Developer Hopes $70M Vestal Housing Project Will Move Forward

The status of a massive student housing complex planned for a Vestal site across from Binghamton University remains uncertain.

Jared Hutter of New Jersey-based Aptitude Development on Wednesday declined to answer questions about the $70 million project that's been proposed for the Vestal Parkway property.

The site - which had been home to a Quality Inn hotel - was acquired by the company in June for $10 million.

Hutter told WNBF News during a brief phone conversation that he is "not sure" when demolition of the old structure will start. It had been expected to begin several weeks ago.

Hutter said the company is "still working on a handful of things" for the planned housing complex but "other than that I have no comment."

When asked whether he expected the project would go forward, Hutter said "we hope so."

Preliminary work, including asbestos removal, has been underway. There was some activity observed at the site Wednesday afternoon.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar had anticipated the demolition would have  been underway by now. On Wednesday, he said he had been under the impression it would have started by end of May.

Garnar said "doing these types of projects" can be difficult and while it may not be moving on the timeline he expected, it appears to be "a pretty active site."

The county executive said he anticipates the actual demolition of the old hotel will start soon.

The status of the project was discussed briefly during the July meeting of the Broome County Industrial Develop Agency board of directors.

Board member Richard Bucci expressed concern about the lack of information from the developer. He suggested the situation raised some "red flags" in his mind.

Garnar said he believes work at the site has "just been delayed for whatever reason" but "my expectation is that project is going to happen."

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A view of the Vestal Parkway project site on August 6, 2025.

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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.