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An Overview of Bethel Located in northern Fairfield County, Bethel is a middle sized town of 18,067 population that appeals to a broad range of families in terms of age, income level, and personal interests. Bethel is noted for a strong sense of community spirit, respect for common sense in local government, and an upbeat attitude toward life in general. Single family homes provide 75% of the housing units in Bethel; multifamily condominiums and apartments, 25%. Single family homes include traditional colonial, raised ranch, split level, and ranch designs. During the past ten years, its population has grown 3%. Its current annual growth rate is estimated at 1.24%. Bethel is regarded as an ideal middle-income residential community due to its ease of access to cultural, educational, and recreation resources in Fairfield County, New York, Hartford, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The form of government is the open town meeting, headed by a Board of Selectmen. Thereby, a resident of Bethel is able to voice his opinion and vote on current public issues. An active recreational program is provided each year for Bethel residents of all ages. Communication of current and future activities in Bethel is provided by two local newspapers, two local radio stations, and a cable TV station. Each section of land in Bethel is zoned for residential housing, commercial businesses, light industry, or open space Location Bethel combines close proximity to major job markets in New York City, Westchester County, and Fairfield County with the presence of a "small town" community environment. It is located approximately 58 miles northwest of New York City, 38 miles northwest of White Plains, 33 miles northwest of Stamford, and 46 miles west of Hartford. Bethel has a population of 18,067 with a per annum growth rate of 1.24% within a land area of 16.79 square miles. Its total school enrollment is 3300 with an average class size of 22 pupils. The per capita income is $29,000 and the real estate tax rate is 31.44 mils at 70% assessment. Commuters into New York City can take the train from Bethel or West Redding. History Bethel, which is translated as "House of God" in Hebrew, was settled in the early 1700's. It was part of the Town of Danbury until 1855, when the Connecticut General Assembly finally granted it status as a township. Residents of Bethel first petitioned the State for township status back in 1797 on the grounds that they were not being fairly represented at Danbury Town Meetings. It took 58 years for their efforts to be rewarded! This sense of determination is still evident in Bethel's government. The most famous resident of Bethel was P.T. Barnum, born in Bethel in 1810. He moved to New York City where he bought out and expanded the American Museum in 1841. In 1871, he created the Barnum Circus and which later merged and became the Barnum-Bailey Circus in 1881. The principle business in Bethel during the 19th century was farming, particularly small farms owned and worked by individual families. Many of these farms continued into the 1950's. Two farms that are still in operation are the Blue Jay Orchards and Sunrise Herb Farm. A second major type of business in Bethel was the hatting industry, dating back to 1793. The hatting industry, which flourished in the 1800's, gradually faded out during the 20th century and was replaced with light industry. Today Bethel is home to many small to medium sized companies. The presence of these companies has been beneficial in reducing residential tax rates. Education System Bethel schools are situated in a unique, campus setting. All five of the school buildings are clustered in a beautiful 140-acre "education park", which serves as a focal point for many town activities. Athletic fields, tennis courts, bocce courts, playgrounds, a jogging track, and walking trails attract the community to the park. The close proximity of the schools allows staff and parents to move conveniently from one facility to another. The Bethel Library, located in the center of Bethel, complements the educational program provided by the school system. It also serves as a meeting place for many adult organizations. Nearby, the Teen Center serves as an informal meeting place for teenagers in the community. Bethel Parks Places of Worship Bethel is home to a broad range of places of worship, both Christian and Jewish. The social philosophy of Bethel is non-discriminatory in terms of race or religion. Its residents support the doctrine of inclusion not exclusion. Health Providers In terms of health providers, Bethel residents are serviced by two major hospital systems- Danbury and Norwalk. Medical and dental offices are located also in Bethel, Georgetown, and Ridgefield. |