ALBANY, New York — Developers looking to build new housing in New York could get exemptions from an onerous permitting step that Gov. Kathy Hochul targeted as part of her affordability agenda.
Hochul has embraced an abundance attitude toward everything from energy to housing. She said the changes to a landmark permitting law included in the state budget last week will unlock the construction of more homes and apartments, driving down prices for cash-strapped New Yorkers.
“We have to build more housing, and there are just too damn many barriers in place,” Hochul said Thursday as she promoted her budget wins in Albany. “We’re modernizing the environmental review process, which is taking so long. I want to drive down all these delays, get rid of them.”
The Democratic governor is running for reelection with a focus on cost of living issues. She’s also touted her victory in securing changes to the state’s climate law amid concerns about rising utility bills.
