Development on Bunn Hill to continue, Town Board will not vote to repeal
After years of debate, a legal battle and public outcry, the Bunn Hill development will officially go ahead unopposed by the Vestal Town Board.
In a work session on Monday, board members discussed voting to repeal the zoning law allowing the development to proceed, but determined there will be no vote on the issue, according to Vestal Town Supervisor Maria Sexton.
Sexton said if it came to a vote, the majority of the board would not vote to repeal, and even a successful vote would open the town to further lawsuits which would not be protected by insurance given the circumstances.
In 2022, the previous town board, which included current board members Sue Messina and Stephen Donnelly, voted unanimously to change the development area, which was originally a rural residential zone, to a planned development district (PDD).
Board members Robert Greene and Glenn Miller, alongside Sexton, campaigned against the project in their elections last year.
Background: Vestal development debate continues at board meeting
Bunn Hill development to move forward in Vestal
Earlier this month, an online survey was made available to Vestal residents, with the purpose of hearing as many voices as possible regarding the development on Bunn Hill. The town received 262 responses. According to Sexton, while the majority of the responses opposed the development, some in opposition raised concerns about the town's legal vulnerability in the case of a successful repeal vote.
Sexton also said a significant number of respondents said the development should proceed for a variety of reasons including support for the development and concern about further lawsuits.
According to an email from Sexton, repealing the area's designation as a Planned Development District (PDD) would create significant problems for Vestal.
"The landowner had the Town’s permission to build for five years, had spent a large amount of money to fight a court case (brought by Vestal residents), and has already stated that they will definitely sue if the PDD is reversed," said Sexton. "Since the repeal of the PDD would be an intentional act, with predictable consequences, the Town’s insurance against litigation would not cover any court ordered judgements or expenses incurred as a result of the litigation."
In an April 16 email, Miller said he continued to oppose the project.
"My stance on The Retreat at Bunn Hill is the same as when I was campaigning," said Miller. "I do not believe the location is proper for a variety of reasons. The development itself may have some positive impact to Vestal, just not at that location. I would rather see the developer consider a different location in Vestal for the project."
Donnelly, who originally opposed the project, said he ended up supporting it after learning more about it.
"It is a very good project for the town, and is one that will have a minimal impact on the town from a negative perspective," said Donnelly. "If anything, there are a lot of benefits because this developer has been very symbiotic in working with the town and in trying to get this to a favorable resolution not only for their project, but for the residents around it too."
Sexton said while this specific development will not see further opposition from the board, future developments will be evaluated and planned "much more carefully" to avoid similar situations from arising.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vestal Supervisor says Bunn Hill development will continue unopposed
