SEQRA Reform is Essential to Address Our Housing Crisis

The Governor’s 2027 Executive Budget proposes to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), which Ulster Strong believes is essential to combat Ulster County’s housing crisis.

Hochul’s proposal would exempt housing projects on previously-disturbed lands from the lengthy and costly SEQRA process. It would not change zoning and permitting requirements, ensuring that the environment and community character are still protected.

According to the Citizens Budget Commission, SEQRA increases the cost of new housing in Ulster County by $40,000 per unit. In addition, SEQRA ignores the social benefits of housing, leaving the impression that these projects are somehow harmful to our communities, rather than the lifeblood that sustains them. 

These challenges explain why Ulster County has failed to keep up with demand for affordable housing; it is simply too costly and complicated to build here. A 2006 study estimated that 6,600 new units were needed by 2020. Only a tiny fraction of those units were ever built, and when demand spiked during the pandemic, the dramatic shortage contributed to skyrocketing prices.

Building more housing is the solution. Nearby New Rochelle proves it: by adding 4,500 new units, the city held rent increases to just 1.6% since 2020, compared to 54% in Ulster.

Now is the time to act. Join forward-thinking local leaders like Mayor Noble and Supervisors Costello, Hartner, Parete, Pecora, Sofranko, and Stoeckeler in supporting common-sense SEQRA reform that will help break the cycle that’s putting housing out of reach for Ulster County residents.