📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

BETHELEHEM AREA WEATHER

🏗️🏡 Bethlehem ZBA Approves Variances for Proposed Senior Housing Development on Rockefeller Road

🚌🚸 School Zone Alert: Slow Down Around Eagle Elementary This Summer! ⚠️

🌸🐦 A New Chapter is Blooming for the Blackbird Paradise Garden! 🌿📚

🧩☕ TUESDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

JULY 7th - Tuesday

JULY 8th - Wednesday

JULY 9th - Thursday

JULY 10th - Friday

A proposed 90-unit senior housing development on Rockefeller Road in Delmar has cleared another step in the approval process after the Town of Bethlehem Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted 4-1 to approve four requested variances following a public hearing on July 1.

The project, proposed by WAWEB LLC at 152 Rockefeller Road, includes:

🏘️ Increasing the maximum number of units from 68 to 90
📏 Reducing the required front setback
🏢 A modest increase in building height to accommodate higher ceilings
🚗 A reduction in required parking spaces from 99 to 96

The ZBA is expected to formally adopt its resolution at its July 15 meeting, after which the proposal will return to the Town Planning Board for additional site plan review.

Board members supporting the application pointed to:

👵 A growing need for additional senior housing in Bethlehem
🏡 The property's location within a multi-family zoning district where senior housing is a permitted use
🚶 A planned sidewalk connecting the development to Kenwood Avenue to improve pedestrian safety
🚦 Findings that did not identify significant traffic or environmental impacts based on current reviews

Supporters also noted that the property's steep terrain influenced the requested design changes and variances.

Several nearby residents continued to express concerns during the public hearing, including:

🚗 Increased traffic and parking demands
🏘️ Higher residential density
📐 The size and scale of the proposed project
⚖️ The potential precedent future variance approvals could set for additional developments

One ZBA member voted against all four variances, citing concerns over the project's increased density and overall scope.

The proposal has generated significant community interest as Bethlehem continues broader discussions about growth, housing needs, infrastructure, and future zoning policies.

📖 Read more here:
https://www.dailygazette.com/spotlightnews/news/bethlehem-zoning-variances-approved-senior-housing/article_63d79fbd-efbd-4992-b3fb-3b4f0a47ff5b.html

💬 What are your thoughts on the proposed senior housing development? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #RockefellerRoad #SeniorHousing #TownOfBethlehem #ZoningBoard #CommunityNews #CapitalRegion #LocalGovernment #Development #AlbanyCounty #StayInformed

Drivers, please keep an eye out! 🚗💛

The Bethlehem Central School District's Extended School Year (ESY) Program begins Monday, July 6, and runs through August 14 at Eagle Elementary School.

That means:

🚌 School buses will be back on the roads.
🚸 School zone speed limits around Eagle Elementary will be in effect.
👧🧒 Students will be entering and exiting buses throughout the day.

Please remember to:

✅ Slow down in school zones
🛑 Stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights and stop arms
👀 Watch carefully for children crossing streets and walking near the school
❤️ Help keep our students, families, and bus drivers safe this summer

A few extra seconds behind the wheel can make all the difference.

📖 Learn more:
https://www.bethlehemschools.org/school-zone-reminder-and-summer-office-hours/

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #BCSD #EagleElementary #SchoolZone #SlowDown #SchoolBusSafety #DriveSafe #StudentSafety #DelmarNY #CommunityFirst #SummerSchool #KeepKidsSafe 🚸🚌💛

Exciting changes are taking root at Voorheesville Elementary School! 🌱

The Voorheesville Central School District Board of Education has approved plans to revitalize the beloved Blackbird Paradise Garden, preserving its educational legacy while creating an even more engaging outdoor learning space for students and the community.

Originally established in 2009, the garden has served as an outdoor classroom for generations of Blackbirds. As its infrastructure has aged, a committee of volunteers has developed a fresh vision focused on nature, accessibility, and environmental education.

The redesigned garden will transition from primarily growing food to becoming a vibrant nature sanctuary featuring:

🌸 Perennial flowers blooming from spring through fall
🐦 Bird feeders and nesting boxes to attract local wildlife
📖 An outdoor gathering area large enough for an entire class
🍎 Expanded space incorporating the existing apple trees
♿ Accessible, easy-to-maintain walking paths
🌿 Removal of aging raised beds, fencing, and outdated irrigation systems

The goal is to create a peaceful space where students can observe nature, learn about ecosystems, and enjoy hands-on outdoor experiences throughout the school year.

The project is being supported by an incredible team of community partners, including:

❤️ Voorheesville PTA
🌳 Elemental Landscapes
🌱 Cornell Cooperative Extension
🌺 Helderview Garden Club
👧 Local Cadette Girl Scouts

Funding will come through PTA support, grants, and future fundraising efforts, including a special "Legacy Plant" initiative, encouraging families to donate perennials from their own gardens as part of the school's growing history.

The committee is also exploring the creation of a middle/high school garden club, giving older students an opportunity to help care for and expand the garden.

🌼 This exciting transformation will ensure the Blackbird Paradise Garden continues inspiring curiosity, environmental stewardship, and outdoor learning for years to come.

📖 Learn more:
https://www.voorheesville.org/new-vision-of-blackbird-paradise-garden-advances/

💬 What would you love to see included in the new Blackbird Paradise Garden? 🌸🐦🌿 Share your ideas in the comments!

#BethlehemLocalNews #Voorheesville #BlackbirdParadiseGarden #VCSD #OutdoorLearning #SchoolGarden #NatureEducation #CommunityPartners #EnvironmentalStewardship #Gardening #PollinatorGarden #BirdWatching #StudentLearning #CommunityPride #CapitalRegion 🌸🐝🐦🌿📚

The problem is:

7 + 3 × 2 + 8 = ?

Remember:

Since there are no parentheses or exponents, we do the multiplication first.

3 × 2 = 6

Now the equation becomes:

7 + 6 + 8

7 + 6 = 13

13 + 8 = 21

Many people solve it from left to right without following the order of operations:

❌ 7 + 3 = 10
❌ 10 × 2 = 20
❌ 20 + 8 = 28

That answer is incorrect because multiplication always comes before addition.

PEMDAS

Whenever you see multiplication mixed with addition, multiply first, then finish the addition.

👏 Final Answer: 21 ✅

How many of you got it right on your first try? Let us know in the comments! 👇🧠🎉

How Did We Do This Issue??