No “Retreat” for Vestal Residents Near Bunn Hill Project

Some people who live near a planned 700-resident community being built in Vestal have found it difficult to relax lately.

Construction crews are using heavy equipment to transform a 43-acre site south of the Binghamton University campus into a massive housing development.

Residents of the area between Bunn Hill Road and Jensen Road have been complaining about noise, surveillance cameras and other problems associated with the project.

Workers typically are on the job 12 hours a day - from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Giant earth-moving vehicles and other equipment are preparing the site for the construction of 161 "cottage-style" units for what will Landmark Properties calls "The Retreat at Bunn Hill."

One nearby resident said her house "shakes and rumbles" almost non-stop because of the work on the project. She said there's been pounding and thumping as equipment is used to compact the soil.

Vestal town supervisor Maria Sexton said steps have been taken to respond to complaints about the construction operation.

Sexton said the town engineer and code enforcement department have been monitoring the project. She said they are "making sure that every safety protocol" and every code issue is followed.

Sexton said changes were made to the video surveillance system set up at the site. She said the installed camera "was kind of high and looked like it would cover houses," creating privacy concerns. She said that issue was addressed.

Georgia-based Landmark Properties won't discuss any aspect of the Vestal project.

In response to a WNBF News inquiry, a representative for the company wrote: "Landmark has to decline commentary at this time but we’ll be sure to keep you posted with any new developments on the project."

Landmark acquired the property for the housing development from the Kradjian family last October for $6.8 million.

The project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the Vestal construction site on July 2, 2025.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.