Please be safe! Do not drive or go outside unnecessarily this weekend!
The weather is expected to be brutally cold the entire weekend. The low temperatures, accompanied by strong winds, are very dangerous. Despite the best efforts of our Highway personnel, the roads are slippery and/or icy, due to the extreme temperatures. Frostbite will set in quickly if you are exposed to the cold, no matter how warmly you are dressed. Please stay indoors and do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
Thank you to all our town personnel from our Highway, Parks , and Water departments who are trying to make the roads safer! Thank you to all our emergency personnel (police and volunteer fire and EMS) who are ready to assist our residents. Please do not call them unless you really need them. The weather is dangerous for them as well.
If you do not have enough heat, or your heat stops functioning, please go to a warming center. Information below.
Stay warm and safe!
Drop-in warming center:
Vestal Public Library - 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY
Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Overnight emergency shelters:
Broome County Department of Social Services - 36-42 Main Street, Binghamton NY
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
UPComfort/Warming Center - 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY
Sun – Thurs 6:30PM – 9:00PM
**Can be accessed after 9 PM via DSS emergency after hours phone number, 607-778-3885
United Presbyterian Church – 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY
Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31
5:00PM – 9:00AM both nights
YWCA (for single women)
80 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY
76 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY
YMCA (for single men)
61 Susquehanna Street, Binghamton, NY
Volunteers of America (for single men)
320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY
The Fire District would like to ask all residents and businesses to remove the snow around the fire hydrants on/near their property. Clearing the snow ensures that the firemen can begin working immediately, if they need to. Thank you to all our volunteer fire personnel!
Emergency Travel Only
Just a reminder to all our residents, please do not drive unless absolutely necessary. The roads are dangerous due to the snow and frigid temperatures, despite the best efforts of our personnel. Please wait to travel until the storm is over, and the roads are completely cleared. Thank you again to all our personnel from our Highway, Parks, and Water departments that are out plowing today, and will be out for the remainder of the storm!
All of our emergency personnel are working, and ready to assist our residents, but the roads are dangerous for them also. Please do not call them unless you really need them. Thank you to our police officers, and our volunteer ambulance and fire personnel that are working today, and every emergency!
Thank you also to our Emergency Management personnel, Tom McCartney, Bob Hamilton and Clay Ellis! They are volunteers and are monitoring conditions today, ready to respond, and do so in every emergency.
Stay safe and warm!
Prepare For The Storm
We encourage all of our residents to prepare for the upcoming winter storm.
Please do not drive during the storm, unless absolutely necessary. Wait until the storm is over, and the roads are safe. Please prepare as much as possible. Suggestions below.
Thank you to all our town employees that will be plowing the roads to make them safe! Led, by our Highway Superintendent, Donnie Younker, personnel from our Highway, Parks, and Water Departments all answer the call, working hard through this (and every) storm, day and night, serving our residents. Please make sure all vehicles and obstacles are off the road so that they can plow safely and effectively.
Please stay warms and safe!
❄️❄️❄️WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS - MAJOR STORMS ❄️❄️❄️
BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Have cash available in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice may take time
Town Board Meeting - Notice of New Business
The Town of Vestal will be able to build the Carousel in Arnold Park.
The Town expects to receive $550,000 in grants from NYS, and $90,000 from a grant from a community fund. Additionally, the Town has received $21,100 from private individuals and families. While the fundraising for private donations is just getting started, the grant money allows us to begin building the carousel. Private donations will be needed for the restoration work to complete the project.
The Town Board will be voting this evening on two key items needed for the carousel, the engineering, and the first step of the restoration. All bidding requirements have been followed, and the companies have been selected. CLICK HERE for information on these agreements.
We expect to break ground on the construction of the carousel this spring.
We hope that all our residents will join us in making this exciting project a reality.
Change of Public Hearing Date
The following public hearings scheduled for 1/14/2026 have been rescheduled for February 11, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
1. Public Hearing regarding a Vehicle Service Station Special Use Permit for Williams Auto Group with the property address of 3401 Vestal Road, Tax Map # 158.07-2-16 and 3339 Vestal Road, Tax Map # 158.07-2-14.2
2. Public Hearing regarding an Aquifer Zoning Special Permit for Williams Auto Group with the property address of 3401 Vestal Road, Tax Map # 158.07-2-16 and 3339 Vestal Road, Tax Map # 158.07-2-14.2
Four Ways to Pay Your Taxes
January taxes are now due for Vestal residents This tax bill includes includes County taxes and Fire District taxes, in addition to the local Town taxes. The Vestal Town Board was able to keep the 2026 town taxes under the tax cap, and will continue to work to control local taxes for our residents.
