Two new laws in California enhance developers' ability to bypass the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), complicating West Valley residents' efforts to protest against housing projects. Specifically, housing developments under 20 acres, less than 85 feet tall, and compliant with local zoning rules will no longer require extensive environmental assessments. Urban Catalyst's Eric Hayden claims that CEQA has evolved to impede housing development instead of protect the environment. Additionally, while these reforms may expedite housing projects in a region with demand, resident concerns about neighborhood impact remain significant.
The legal reforms allow more developers to bypass CEQA, meaning new housing projects on urban vacant land can proceed without full environmental reviews if they meet specific criteria.
Urban Catalyst founder Eric Hayden stated that CEQA has evolved since 1970 and is now being used to block development that is not environmentally harmful.
Hayden mentioned the costly yearlong delays and lawsuits caused by CEQA are preventing necessary housing development in the region.
Despite the reforms, residents are concerned about potential impacts on their neighborhoods from new housing projects.
#housing-development #california-environmental-quality-act #west-valley #urban-development #legislation-reforms
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