"The State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQRA, was created in 1975 to ensure that growth did not come at the expense of our environment. That mission remains essential. But today, the way the law operates often works against the very outcomes we are trying to achieve."
"In practice, SEQRA requires any housing development requiring a zoning change to spend an average of two years in review, including modest buildings with income-restricted affordable homes. This process adds an estimated cost of $82,000 per apartment, which amounts to more than $8 million for a 100-unit building."
"These delays and added costs don't simply affect project timelines or balance sheets: they directly impact New Yorkers' lives. When an affordable apartment is delayed, it means a family spends another year doubled up with relatives."
The State Environmental Quality Review Act, established in 1975, aims to protect the environment during growth. However, its current implementation often obstructs housing development, requiring extensive review processes that can take two years and add significant costs. This lengthy process can increase expenses by $82,000 per apartment, leading to over $8 million for a 100-unit building. These delays adversely affect New Yorkers, prolonging their wait for affordable housing and exacerbating issues of accessibility and opportunity in communities.
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