Proposed Law Would End Development Review Exemption for Homeless Shelters

If passed, a new law would require homeless shelter developments in New York City to undergo the full Uniform Land Use Review Procedure.

1 minute read

January 29, 2020, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Subway Homeless

elbud / Shutterstock

Sydney Kashiwagi reports: "After Staten Islanders and the borough’s elected officials say they were left in the dark about the city’s plan for a 200-family homeless shelter at 44 Victory Blvd., two North Shore state lawmakers have introduced legislation that would increase public scrutiny of shelter developments, using the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP)."

"Because homeless shelters are considered emergency resources, they currently do not face the same level of review as other types of major construction projects -- instead, the city is only required to give a community 30 days notice to voice any potential concerns about a site before it opens," explains Kashiwagi. The ULURP public review process, by comparison, takes a year.

State Senator Diane Savino and Assemblymember Charles Fall proposed the new bill in the New York State Assembly, but the law would change the city's administrative code to require ULURP review.

The law was proposed in New York the same month as a proposed bill in California would relax required environmental review for homeless shelters—the opposite effect.

Monday, January 27, 2020 in Staten Island Advance

View of small-town street with brick buildings and cars parked in diagonal parking with string lights going across street in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates

The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

September 14, 2023 - Next City

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

September 14, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Sidewalk in Seattle with yellow fall leaves on the ground and cars parked next to the curb.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets

Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

6 hours ago - The Urbanist

View of San Francisco neighborhood from top of hill with misty bay in background.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance

After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

September 24 - SF Standard

Woman wearing helmet riding POGOH bike share bike in bike lane in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet

The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.

September 24 - Pittsburgh Magazine