A fight is shaping up in Albany over how New York approves new housing, according to Spectrum News 1. Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to overhaul the state’s decades-old environmental review law, arguing it slows housing and climate-friendly projects.
Her budget proposal would streamline the State Environmental Quality Review Act process and exempt certain developments, including some mixed-use housing, child care facilities, and infrastructure projects. Supporters say the changes could cut red tape and lower building costs.
Environmental groups warn the plan could weaken protections and ignore local concerns. Legislative leaders expect SEQRA reform to become one of the most contentious issues as budget negotiations move toward an April 1 deadline.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].