Vestal residents now have additional ways to pay their taxes. You may pay online, via drop box, by mail, or in person. Details below.
Online:
Payments can be made through Taxlookup.net by e-check or credit card. (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
Secure Drop Box:
Payments by check may be dropped off in a secure drop box in the Police Department lobby at Vestal Town Hall (605 Vestal Pkwy W. Vestal). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
By Mail:
Payments by check can be mailed to the Vestal Town Clerk (605 Vestal Pkwy W. Vestal, NY 13850).
In-Person:
Payments by cash or check can be made in person at the Vestal Town Clerk’s Office (605 Vestal Pkwy W. Vestal) Monday through Friday 8:30 – 4:30.
The first edition of the Town of Vestal Newsletter is now available!
The newsletter will be published quarterly, and will contain new articles and articles on the events in the prior months. . Residents may sign up to receive the newsletter by email and/or text, and may opt to receive new articles as they are published. If you haven't signed up to receive the newsletter yet, please sign up now. It is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
CLICK HERE to receive the next newsletter by email and/or text.
CLICK HERE to read the first Town of Vestal Newsletter.
If you signed up for the newsletter, but did not receive it, please email Maria Sexton at msexton@vestalny.gov so that it can be corrected.
Happy New Year! :
New! Town of Vestal Newsletter!
Maria Sexton
The Town of Vestal will now have a free quarterly newsletter for our residents. Residents must sign up to receive the newsletter, and may choose to receive it via email or text.
The newsletter will provide residents with recent town news, as well as new articles and information. Readers will be able to read a quick summary or read full articles, with all the information and details.
Residents may also choose to receive all the latest news articles as they are published, enabling them to stay informed throughout the year.
We encourage all our residents to sign up to receive the latest town news. All notifications are free, and the subscription may be cancelled at any time.
CLICK HERE to sign up now.
A Carousel in Arnold Park is Possible
The Vestal Town Board is happy to announce that it is possible for Vestal to build a fully restored carousel. The Old Village of Union Historical Society, in the honor of Ted Warner, has donated the parts of an original 1917 Herschell Carousel to the Town of Vestal. Some parts are missing, some need to be replaced, and all the wood needs to be restored. It will be a big project, but we are confident that we can do it. The carousel would be free forever and would be a part of our community for generations to come.
The project will cost about 1 million dollars to complete and must be funded by grants and donations. We believe that we will receive $300,000 in state grant money and will be pursuing other grant opportunities. The rest of the money must come from donations. The project will be built, and restored, as we receive the necessary donations. If we want a carousel in Vestal, we need to do this together.
The carousel will be built in Arnold Park and will be open seasonally. Arnold Park is a great location because it has a playground, sports fields, hiking trails, a large parking lot, and bathrooms. Physically, the park covers almost 100 acres, has a level area to build, has electricity, and is not in a flood zone. Families would be able to go to the park, enjoy all these activities, and ride the carousel. All for free. The park also has gazebos that can be rented for family gatherings.
A free carousel in Arnold Park would be a wonderful addition to our community, for our families today and many generations to come. Our Town personnel are ready to build and restore it. If we, as a community, pull together to fund it, we can make it a reality.
Please visit the News section of the Town website for details and information. CLICK HERE for more information.
Vestal Election Results
Thank you to all Vestal residents that voted in this election!
Two seats on the Vestal Town Board and a proposition regarding tax collection were decided.
Congratulations to Sue Messina and Matt Padbury! Sue has been re-elected and will serve another full term on the Board. Matt will be joining the Board as its newest member, graciously agreeing to begin work right away. Matt will be appointed to the Board at the next Board meeting, filling the vacant seat, and will continue to serve on the Board for his full elected term.
The proposition regarding Vestal tax collection was passed and will replace the 2021 local law that had procedural errors. The errors have been corrected, and taxes will continue to be collected locally by the Town, as they are now.
Have a great weekend!
