Infill development has emerged as an effective strategy, offering numerous benefits, particularly for land conservation. As proposed in the FY27 Executive Budget, modernizing SEQRA would provide type II exemptions for certain housing developments and other community facilities on a previously disturbed site. In the Governor’s proposal a “previously disturbed site” refers to a parcel of land that has been developed prior to two years before the application of a permit and shows evidence of being substantially altered through the construction of buildings, impervious surfaces or other maintained areas. This designation is mostly found within urbanized areas. This is also often referred to as land disturbance or land-disturbing activity, and is associated with infill-type development and development activity in existing urban areas.
The proposed reforms to SEQRA would help advance infill development and steer growth toward existing urbanized areas rather than environmentally sensitive ones. By using already developed land (i.e., disturbed sites), infill can reduce pressure on undeveloped land, helping preserve open spaces such as wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats, and help maintain ecological value.
Infill development is also more likely to enhance our investments in public transportation. By encouraging the development of compact, mixed-use communities that are more sustainable and walkable, and that require less vehicular use, infill enables greater land-use and infrastructure efficiencies. The approach reduces the need for car-centric development that consumes more land and contributes to environmental degradation.
The proposal isn’t just about building more; it’s about building smarter while protecting our environment. By moving us from sprawl development to smart development, it will not only ensure that our children can afford to live in our communities but also preserve the natural attributes that make New York special and more sustainable.
