Garnar Criticizes Sexton's Handling of Vestal Motel Violations

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has blasted Vestal town supervisor Maria Sexton for her response to conditions at a motel used for emergency housing.

Garnar criticized Sexton as "incredibly unprofessional, reckless and cruel" after a town inspection of the motel on the Vestal Parkway revealed code violations.

Garnar said the town supervisor advised the county on June 30 that she wanted all motel residents removed while repairs were made. He said the county sent its own inspectors to the Parkway Inn and they concluded an immediate evacuation was not needed.

A section of the Parkway Inn in Vestal on July 14, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Garnar said the town never provided its inspection report to the county. He said Sexton verbally stated the 75 residents at the motel needed to leave immediately. The written violation notice gives the property owner 30 days to correct the violations and it does not require people to leave.

The county executive said forcing several dozen "vulnerable people" out of the Parkway Inn would create "an unnecessary housing crisis."

During a WNBF News interview, Garnar said he is "very concerned" about Sexton's behavior in dealing with the situation. He said when he asked her what would happen if the residents were "put out on the street in Vestal," she replied: "That's not my problem. That's your problem."

A sign at the entrance to the Parkway Inn on the Vestal Parkway on July 14, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Sexton late Tuesday afternoon released a lengthy statement contending the town's code officer had found "horrific conditions at the motel" and determined the place was unsafe for occupancy.

Sexton wrote the county pays almost $2 million a year to the motel's owner. She said "this is unacceptable on every level."

When a reporter visited the Parkway Inn, it appeared only a section of the motel was in use.

Some of the rooms at the Parkway Inn motel were empty on July 14, 2026 while work was underway. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Several residents were observed relaxing outdoors during the unusually warm afternoon.

The doors on the rooms in one building were open as repair or renovation work appeared to be underway.

The owner of the motel declined to comment about the town's recent inspection. He referred a reporter to a Binghamton attorney who was not immediately available to discuss the situation.

Conditions at Broome County motels used for emergency housing have come under greater scrutiny since six people died as the result of an Endwell fire last month. That blaze occurred June 22 at the Knights Inn on East Main Street.

LISTEN: Broome County Executive Jason Garnar was interviewed on WNBF Radio on July 14, 2026.