What does Westchester think about reforming New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act, as proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul?
Welcome Home Westchester’s partners spoke with Westfair Business Journals about the proposal:
Westchester County Association President & CEO Michael N. Romita: “Governor Hochul’s SEQRA reforms are a very important step toward addressing the state’s critical housing shortage. Over the past half century, SEQRA has become increasingly abused by overuse and modernization is overdue. These reforms do not override local control, and they don’t require communities to change their zoning. Rather, they empower local officials to meet today’s needs.”
Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley (BRI) CEO & Executive Vice President Timothy Foley: “Too often the very projects that would be a net benefit for the environment and the community get ensnared in lengthy, unpredictable, and costly environmental reviews and challenges. We applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership in proposing a way to clear these logjams and create incentives for the kind of mildly-dense, sustainably-built housing we need to secure an affordable New York for all who wish to live and work here.”
Westchester mayors also voiced their support of the reforms:
City of New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert: “Lengthy, duplicative review processes can slow down projects residents are counting on. By reducing unnecessary delays and improving coordination, these reforms will help lower costs, increase transparency, and allow municipalities like ours to plan and build more effectively.”
City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie: “For local governments, time matters. These reforms respect environmental protections while giving cities and towns the tools we need to plan, build, and grow responsibly.”
Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen: “Local leaders have been calling for SEQRA reform for years. I’m cautiously optimistic this proposal can help communities deliver the housing our residents need while cutting unnecessary red tape.”
City of White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch: “As the fastest-growing city in New York state, White Plains needs tools that allow us to build faster and more affordably, and this plan delivers.”
City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson Howard: “By modernizing SEQRA for projects with no significant environmental impact, we are clearing the path for the affordable homes and modern housing our families need while remaining steadfast stewards of our environment.”
Village of Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino: “Thoughtful modernization of the SEQRA process … can preserve strong environmental protections while improving coordination, reducing unnecessary delays, and providing greater predictability for communities that are ready to build responsibly. These reforms will help municipalities like Port Chester move the next phase of housing and mixed-use projects forward more efficiently, control project costs, and continue strengthening and expanding vibrant, sustainable downtowns that support long-term economic growth.”
Read the full Westfair Business Journals article here.
