Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing a sweeping overhaul of New York’s environmental review process, and leaders in the Finger Lakes — particularly in Ontario County — say the proposal could unlock long-stalled housing and infrastructure projects.
The governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda, unveiled as part of her 2026 State of the State, would amend the State Environmental Quality Review Act, commonly known as SEQRA, to speed up housing and infrastructure projects that have been consistently found not to have significant environmental impacts. The proposal also establishes clearer timelines for environmental reviews and streamlines permitting for projects such as clean water systems, green infrastructure, parks and child care centers.
“For far too long needless, outdated red tape has stood in the way of the housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need to address the housing crisis and make life more affordable,” Hochul said. “It is time that we cut the red tape that too often slows down projects and let communities build.”
Ontario County leaders point to local barriers
In Ontario County, where local officials have identified housing supply as a top economic priority, the proposal has been met with support.
Ryan Davis, Ontario County’s economic development director, said local governments have already set clear goals for expanding and diversifying housing options.
“The Ontario County Board of Supervisors has set the following goals for housing in Ontario County: diversify housing choices to accommodate all life stages and needs; facilitate the expansion of housing in suitable areas to stimulate growth; and, stabilize Ontario County’s aging housing stock,” Davis said.
But he added that achieving those goals has not been easy.
“In my role as Economic Developer, I have witnessed that all too often the ‘pro-housing’ goals for many of our municipalities have been stymied because of unnecessarily burdensome and costly environmental review policies,” Davis said. “Communities within the Finger Lakes Region face many challenges when it comes to much demanded residential growth — I believe Governor Hochul’s ‘Let Them Build’ reforms will help remove some of these barriers to housing expansion in Ontario County and I applaud her for making this a priority.”
Ontario County has seen steady demand for workforce and senior housing, particularly in growth corridors such as Canandaigua, Victor and Geneva. Local officials have said lengthy review timelines can add months — or even years — to projects that already comply with local zoning.
What the proposal would change
Under the governor’s plan, certain housing projects located outside flood-risk areas and already subject to state environmental and permitting standards would be exempt from additional SEQRA review if they are found to have no significant environmental impact. The reforms would not override local zoning authority.
The proposal also calls for:
- Clear, enforceable timelines for environmental impact statements.
- Streamlined environmental review documents.
- Modernized state permitting processes using new technologies.
- Expedited review for major state infrastructure projects.
- A new permitting academy to assist local governments.
Hochul’s office argues that environmental review can add significant cost and delay to projects. State officials cite data showing that major projects in New York can take substantially longer to move from concept to groundbreaking than in peer states, driving up construction costs and, ultimately, rents and home prices.
Regional business backing
Business leaders in the broader Rochester and Finger Lakes region have also voiced support.
Robert Duffy, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and former lieutenant governor, said the current system has hurt the state’s competitiveness.
“The current process and elongated timelines have made NYS far less attractive and competitive for construction and growth,” Duffy said. “The current SEQR process along with other regulatory impediments have dramatically slowed down home construction at a time when NYS needs housing now more than ever. The Governor is spot on with her proposal — which will have a profound impact on housing, construction, and our economy.”
Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, said reform is essential to meeting both housing and economic development goals.
“We support Governor Hochul’s efforts to reduce red tape and reform regulations that limit New Yorker’s access to housing, energy, infrastructure and economic development,” Hurlbutt said. “We look forward to working with the Governor, state agencies and local officials to modernize New York’s approach to construction and economic growth.”
Balancing speed and safeguards
State officials stress that the changes would maintain environmental protections while focusing review resources on projects with meaningful impacts. Housing projects would still need to comply with state standards related to water use, air quality, environmental justice and natural resource protection.
Supporters say the reforms are particularly important in upstate regions like the Finger Lakes, where infill development and projects on previously disturbed land often face extended reviews despite minimal environmental concerns.
For Ontario County officials trying to expand housing options for young families, seniors and workforce residents, the stakes are clear.
“We face many challenges when it comes to much demanded residential growth,” Davis said. “Removing unnecessary barriers will help communities move forward responsibly and meet the needs of our residents.”
The proposal will be considered as part of state budget negotiations in the coming months.
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