The modernization of New York’s environmental review process will immediately make building the housing we need more streamlined in Westchester County and beyond.
In an announcement from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s office on the fiscal year 2027 budget, Welcome Home Westchester partners weighed in:
The Building & Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Tim Foley said, “Every region of the state has lots where there’s existing infrastructure, where something has already been built, and where there’s the skill, the imagination, and the need to rebuild what’s there into desperately needed housing. Thanks to the Governor’s ‘Let Them Build’ agenda in the state budget, small to medium sized infill housing will no longer get bogged down in unnecessary delays, endless lawsuits, and major expenses translating into ever higher sales and rental prices when the project is completed. These reforms to environmental review will cut red tape while strengthening our environmental protections, making it easier to build the housing we need in Westchester and revitalize our downtowns while still protecting against suburban sprawl.”
Nonprofit Westchester Executive Director Jan Fisher said, “Nonprofits across Westchester see firsthand how the housing shortage affects families, seniors, workers, and vulnerable residents every day. When projects that can provide housing or strengthen communities are tied up for years in unnecessary delays, it becomes harder to address affordability and harder for people to remain in the communities they call home. Thoughtful reforms to streamline SEQRA while maintaining strong environmental protections can help move needed housing and infrastructure projects forward more efficiently. This is about creating communities where all people, including the nonprofit workforce, can continue to live, work, and thrive.”
Westchester Business Association President and CEO Michael Romita said, “The lack of adequate housing remains one of New York’s primary impediments to economic growth, particularly in our suburban communities. We can protect our environment while also reducing the unnecessary delays that have stalled urgently needed housing and critical infrastructure projects across the State. This year’s budget agreement marks a significant milestone. The Westchester County Association applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders for revising antiquated procedures that are holding back our economy. These common-sense reforms will advance responsible growth and empower our local communities to move critical projects forward.”
Westchester County mayors also voiced their support for these critical reforms:
City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “Mount Vernon supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘Let Them Build’ agenda and efforts to modernize New York’s 50-year-old SEQRA law to help responsibly accelerate housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects. While SEQRA has played an important role in environmental protection, lengthy processes have also delayed critical investments in communities like Mount Vernon. As we continue advancing downtown redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, and housing opportunities, these reforms will help municipalities move projects forward more efficiently while maintaining environmental accountability. Governor Hochul’s balanced approach will help strengthen economic growth, expand housing opportunities, and improve quality of life for working families across Mount Vernon and New York State.”
City of New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for including SEQRA reforms in this year’s budget that recognize the connection between affordability and community growth. As cities work to address housing needs and invest in infrastructure, reducing unnecessary delays can help move important projects forward more efficiently and help control rising costs. These reforms create opportunities to support responsible development and help make communities more affordable for residents and families.”
Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen said, “Eliminating needless and duplicative bureaucracy in the review process is essential to combatting the rising cost of housing and infrastructure projects that have become such a burden on homeowners and taxpayers. Governor Hochul’s SEQRA reforms strike the right balance — streamlining review for qualifying projects without sacrificing the local zoning authority and environmental protections that define our communities.”
City of White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch said, “As the fastest growing city in New York, White Plains is committed to balancing smart growth with strong environmental protection. I have long been an advocate for sustainability and environmental protection, but the SEQRA review for the redevelopment of the Galleria Mall site in White Plains took over 25 months. It should not take 25 months of environmental review to approve a project with broad support that adds substantial amounts of affordable housing. Reforms that streamline SEQRA help cities like White Plains create housing, revitalize downtowns, and strengthen our economy.”