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The Town of Bethel
On March 27, 1809, by an Act of Legislature, a large portion of land was separated from the territory of Lumberland and designated as the Town of Bethel. The Leni-Lenape Indians were the first inhabitants. Among the first settlers were John, George, and Peter Pintler, from Sussex, New Jersey, who set up their homestead in 1798 between what is now known as White Lake and Bethel. By 1810 several settlements were set up in different parts of the Town including Hurd Settlement, Fraser Settlement, Briscoe, North White Lake, Bushville, and Stephensville. With the completion of the Newburgh-Cochecton Turnpike (now Rt 17B) more hamlets sprouted along and near its route: Mongaup Mill, Black Lake, Moscoe, White Lake, and Bethel. In 1810, the first town meeting was held with John Conklin as Supervisor.
About Bethel
The Town of Bethel is located in the center of Sullivan County, New York. Only 90 miles northwest of New York City and 20 miles from the famous Delaware River. The population of 4,362 expands to about 10,000 during the summer season. The Town of Bethel blends farm land with residential and commercial development. In the center of the Town is the Sullivan County Airport and the Sullivan County Industrial Park. Currently the Industrial Park has two businesses, Sutphen East and Grisar Automobiles. Sutphen East manufactures fire trucks. Grisar Automobiles manufactures kit cars. The Industrial Park is owned by the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency.
Although there were many interesting historic events in Bethel none has caught the attention of the world like the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. The site is now the location of Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center and Museum. The Town of Bethel is also well known for its numerous lakes, excellent fishing areas, and recreation programs.
Economic Development
In 2006, the Town of Bethel was the fastest growing Town in the second fastest growing County. There are many opportunities in the Town from home businesses to agricultural, and small or large commercial entities. There is an industrial park next to the Airport, right in the center of the Town! Certain zoning districts within the Town are currently being re-zoned for future growth. The draft zoning law was introduced in January 2009. Many small businesses have developed along Route 17B which runs through the center of the Town from Monticello to the East and to Fosterdale to the West, directly passing the entrance to Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center. The existing sewer district is expanding from the White Lake Firehouse along Route 17B West to Hurd Road, construction is expected to be complete in 2009. Kauneonga Lake has been designated as our main street and is located on the north side of White Lake. In 2008 there were six new businesses. Six other buildings have just completed renovations allowing for additional commercial space. The Town of Bethel was awarded a Main Street Revitalization Grant in 2005 and in 2008.
The Town of Bethel is a member of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, the Empire Zone, Sullivan County Visitor's Association and Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. The Town has also formed a 501 c non-profit Local Development Corporation (BLDC).
In 1996, cable television pioneer and philanthropist Alan Gerry fulfilled a life-long desire to take positive action to help improve the quality of life and economic vitality in his native Sullivan County. After a careful review of the range of possible alternatives available to implement his vision, he decided, under the auspices of the newly formed Gerry Foundation, to acquire the 37 acre field that was home to the original Woodstock festival and approximately 1,700 acres of surrounding property to explore the idea of creating a world-class performing arts center.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a $100 million outdoor performing arts center and museum located approximately 90 minutes from New York City at the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, NY. The 15,000 seat outdoor performing arts venue and The Museum at Bethel Woods are set within nearly 2,000 bucolic acres.
The purpose of the arts center is to improve the quality of life in Sullivan County and the surrounding region by promoting economic development and interest in our region and its residents through arts, education, and culture at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
The Chapin Estate property dates back to 1891, when Chester W. Chapin, Jr., a successful urban entrepreneur from New York City acquired 18,000 acres of land in The Catskill Mountains of New York.
The extensive land holding was comprised of hills and valleys, lakes and winding brooks. An avid sportsman and nature lover with a strong sense of preservation, Mr. Chapin spent 31 years developing the land into a private hunting preserve and lodge, not two hours from his principal home in Manhattan. Shortly after his death in 1922, Rockland Power and Light and Orange and Rockland Utilities acquired the property and maintained it in its pristine state.
