The Vestal Town Board on 04 22 2024 made the decision to not try and repeal the high density student housing project.  They will not vote to repeal the PDD.

 

Minutes from the Town Board Meeting of 4/22/2024: 

 

Bunn Hill Housing Development Supervisor Sexton stated that the survey results are in and she has emailed it to each of the Town Board Members. Sexton will give an exact count at the Town Board Meeting on Weds night. Majority of the surveys came back that they were not in favor of the Bunn Hill Project and if possible to reverse the PDD. Sexton stated that there were however, a large number of surveys that felt they did not like the project but do not feel that we should reserve the PDD at this point. And others stated that they felt the development was good and that property owners have the right to do what they want on their property.

 

Supervisor Sexton stated that the facts are that we did a survey and Dan Reynolds Town Attorney has given us the Towns legal position. The VESTAL TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION MINUTES Monday, April 22, 2024 Page 5 of 8 Town would need a super majority to repeal the PDD and that it is a liability to the Town. Our insurance company will not be covering the Town if we proceed in the reversal of Bunn Hill Project. The Town has defended themselves for five years for the project and for us to turn around now to reverse it would be a willful act of the Town and the Retreat at Bunn Hill will be successful in winning.

 

Councilman Miller stated that he realizes that the legal issues have been done and the courts have found that the Town did nothing illegal but he feels that the Town Board did something improper. Millers states that the Town Board ignoring the Planning Board opinion twice was improper.

 

Councilwoman Messina stated that Councilman Miller is incorrect and that the Planning Board is an advisory board and the Planning Board did approve of the project initially.

 

Supervisor Sextons stated that she would like to not proceed with this project but she must do what is right for the Town. Sexton states that it is too dangerous for the Town and Sexton believes that the Town will lose this lawsuit.

 

Councilman Greene would like to take more time to talk to the attorney of the Responsible Zoning of Vestal. Greene states that once they have permits and start working on the project then they have a vested interest and that changes things.

 

Several members of the Town Board stated that they already have a vested interest, permits have been issued and work has begun.

 

A vote will not be taken to appeal the PDD.