A.    Committee Name: As approved by the Town Board at their meeting on June 28, 2023, the individuals to be appointed by the Town Board will be known as the Historic Heath Farm Advisory Committee (the Committee).

B.     Responsibilities of the Committee: The Committee will be directed by the Town Board to provide community insights and technical guidance to help the Town craft an overall vision for the properties and structures on the 307-acre Heath Farm properties, and help the Town implement the actions and next steps necessary for achieving this vision. 

C.     Appointment of Members: The committee will have 10 members who are: knowledgeable about the history of the properties and/or have technical expertise in innovative farming, agri-tourism, veteran services, and recreation.  All members must be committed to the success of this endeavor. 

D.    The Need for a Committee: Protecting the 307-acre Heath Farm was a major investment by the Town of Bethlehem to ensure that the lands could continue to grow crops rather than lost to development.  While the Town is deeply invested in ensuring that agriculture and green spaces remain as vital parts of our community, the Town is not in the business of farming.  As such, the Town has launched a StoryMap process to gather community insights and help identify potential future uses for the properties.  The Historic Heath Farm Advisory Committee is needed to help translate this community input into a viable, comprehensive vision for the properties and structures, and to start building partnerships that can translate this vision into a viable future.  

E.     Committee Meetings: The Committee will meet early on weekday mornings, likely once or twice a month beginning in the Fall of 2023.  The committee will serve for one year. At that time, the Town Board will assess the role and effectiveness of the Committee and decide whether to continue, restructure, or allow the committee to end.  Meetings will be open to the public, with a public comment period.