The Woodstone Group and related companies are a team of talented and award-winning individuals with many decades of experience in land development, designing and building handcrafted homes, engineering, professional planning and business management. The company's partners possess complementary skills and experiences that lend themselves perfectly to implementing the exclusive, upscale community that will be the "The Chapin Estate". Pristine and picturesque, The Chapin Estate is nestled within thousands of acres of secluded woodlands and freshwater reservoirs. For more information contact The Woodstone Group at (845) 583-4900 or write to P.O. Box 338, Bethel, NY 12720 or visit them on the web at The Chapin Estate
The Corner at Bethel
The Corner at Bethel is destined to become Sullivan County's premier retail shopping and dining experience, brought to you by the developers of The Chapin Estate.
The Corner at Bethel, is located at the intersection of Route 17B West and Route 55 East. Route 17B is not only the gateway to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, it is the major artery that carries residents and visitors through Sullivan County from Monticello to Pennsylvania. Contact: The Corner at Bethel
Bethel Farms
Discover an oasis of unspoiled beauty and breathtaking views. Bethel Farms™ is a natural preserve of secluded forests and winding brooks, bird-friendly ponds and rolling hills. Build your getaway in a private gated community nestled in Sullivan County’s very best woodland. It’s a piece of heaven you can call your own.
The philosophy behind Bethel Farms™ is environmental harmony: home sites that preserve the striking beauty of Sullivan County’s unspoiled vistas while protecting wetlands, wild life, majestic old trees, scenic mountain views, natural brooks, streams and ponds. Each estate is a rare and unique gem, seamlessly integrated into the nature that surrounds it. Visit them on the web atBethel Farmsor by calling (845) 794-2333
 This is a spectacular opportunity to own your own estate-size country properties ranging from three to ten acres, just 90 minutes from New York City. Each parcel offers unique features including rustic stone walls, rolling meadows, mature hedgerows, and towering pines. Three-to five acre lots. Overlooking rolling meadows, rustic stonewalls, shady trees, and a sun-dappled brook, you'll find an extraordinary retreat to share with the people who matter most. This is a place where mother nature and man have come together in perfect harmony...where small town meets uptown, relaxation and recreation go hand in hand, culture and quiet are in ideal balance, and privacy blends effortlessly with convenience.
 This is The Life. This is The Highlands.
Call now to talk to a land consultant about owning property at The Highlands at 1-800-811-3464 x2072, or log onto to their website The Highlands
Sutphen East
 Sutphen has been a family owned and operated Company since 1890. It was started as a dream of C. H. Sutphen. His son Harry took an interest in the business as well as Harry's two sons, Thomas and Robert, who joined the business after World War II. Sutphen Has three plants in Ohio that are managed by fourth generation family members. Please visit their website Sutphen.com Being a man of vision, Tom Sutphen saw the need for a new facility in New York.
Sutphen East opened its doors in June of 1989 during the New York Fire Chiefs Convention. Tom Sutphen wanted a facility that could provide better service for the northeast sector.
Sutphen East manufactures both stainless steel and aluminum Pumpers on Sutphen custom or commercial chassis. Our experienced craftsmen put forth very high standards on providing you with a quality fire apparatus.
Along with sales of Fire Apparatus, service is also one of our valuable assets. Our Service men have been factory trained and can provide quality workmanship in our facility or on the road in your Fire House.
Today Sutphen East is run by Jill Marston. Jill took over as General Manager when Ellen Marx retired in June of 2002.
If you would like to come see our facility located in beautiful Sullivan County, between Monticello and White Lake, next to the White Lake International Airport, just hit this link Directions.
Please Visit Our Towns, Villages and Chambers of Commerce:
www.town.bethel.ny.us
www.bethelwoods.us
www.townofbethel.com
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