Let them build New York is at the center of a new push to fix the state’s housing crisis. Governor Kathy Hochul says red tape is slowing projects and driving up costs. The proposal aims to speed up construction and lower housing prices statewide.
What is the ‘Let Them Build’ plan?
Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal focuses on cutting delays tied to environmental reviews.
The plan targets New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), which often slows projects.
Key changes include:
- Exempting certain housing projects from lengthy environmental reviews
- Fast-tracking projects with minimal environmental impact
- Setting clear timelines for approvals
- Simplifying and standardizing the review process
State officials say these steps will help communities build housing faster while keeping environmental protections intact.
Why New York’s housing crisis is getting worse
New York faces a severe shortage of affordable housing.
Officials say delays are a major factor driving costs higher.
- Projects can take up to 56% longer to start compared to other states
- Environmental reviews alone can delay projects by about two years
- Costs can rise by tens of thousands per unit due to red tape
In New York City, those delays can add up to $82,000 per housing unit.
Fewer homes and higher costs continue to push rents and home prices up statewide.
What projects could move faster
The plan doesn’t just focus on housing. It also targets critical infrastructure.
Projects that could see faster approval include:
- Clean water systems
- Green stormwater infrastructure
- Parks and recreation trails
- Child care centers
These projects must still meet environmental standards and avoid sensitive areas like flood zones.
How the plan could lower housing costs
State leaders say faster approvals mean lower costs.
Shorter timelines reduce:
- Labor expenses
- Financing costs
- Regulatory uncertainty
That could lead to more housing supply and, over time, lower rents and home prices.
The strategy is simple: build more, faster.
Concerns and what happens next
The proposal still faces debate.
Supporters say it removes unnecessary barriers. Critics worry about weakening environmental oversight.
The plan keeps key protections in place, including rules on air quality, water use, and natural resources.
Lawmakers will now weigh the proposal as part of broader housing policy discussions in 2026.
What it means for New Yorkers
If approved, the plan could reshape how quickly housing gets built across the state.
For renters and buyers, that could mean:
- More housing options
- Slower rent growth
- Improved affordability over time
But results will depend on how quickly projects move once rules change.
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