Hochul’s Genuine Effort to Accelerate Housing Approvals Excites Builders

New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul aims to tackle the state’s housing crisis by proposing amendments to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). This effort seeks to expedite housing approvals, making it easier for developers to create much-needed residential units.

Hochul’s Initiative to Streamline Housing Approvals

Governor Hochul announced her plan during her recent State of the State address. She emphasized the need for changes that would exempt certain housing projects from extensive environmental reviews. This move is designed to alleviate the delays that hinder vital housing development throughout New York.

Impact of SEQRA on Housing Development

Developers like Ryan Benz have faced significant hurdles due to SEQRA regulations. Benz and his partners invested over $1 million preparing an environmental impact statement for a redevelopment project at ShoppingTown mall. Although they won their court battle, lengthy litigation ultimately caused Benz’s $400 million proposal to fall through.

• Benz’s proposal included plans for housing and retail stores.
• Onondaga County is expected to release new development proposals soon.

Specifics of Hochul’s Proposal

The full details of the governor’s plan will be revealed in her upcoming budget presentation. Preliminary information indicates that the initiative will facilitate the review process for infill development in urban areas. Key criteria for fast-tracking include:

• Sites must be on previously disturbed land, avoiding undeveloped fields and forests.
• Projects should be located in areas with existing water and sewer infrastructure.
• There will be limits on the total number of housing units based on community density.

Support from Legislators and Developers

State Senator Rachel May from Syracuse has been a long-time advocate for housing reform. Her “Sustainable Affordable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act” shares similar goals to Hochul’s initiative, focusing on enhancing affordable housing development.

May expressed that streamlining the review process can prevent crippling delays often caused by legal challenges under SEQRA. These delays typically inflate project costs and can discourage developers entirely.

Concerns and Observations from Industry Experts

Industry professionals, like home builder Dan Barnaba, remain cautiously optimistic. They recognize the potential benefits of Hochul’s proposed changes but await further details to gauge its effectiveness in accelerating development.

According to a 2022 report by the Citizens Budget Commission, environmental reviews in New York City consume an average of two years. Additionally, they add between 11% to 16% to overall development costs. While the data may not directly apply to Upstate projects, the consensus among developers is that SEQRA imposes significant time and financial burdens.

Overall, Governor Hochul’s commitment to improving the housing approval process has garnered positive responses from both developers and housing advocates. The intent is to strike a balance between environmental protection and the urgent need for housing solutions across New York.

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