KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is in support of Governor Hochul’s proposed “common-sense” changes to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) that would exempt certain types of projects.
They would include projects that are vital to public welfare – housing – or are of limited environmental impact like parks and trails and would reduce excessive project costs while delivering benefits to the communities sooner, Metzger said.
The county executive recommended two changes, though. “The housing exemption should be modified to apply to housing in which the majority of the units ae affordable.” She also said exempted projects should be required to meet State Homes and Community Renewable sustainability guidelines or other baseline standards aligned with New York’s Climate Act to ensure that they deliver needed climate and energy-savings benefits.
Noting she served as chairwoman of the Town of Rosendale Environmental Commission, commented on SEQRA reviews of projects, and participated on the town’s Zoning Code Review Committee.
“I am a big believes in the value of the SEQRA. But this does not mean the law is perfect,” Metzger said.
Housing exemption would allow for mixed use, like in downtown areas, and would limit environmental impact and encourage development in the right places, she said.
Projects must also stay off floodplains and agricultural lands and must be connected to existing water and sewer infrastructure, Metzger said.
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