Construction began on the Retreat at Bunn Hill in the Fall of last year and is expected to continue through the Fall of 2026. The Vestal Town Board began receiving complaints from the nearby residents soon after construction began. The members of the Town Board would like all our residents to know that our Town Engineers, Code Officers, an independent engineering firm, and the DEC are working constantly, and cooperatively, to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations in order to minimize the impact on nearby residents. We are listening to every resident complaint and addressing every condition, as much as possible.
The following measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the project:
The construction site is inspected by a Town Code Officer almost daily. Over 100 site inspections have been conducted.
The site is also inspected by an independent engineering company weekly to ensure compliance with the project’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Inspection reports are reviewed by the Town’s engineering department.
All applicable Town Codes are being enforced. The Code Department will stop construction if Town Codes are not adhered to.
Construction entrances are designed to capture mud and debris from construction vehicles before they leave the site, in compliance with the NYS Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Settlement Control, and are inspected weekly.
Fencing of the site was installed prior to the project commencing. This provides visual screening, site security, and aids in the containment of dust.
Flag Personnel are present daily to control traffic.
Police officers monitor the area and provide presence when needed.
Our Town Engineer, the Town Supervisor, and Town Board members have been speaking to (and meeting with) residents regarding their complaints. Our Town Engineer has achieved compliance and correction from the development company and construction company where any deficiencies have been noted. Both companies have been cooperative. The following additional measures have been implemented in response to resident complaints:
Large numbers of trees have been planted to provide buffer and screening for the closest residents.
During the recent lack of rain, the roads were watered throughout the day to minimize the airborne dust. This is the standard treatment for reducing dust during construction activities.
A physical shield was added to the surveillance camera to protect the closest residents.
The flag personnel were repositioned to be more effective.
The members of the Town Board would like all our residents know that we understand the impact that this project, due to its size, has on the residents that live near the construction site. The Town Board, Town Engineers, and Code Officers will continue to act to ensure the safety of the project and minimize the impact on nearby residents, for the duration of the project.