Government Relations

Government Relations: Star Exemption By Laurie Lambertsen, Town Assessor Did you miss the March 1st deadline to sign up for the Enhanced STAR exemption? Are you turning 65 before the end of the year? Is your 2022 Federal adjusted gross income less IRA distributions under $98,700? Are you currently receiving the Basic STAR exemption? Do you…

Delmar Fire Sirens to Return Before long, residents will once again hear a siren when there are fire-related 911 calls in Delmar.  The Department’s siren is anticipated to be reactivated by Friday, December 15 Both DFD fire stations will be equipped with new sirens within the next few months.  Unlike sirens of the past, these…

Holiday Parade Returns to Delmar A Town tradition is returning – The Holiday Parade! The Town of Bethlehem announced that it will host a holiday parade in conjunction with the Tree Lighting at the Four Corners in Delmar on Dec. 2. The Parade begins at the Town Hall and travels down Delaware Ave to the…

Watch Bethlehem Candidate Forum 2023 The Bethlehem Chamber, Spotlight News, and League of Women Voters sponsored the Bethlehem Candidate Forum 2023 on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The recording of the evening’s comments can be found at this link on the Spotlight News page and YouTube channel.

Microenterprise Applications Being Accepted Through Oct. 27 If you have considered applying for a Town of Bethlehem Microenterprise Grant for your business, NOW is the time. Applications are due Friday, October 27. Grants can range from $5,000 to $35,000 and be used to support the purchase of capital goods, including machinery, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Both startups and…

Government Relations The Chamber is pleased to partner with the League of Women Voters and the Spotlight to sponsor the Bethlehem Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6 pm in the Bethlehem Town Hall. Candidates will have an opportunity to present themselves and then those running for Town Board will answer questions submitted by…

Public Hearing – Port of Albany Expansion I am hereby transmitting, for your information, the General Project Plan of the New York State Urban Development Corporation (“UDC”), doing business as Empire State Development (the “Corporation”), for the Port of Albany Expansion Capital Project in Albany County. Albany Port Findings In accordance with Section 16(2) of…

Rt. 85 work expected to finish soon With the drainage issues fixed, the new sidewalk installed and paving now complete, construction work on State Route 85 in Slingerlands is completed. New Scotland Road was fully re-opened on Friday, Sept. 8 to traffic in both directions. Use caution, as the bridge for the rail trail will…

August Update on Rail Trail The Albany County Legislature’s Public Works Committee approved the lease of a temporary bridge that will help to ensure the Rail Trail and both lanes of State Route 85 can fully reopen as quickly as possible. It is expected the temporary bridge will be up and functioning before the original…

Update on Albany Country Rail Trail Bridge Albany County announced today that their rail trail bridge in Slingerlands will be shored up by the end of this week, and removal of the steel is anticipated next week. With it gone, they will continue drainage, paving, and sidewalk work on State Route 85, with the anticipation…