New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Let Them Build” proposal has garnered support from the New York Building Congress, a 104-year-vintage organization representing stakeholders in the construction industry.
Streamlining Construction Processes
The New York Building Congress, which includes architects, engineers, developers, and labor groups, believes the proposal will lead to more housing, improved infrastructure, and increased access to childcare and parks. A key goal is to accelerate the production of new housing units amid ongoing affordability challenges.
The proposal focuses on reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act, known as SEQRA. While acknowledging the importance of environmental review, the organization argues that the current process applies a “one-size-fits-all” approach, subjecting projects with minimal environmental impact to the same scrutiny as large-scale infrastructure projects.
This can lead to multi-year delays, increased costs—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars per project—and unnecessary litigation, even when historical data suggests a project will have a net-positive or minimal environmental effect. Architects, engineers, and contractors all experience the consequences of these delays, impacting project costs and worker livelihoods.
The governor’s proposal targets reasonably sized projects on previously disturbed land, focusing on categories with a demonstrated history of minimal environmental impact. The New York Building Congress believes this approach is a pragmatic step toward increasing productivity in the construction sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Let Them Build” proposal?
The “Let Them Build” proposal aims to streamline construction processes in New York State to increase the production of housing, infrastructure, and other essential facilities.
What is SEQRA?
SEQRA stands for the State Environmental Quality Review Act. We see a process for determining the environmental impact of proposed projects in New York State.
Who is the New York Building Congress?
The New York Building Congress is a 104-year-old membership association that advocates for the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its surrounding areas.
As New York seeks to address its housing and infrastructure needs, will a more streamlined approach to project approval be enough to overcome existing challenges?
