Statement by Tim Foley, CEO of the Building & Realty Institute on the Announced Framework for SEQRA Reform in the New York State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 7, 2026)
Though we have yet to see the final language, we are thrilled at Governor Hochul’s announcement today on the final framework for reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) as part of the FY26-27 budget.
What the Governor outlined today would not only represent a major leap forward to removing barriers to building the housing we need, it would be a better fit for many Westchester communities than what was originally proposed in January.
The details announced today include a “shot clock” for environmental reviews for housing projects, avoiding the unpredictable, yearslong timelines for review that push off progress while ultimately driving up costs, and an exemption from environmental review for moderately-sized infill housing on previously developed land that will be built outside of environmentally sensitive areas and have existing hook-ups to community or public water or sewer.
While the Governor’s original proposal limited this exemption to housing projects with 100 units or fewer, what was announced today allows for up to 300 units in urbanized areas, 100 units in non-urbanized areas, and 20 units in localities with no zoning. This makes much more sense for many towns and cities in Westchester, where the small-to-medium scale infill housing around the downtown centers and train stations that have been built over the past few years have often been in the range of 100-300 units – nearly all without substantial environmental impacts at all. As has been the case since the beginning, nothing in this framework infringes on local zoning, nor would the exemptions apply to the 500 unit plus buildings that have successfully gone up in many of our cities but obviously warrant more scrutiny and review.
For years, BRI members have described how frequently SEQRA was weaponized by a small number of neighborhood activists in a way that resulted in prolonged delays, escalating project costs, duplicative reviews, and litigation that made it increasingly difficult to develop the housing New Yorkers need. These denials and delays have contributed to the region’s growing affordability crisis and helped produce the housing shortage that it is being felt so acutely by seniors, millennials, people of color, middle class families and others looking for affordable options.
We know that good housing policy and good climate policy go hand in hand, and that well-designed, modest-sized infill housing that repurposes already-developed sites can help solve our housing shortage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. We are grateful for the leadership of the Governor and members of the Assembly and Senate for coming to terms on this long overdue and important set of reforms to help us build homes of all shapes, sizes, and price points for all who wish to call Westchester home.
Timothy Foley, CEO
Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley (BRI)