Five Westchester mayors got together in New Rochelle to show support for Gov. Hochul’s plan presented as part of her proposed new budget to cut some of the red tape attributed to the State Environmental Quality Review Act that has slowed down construction projects and added to the cost of development. Hochul has made reform of SEQRA a key element in her “Let Them Build” agenda that seeks to promote production of more housing units and clean-energy generating projects.
Mayors Yadira Ramos-Herbert of New Rochelle, Justin Brasch of White Plains, Chance Mullen of the Village of Pelham, Vivian McKenzie of Peekskill, and Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon expressed their support for SEQRA modernization to remove unnecessary studies and procedures for projects that have been proven to have no significant environmental impact.
From left: Chance Mullen; Vivian C. McKenzie; Yadira Ramos-Herbert; Shawyn Patterson-Howard; Justin Brasch.
Ramos-Herbert pointed to New Rochelle giving expedited approval to most new developments with the approval process taking place within a 90-day window.
“We led with our New Rochelle Model, which streamlines approvals, offers targeted incentives, and outlines a form-based code that expedites projects, all to deliver tangible impact,” Ramos-Hebert said. “However, we cannot do this work alone. For far too long, electeds have been committed and eager to deliver the changes that drastically improve lives, but are held back by unnecessary bureaucracy and slow restrictions. With the governor’s proposal for a modernized SEQRA, we’re cutting that red tape so we can deliver the housing New Yorkers need.”
Mullen said, “When SEQRA was first created, it was done for all the right reasons. Government should always be thoughtful, and careful to avoid causing harm. The environment should be protected. Impact should be mitigated. Progress must be planned. Over the years, though, what began as a framework for protecting people from harm has often become a framework for protecting the status quo. In far too many cases, SEQRA has become a defensive and duplicative exercise.”
Peekskill’s McKenzie looked at modernization of SEQRA as being a key to expediting approval of housing projects in her city
“The City of Peekskill remains committed to developing our city in a sustainable and thoughtful way for our community,” McKenzie said. “We understand the need for housing that will allow our longtime families and seniors to stay in place and thrive while also welcoming new residents who want to build a life for their families. This can only be done by updating our processes and procedures in the development process.”
According to Patterson-Howard. “For too long, outdated processes like SEQRA and unnecessary delays have slowed critical housing, infrastructure, and economic investment in communities like ours. This is about unlocking the full potential of cities like Mount Vernon to grow responsibly, competitively, and sustainably for generations to come.”
Brasch said, “These common-sense changes cut through unnecessary red tape while striking the right balance — encouraging smart growth and preserving zoning authority, home rule, and environmental integrity. 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.”
