The Town of Vestal relies on volunteers to help our community, and we are very thankful for their assistance. Many residents serve on our boards, committees, and commissions, devoting their time, and utilizing their experience and expertise, to help our residents and our community. Our technical boards, committees, and commissions are essential to ensure appropriate development, fair review of assessments, and the protection of our residents and the environment.
Three of our boards have vacancies and are seeking new members and/or alternates: The Board of Assessment Review, The Zoning Board, and the Planning Board. We hope that you consider applying for one of the vacant positions. Information below.
Thank you to all our residents that serve on our boards, committees, and commissions! Your work truly makes a difference!
The following boards have vacancies:
The Board of Assessment Review (BAR):
The BAR is an independent Board, tasked with the fair review of individual assessments. When a Vestal property owner believes that his/her property is not assessed correctly the BAR reviews the assessment and determines whether the assessment is correct. The Board assesses the facts and has the power to change incorrect assessments.
Openings: There are vacant positions on the Board, and as alternates, and are available. Alternates are encouraged to attend all the hearings to ensure that all scheduled cases can be heard. (The Board cannot hear cases if enough members are not present.)
Commitment: After residents submit applications, the BAR begins meeting in the last week of May and continues to meet until all scheduled cases are heard, deliberated, and decisions reached. Typically, the commitment is for a month (dependent on the number of cases that must be heard). Each member and alternate is appointed by the Town Board for a term of five years. Training is required and is provided.
Qualifications: Experience and/or expertise in property valuation is necessary. Although training will be available, each person who serves must understand how property is valued to ensure that the decisions are fair and accurate.
Application: If interested in volunteering for the BAR, please contact Debora Panicek at (607) 748-1514 ext. 330 or dpanicek@vestalny.gov for more information, or to apply.
The Zoning Board:
The Zoning Board reviews applications for special use permits and variances and makes decisions on zoning appeals. Essentially, they decide if something should be allowed in an area, based on the zoning regulations. The goal of the Board is to maintain present zoning, but allow for unique instances which require special exceptions, but are consistent with the present zoning and are appropriate for the area.. Their work helps ensure that residents are protected from inappropriate development.
Openings: One alternate position is vacant, and available. Alternates are encouraged to attend all meetings, to ensure that all scheduled cases can be heard.
Commitment: The Zoning Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 pm, as needed. Members are appointed by the Town Board for a five-year term and are required to complete at least four hours of training a year.
Qualifications: Some experience and/or expertise in zoning regulations is necessary, and members must be familiar with the community. NYS requires that members must be residents of the municipality, at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen.
Application: If you are interested in the Zoning Board, please contact Debora Panicek at (607) 748-1514 ext. 330 or dpanicek@vestalny.gov for more information, or to apply.
The Planning Board:
The Planning Board reviews all proposed projects and proposed changes to existing sites. They review site plans for building construction, additions, rehabilitations, land partitions, change of building use, change of building tenants, and sub-divisions to ensure that the plans comply with the code and law.
Openings: One alternate position is vacant, and is available. Alternates are encouraged to attend all meetings to ensure that all scheduled cases are heard.
Commitment: Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, as needed. Training is required and is provided. A minimum of four hours of training each year must be completed. Members and alternates are appointed by the Town Board and serve a five year term.
Qualifications: Experience and/or expertise is preferred, but not required, including: civil or environmental engineering, planning, landscape architecture, site contracting, and real estate and development.
Application: If interested in the Planning Board, please contact Debora Panicek at (607) 748-1514 ext. 330 or dpanicek@vestalny.gov for more information, or to apply.
Thank you again to our residents who serve on our boards, committees, and commissions, helping our residents and our community!