Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) provides public access to the records of government.  Please read the information below on how to submit a FOIL request with the Town.  Once a FOIL request is received, the law requires the Town to respond within 5 business days.  If the records are not readily available, you will instead receive an acknowledgement of your request and an estimated date when the records will be available. 

How to Submit a FOIL Request

Records can be requested electronically using the online request form.  You may also submit a request for records in-person at the Clerk’s Office.  In addition, you may download the FOIL Request Form, complete it and submit it by emailing it to FOIL@townofbethlehem.org or mailing it to the appropriate records access officer.  The records access officer is responsible for coordinating agency response to public requests for access to records.

Non-Police Records Access OfficerPolice Records Access
   Kim Whitsitt
   Town of Bethlehem
   445 Delaware Ave.
   Delmar, NY  12054
   Police Records Office 
   Town of Bethlehem 
   447 Delaware Ave. 
   Delmar, NY  12054

How to Appeal if a FOIL Request is Denied

While FOIL generally allows access to records, not all records will be released.  FOIL and other laws protect certain types of information from being released to the public.  If a request is denied, in whole or in part, you have the right to appeal the decision in writing within 30 days to the records appeal officer:

Records Appeals Officer
   David VanLuven
   Records Appeals Officer 
   Town of Bethlehem
   445 Delaware Ave.
   Delmar, NY  12054


FOIL Fee Schedule

There is a charge of $0.25 per page for copies which are not in excess of 11 x 17 inches.  A fee for copies of larger records will be charged based upon the actual cost of reproduction.