Vestal Election - Two Town Board Seats and a Proposition
Maria Sexton
October 24, 2025
The Vestal Town Board would like to encourage all our residents to vote in this election. There are two seats on the Town Board up for election and there is a Vestal referendum on the ballot.
The Vestal Town Board is comprised of five members, two of those seats are up for election. There are four candidates running for those two seats. The four candidates are (in alphabetical order): Andy Gowe, Sue Messina, Matt Padbury, and Bill Stewart. More information about the candidates can be found on their campaign websites and/or Facebook pages. The Press and Sun Bulletin and Pipe Dream both have articles/sections that include interviews and statements from the candidates.
The following are the news articles:
Press and Sun Bulletin:
https://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2025/10/21/vestal-town-board-2025-candidates/86675375007/
Pipe Dream:
https://www.bupipedream.com/election-issue-2025/2025-election-candidates/171108/
Additionally, Vestal has a proposition regarding the appointment of the position of Vestal Tax Collector on the ballot. This proposition would correct errors in the procedures of the 2021 referendum. If passed, the position of Tax Collector will be appointed by the Town Board annually. There will not be any changes to tax collection for our residents. Taxes will still be collected locally, and residents will still have the same four options for payment that they have now (in person at Town Hall, electronically, by mail, or via a 24/7 secure drop box in the Police Department lobby). CLICK HERE for the full article on the proposition.
Town of Vestal Ballot Proposition
The Vestal Town Board would like all our residents to be aware that there is a proposition on the ballot pertaining to Vestal this election. This proposition has been put forth by the Town Board to correct a procedural error that occurred in 2021 under the prior Town Board.
In 2021 the Vestal Town Board passed Local Law 2, which changed the position of Tax Collector from an elected to an appointed position. A public referendum was passed, as required. It was recently discovered that the description of the law that the public saw when they voted in 2021 was incorrect. It did not accurately summarize Local Law 2 of 2021, as required. The descriptions for propositions that are on a ballot must be accurate, therefore it must be corrected. Residents must know what they are voting on.
The proposition on the ballot this year is a correction of the original procedure in 2021. The current Town Board passed a new local law this year, and has put forth the proposition to our residents. The description of the local law on this ballot is accurate. If the proposition passes, the Town Board will appoint a Tax Collector annually.
The members of the Town Board would like to assure our residents that tax collection in Vestal will not change. We will continue to collect taxes locally. Residents will continue to be able to pay online, in person at Town Hall, by mail, or via the 24/7 secure drop box in the lobby of the Police Department.
The Vestal Town Board members hope that our residents vote yes to the proposition so that that the error that occurred in 2021 can be corrected.
Please CLICK HERE to read the 2025 Local Law:
All Owners of Rental Properties in Vestal Must Register
In Vestal all owners of residential and rural rental properties must register with the Town of Vestal Police Department by December 8th, 2025. The registration establishes a contact person that will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the rental property. There is no fee for registration but there are escalating fines for non-compliance by the deadline. This registration will assist the Vestal Code Department obtain compliance in instances where rental properties are neglected, and out of compliance with town codes.
Rental properties are defined and the procedures are explained in the Local Law. CLICK HERE to visit the NEWS section on the Town website for more information.
The Vestal Assessor's Office will be closed on Friday, October 17, 2025, then will be open from 10 am - 2 pm Monday - Friday for the remainder of the year.
Public Hearing on the 2026 Fire District Budget
A PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Vestal Fire Department, Station #3, 2164 Owego Road, Vestal, New York 13850, in the Town of Vestal, State of New York on the 21st day of October 2025.
CLICK HERE to view the Notice of Public Hearing
CLICK HERE to view the 2026 Proposed Vestal Fire District Budget
The Vestal Fire Department Expo will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. In the Barnes and Noble parking lot at Town Square Mall. Come view equipment, watch fire safety demonstrations, and gather information regarding fire safety!
Burn Ban in Effect
New York State has issued a burn ban for the next two weeks because of a lingering drought that has lead to a high wildfire risk in many parts of the state. The statewide ban is in place from October 2 through October 15.
The ban includes burning brush and debris; having uncontained fires, including campfires; and using open fires used for cooking.
Still allowed: small, contained cooking fires, backyard fire pits, contained campfires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet long.
Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited all year.