Some Hudson Valley officials and business community leaders are reacting positively to an initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to make reforms to the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). SEQRA requires that a project be evaluated from an environmental perspective. Some environmental reviews during the permitting process are required to be extensive and can take many months to complete.
Hochul’s proposals include streamlining environmental impact statements (EIS) as well as exempting more types of projects from requirements for preparation of an EIS. There would be fast-track environmental review processes for infrastructure that would be located at previously disturbed areas. Reforms would exempt certain types of housing that have no significant impacts on the environment from additional SEQRA review. There was no indication of how long it might take to enact the reforms.
“For far too long needless, outdated red tape has stood in the way of the housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need to address the housing crisis and make life more affordable in communities across our state,” Hochul said on Feb. 10. “It is time that we cut the red tape that too often slows down projects and let communities build, so we can offer all New Yorkers the more affordable and livable state that they deserve and attract new residents who want to call New York home.”
Hochul’s office figures that it can take as much as 56% longer in New York state than in other states for a developer to get from concept to groundbreaking. They say that longer projects equal higher costs.
Westchester County Association President and CEO Michael Romita said, “Governor Hochul’s SEQRA reforms are a very important step toward addressing the state’s critical housing shortage. Over the past half century, SEQRA has become increasingly abused by overuse and modernization is overdue. These reforms do not override local control, and they don’t require communities to change their zoning. Rather, they empower local officials to meet today’s needs.”
According to New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, “Lengthy, duplicative review processes can slow down projects residents are counting on. By reducing unnecessary delays and improving coordination, these reforms will help lower costs, increase transparency, and allow municipalities like ours to plan and build more effectively.”
Peekskill Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie said, “For local governments, time matters. These reforms respect environmental protections while giving cities and towns the tools we need to plan, build, and grow responsibly.”
Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen said, “Local leaders have been calling for SEQRA reform for years. I’m cautiously optimistic this proposal can help communities deliver the housing our residents need while cutting unnecessary red tape.”
White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch expressed support for what he termed common-sense changes that “cut through unnecessary red tape while striking the right balance-encouraging smart growth and preserving zoning authority, home rule, and environmental integrity. As the fastest-growing city in New York state, White Plains needs tools that allow us to build faster and more affordably, and this plan delivers.”
Administrative red tape, including extensive SEQRA reviews have added millions in costs to projects in Mount Vernon, according to Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
“By modernizing SEQRA for projects with no significant environmental impact, we are clearing the path for the affordable homes and modern housing our families need while remaining steadfast stewards of our environment,” Patterson-Howard said.
Village of Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino said, “Thoughtful modernization of the SEQRA process … can preserve strong environmental protections while improving coordination, reducing unnecessary delays, and providing greater predictability for communities that are ready to build responsibly. These reforms will help municipalities like Port Chester move the next phase of housing and mixed-use projects forward more efficiently, control project costs, and continue strengthening and expanding vibrant, sustainable downtowns that support long-term economic growth.”
Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht predicted, “Common sense streamlining of outdated regulations will allow us to address the lack of affordable housing and upgrade critical infrastructure. As a pro-housing community, we look forward to smart, sustainable development for our residents.”
Business Council of Westchester Vice President John Ravits noted that the BCW has been an advocate of SEQRA reform and what Hochul is proposing would be “a practical step toward helping communities get projects built more efficiently. By reducing unnecessary delays while maintaining strong environmental safeguards and public engagement, these reforms will lower costs, improve timelines, and support the housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects our region needs.”
City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “Local governments want to move forward on housing and infrastructure projects that our communities need, but the process can be slow and unpredictable. These changes would give cities like Kingston greater certainty, help control costs, and allow us to plan and build more effectively for our residents.”
The Building & Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley CEO Tim Foley said, “Too often the very projects that would be a net benefit for the environment and the community get ensnared in lengthy, unpredictable, and costly environmental reviews and challenges. We applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership in proposing a way to clear these logjams and create incentives for the kind of mildly-dense, sustainably-built housing we need to secure an affordable New York for all who wish to live and work here.”