Vestal development debate continues at board meeting: Bunn Hill project update

Vestal residents have until April 15 to voice their concerns regarding the development of a new housing complex on Bunn Hill Road.

At a special meeting Thursday evening, Vestal Town Board members shared information regarding the project and answered questions about The Retreat at Bunn Hill, while also encouraging residents to take part in a town survey.

During the meeting, about 10 residents spoke out against the project, with dozens cheering them on and clapping from the audience.

According to Dan Reynolds, Town of Vestal Attorney, the Town Board has the opportunity to repeal the law which is allowing development to occur, but they would need a supermajority of at least four votes to do so.

The zoning change passed by the last Town Board which permits development on Bunn Hill Road has been extensively litigated in court, and ultimately deemed legal.

Five years of controversy

Following an unsuccessful lawsuit and appeal from a group opposed to the development, developers are moving ahead with their proposed housing project. In 2021, the development was unanimously approved by the town board. Residents have been critical of housing development on Bunn Hill since 2019, when the first project was proposed and swiftly shut down.

The town's approval decision came after numerous town meetings and vocal opposition from residents, who were against the spot-zoning, and said it would lead to overcrowding, traffic, erosion, overdevelopment, and called it an oversaturation of student housing.

Thursday night's board meeting

Thursday's board meeting began with Reynolds informing residents on the legal status of the project, and continued with a question-and-answer section followed by a section for public comment.

While the town board does have the option to repeal the zoning change passed by the last board, Reynolds said the decision would open the town up to further lawsuits, which could cause monetary damages.

A representative for the company planning to develop on Bunn Hill was present at the meeting, but refused to answer questions from the audience. During the meeting, no residents spoke in favor of development.

According to Vestal Town Supervisor Maria Sexton, who alongside Vestal Board Members Robert Greene and Glenn Miller, ran on a platform against the development, residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey which will be posted soon to make sure their voices are heard.

In a statement released on Friday morning, Vestal Town Board Member Stephen Donnelly, called Thursday's meeting a "complete waste of time."

"There will be no repealing of the local law for many reasons, one of which is Sexton doesn’t have the votes," said Donnelly. "This needs to be finished so we can focus on the project at hand and other town business rather than giving residents false hope of the Bunn Hill project going away as it is progressing full speed ahead."

Why are people opposed to the Bunn Hill project?

At the meeting, Vestal residents brought up a variety of reasons they did not support the project planned for Bunn Hill. One reason shared by multiple residents was the dangers that come with increased traffic on a road residents called "narrow, steep and dangerous." Residents said students traveling up and down the road, especially during the winter months, would be at higher risk of slipping or getting into car accidents.

Other concerns raised by residents revolves around sewer and water backflow, low tax revenue and outdated traffic and environmental studies, which were last conducted five years ago in the area. According to Donnelly, the developer has stated they will not seek tax abatements, but residents expressed doubt that this would remain true in the future.

Another problem raised by multiple residents comes from environmental aspects of the project. One resident, who lives at the bottom of Bunn Hill, said the vast amounts of water necessary to sustain the development would inevitably create more erosion on the creek which travels down Bunn Hill, damaging the nature at the base of the hill and shrinking property lines.

Another Vestal resident remarked that the original zoning, ensured the safety of green, natural areas which would be removed due to development, disrupting wildlife and the nature which has been protected until now.

"There are fifteen houses down there; Look at the banks and look at that erosion," said one resident. "We need you to help us — that is what the board is for. Don't let them do this."

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vestal development project debate continues: Bunn Hill latest