Developers Renew Fight to Build 161-Unit Vestal Housing Project

A Georgia company that develops student housing is continuing its effort to obtain approval for a project near the Binghamton University campus.

The Vestal town board last April approved the controversial 161-unit complex proposed by Landmark Properties for a 42-acre site off Bunn Hill and Jensen roads.

A state Supreme Court judge in February ruled the board failed to comply with state environmental review procedures when it acted on the planned project.

The town board had approved the creation of a planned development district for six contiguous parcels for the housing development.

Following the judge's decision, Vestal town supervisor John Schaffer said he expected the board would redo the environmental quality review following the appropriate procedures. At the time, he said the developers "definitely want to move forward" to build the "Retreat at Bunn Hill" project.

The town board has scheduled a public hearing on the plan to rezone the land for the development. The hearing is to be held at Vestal town hall next Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Project opponent Victor Lamoureux says those who have been fighting the rezoning effort plan to speak at the public hearing.

Lamoureux, who lives near the project site south of the Binghamton University campus, says residents are concerned about increased traffic and infrastructure changes that would be made if the housing complex is built.

Lamoureux said those opposed to the project are "committed to preserving the nature of this residential neighborhood."

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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