide a sounding board and community perspective on study related
issues, potential solutions and alternatives.
Study Goals: (Based on Circular 1500 of the New York State Agriculture
and Markets Law, Article 25AAA – Agricultural and Farmland Protection Programs)
Major goals of the study will include:
- Document current farming operations and agricultural businesses to result in a
status of agriculture and farming activities in Bethlehem.
- Identify opportunities/strategies to enhance, manage, and continue the viability
of agriculture and farming in the Town.
- Analyze the following factors concerning any areas and lands proposed for
participation:
- Value to Bethlehem’s agricultural economy
- Value to Bethlehem’s community character
- Level of conversion pressure
- Consequences of possible conversion to non agriculture and farming activities
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Related Documents/Presentations
2008 Tentative Meeting Schedule
Agricultural and Farmland Study Advisory Committee
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
Initial Meeting of Study
Advisory Committee |
| July 21, 2008 |
|
Description of Agriculture in
Bethlehem |
| September 15, 2008 |
|
Analysis of Agriculture in
Bethlehem |
| October 14, 2008 |
|
Goal Development |
| November 17, 2008 |
|
Strategy Development |
| January 26, 2009 |
|
Strategy Revisions |
February 23, 2009 |
|
Draft Plan and Recommendations
Cancelled |
| March 16, 2009 |
|
Presentation and Implementation |
| April 20, 2009 |
|
Review Public Comment and Revise
Plan |
| June 2009 |
|
Submit Final Plan to Town Board,
County AFPB and Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets for Approval |
Please click here for the most current tentative agenda
