BETHLEHEM — A years-in-the-making plan to rezone much of the town, which, at times, has turned contentious, is headed to a public hearing.
The question is now when, as recent changes to state environmental rules have complicated the proposal’s path to adoption.
Supporters of the plan, including Town Supervisor David VanLuven, have argued that the proposal is necessary to guide growth in the 52-square-mile suburb while also making it more welcoming to those who cannot afford or do not wish to live in single-family homes. New zoning rules with stringent requirements on design and size, they have argued, will make housing more affordable and are necessary to prevent the runaway sprawl seen in other Capital Region communities. (Both supporters and opponents of the rules have cited Wolf Road in Colonie and the town of Clifton Park as models to be avoided.) Town officials have also said the town must adjust its zoning rules to comply with its 2022 comprehensive plan…