Bethlehem
Population: 26500
Economy
The economy of the Town of Bethlehem is supported by a broad base of business and industry. This ranges from the local merchant to large manufacturers such as General Electric Plastics, and Owens-Corning Fiberglas who maintain large manufacturing plants within the town.
Churches
The Town of Bethlehem has 17 churches representing different religious faiths and denominations. Many of the town's residents take advantage of the proximity to the City of Albany offering many large established churches and synagogues for worship.
Government
The town is governed by a Town Board consisting of a Town Supervisor (elected every 2 years) and 4 council persons (elected every 4 years). Various boards and committees are appointed to serve the needs of the town and its residents. The town's budget is approximately $16 million. The telephone number for the Town Hall is 518-439-4955.
The Town of Bethlehem Police Department is a modern law enforcement agency that offers excellent police service to the entire town. The department (including 33 full time officers) consists of three divisions: Patrol, Headquarters, and Special Services.
Bethlehem is served by a well organized volunteer force of 400 firefighters stationed in 8 fire houses across the town's 5 fire districts. Each fire department has specialized equipment and its member are trained to handle unusual emergencies. This equipment includes an 85 foot articulating boom, dry chemical truck, and Heavy Rescue Vehicle with "Jaws of Life".
Medical
Three volunteer ambulance companies each serve a portion of the town. Four hospitals are just a few miles from the center of town. They are Albany Medical Center, Albany Memorial Hospital, St. Peter's Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital and Child's Hospital.
The morning Albany Times Union (Hearst Publication) is the widest read publication. The Town is also served by the Spotlight, a weekly publication, with a circulation of approximately 8,000.
Transportation
Commuter: The Bethlehem area is a 15 minute drive from the City of Albany.
Public: The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provides service. For information call 518-482-8822.
Rail: No local rail service. See "Albany" for information.
Air: See "Albany" for information.
Clubs
& Organizations
Bethlehem offers a variety of civic groups and organizations. A complete list is available from the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce 518-439-0512.
The main shopping area is located at the Delaware Plaza Shopping Center on Delaware Avenue. This consists of a major grocery store along with local merchants. The Towne Squire Shopping Center in Glenmont also provides a central location of stores. Scattered throughout the town are adequate numbers of local merchants to meet the needs of the town's residents.
Bethlehem's location also permits convenient access to regional malls which are only minutes away.
Library
The Bethlehem Public Library is located at 451 Delaware Avenue. The library offers, in addition to the 130,000 volumes, a Media Center, Career Resource Center, and Meeting Room for Special Events.
The Town of Bethlehem is dotted by many parks, from small mini-parks offering joggers and bikers a place to rest in the 160 acres of Elm Avenue Park.
The Elm Avenue Park has 3 pools, 2 baby splash basins and a duo of sand play areas along with 8 tennis courts (4 lighted), baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, fitness trail, playground and picnic area. Summer membership for unlimited use of the pool facilities is $71 for the entire family. Winter facilities include hockey rink, cross-country ski trail, ice skating pond and sledding hill.
The Parks and Recreation Department also offer a variety of instructional and non-instructional programs in aquatics and athletics for all ages throughout the year. The telephone number for the Parks & Recreation Department is 518-439-4131.
