New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03492

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  

Caption

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

Impact

The proposed legislation has implications for local governance, as it may restrict the authority of municipalities to enact stricter environmental reviews for residential development projects. Under S03492, qualifying actions with defined thresholds would be automatically exempt from environmental review requirements, potentially leading to increased construction of multifamily dwellings. This could result in significant changes to local zoning regulations, as municipalities might find themselves unable to challenge certain developments that previously would have undergone comprehensive reviews.

Summary

S03492, known as the "Sustainable Affordable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act," seeks to amend New York's environmental conservation and public housing laws. This legislation aims to facilitate the construction of new residential units while limiting unnecessary environmental reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR). The bill introduces specific exemptions for certain residential building actions, categorizing them as not significantly impacting the environment, thereby expediting construction processes to address housing shortages.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill has highlighted concerns over environmental protections and community impact. Advocates for the legislation argue that it is essential to combat housing shortages and facilitate urban development in a regulated manner. However, critics express apprehension that the reduced oversight may lead to adverse environmental consequences and undermine community input in local construction decisions. There is particular concern for overbuilding in sensitive areas, which might lead to issues such as flooding or infrastructural strain.

Final_points

S03492 represents a balancing act between promoting housing development and ensuring environmental protections. By allowing for exceptions in environmental reviews under certain conditions, this legislation aims to streamline housing construction while perpetuating some level of environmental stewardship. The ongoing discussions among stakeholders reveal a complex interplay of needs and responsibilities regarding urban growth and sustainable development.

Companion Bills

NY A06283

Same As Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY S00925

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

NY A04933

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

NY S02985

Enacts the "housing affordability, resiliency, and energy efficiency investment act"; relates to the modernization of affordable housing financing authorities that authorize financing for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

NY A06655

Enacts the "housing affordability, resiliency, and energy efficiency investment act"; relates to the modernization of affordable housing financing authorities that authorize financing for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

NY S07560

Extends certain provisions related to the affordable New York housing program.

NY A00056

Relates to the supervision of certain limited profit housing companies.

NY S00349

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

NY A01940

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

NY S03560

Alters tax exemption programs for the development of new and affordable housing; defines "initial construction period" and "extended construction period"; makes related changes.

NY S01507

Establishes certain rights for shareholders in limited-profit housing companies.

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NY A06283

Enacts the "sustainable affordable housing and sprawl prevention act"; exempts or limits environmental review under SEQR for the construction of certain new residential units to avoid creating unnecessary housing sprawl; limits certain rights to action under SEQR; makes related provisions.

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