Vestal Residents Concerned About Nursing Home Project

People who live near the site of a proposed nursing home in the town of Vestal are worried about potential traffic and flooding issues if the project is approved.

Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is planning to build a facility on Sheedy Road, just west of Route 26.

The previous Vestal Park site off Vestal Road sustained heavy damage in the 2011 flood.

Edward Zyskowski, who lives near the project site, has asked town officials to delay action on the planned nursing home.

Zyskowski said storm water runoff has caused problems for people who live nearby in recent years. He noted the issue already exists. He's concerned it could worsen with the construction of the nursing home and a proposed community center on the other side of Route 26.

Zyskowski also said increased traffic will create safety concerns in the residential neighborhood. He said safety issues at the nearby Route 26 intersections will worsen with the additional traffic generated by nursing home workers and visitors.

Referring to the Route 26 intersections, Zyskowski said: "It's a deadly situation. It's an accident waiting to happen."

A public hearing was held last month on the proposal to rezone the site for the nursing home project.

Zyskowski is asking the town board to hold a meeting with local residents before acting on the rezoning request.