News & Events
GZA is at the Forefront of New York’s Evolving Environmental Review Landscape
At a Glance
Following New York State's recent SEQRA reforms, our team successfully completed the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Environmental Assessment and Review Division's (EARD) first two Qualified Action projects, helping demonstrate how these new provisions can streamline the path to delivering much-needed housing while maintaining important environmental safeguards. DCP communications identified these projects as among the first to move through the new process, with GZA recognized as being among the first teams to implement the exemption pathway.
These milestone projects include:
- 1584 Flatbush Avenue. Led by Matthew Sloane and Olga Abinader, this project included a zoning map amendment from C4-4A to C6-3 and a zoning text amendment to Appendix F to map an MIH Area to facilitate a new 16-story plus cellar, 105,027 sq. ft. (9.95 FAR) mixed-use development including 9,544 sq. ft. of commercial use, 330 sq. ft. of community facility use, and 112 dwelling units (28 permanently income-restricted units pursuant to MIH Option 1).
- 44-17 Greenpoint Avenue. Led by Christina Szczepanski and Kevin Williams, this project included a zoning map amendment from R6A/C1-4 to R7X/C2-4 and R7A/C2-4 zoning districts and a zoning text amendment to map MIH to facilitate the development of a new 11-story mixed-use building, 142,593 sq ft approximately 143 DUs, (36-42 DU's MIH), including community facility and commercial space on the ground floor.
These projects were determined eligible for the new SEQRA exemption for qualifying housing actions and became one of the first projects to advance under the new framework.
New CEQR Guidance
On July 10, 2026, the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) released formal agency guidance and application templates outlining the process for obtaining a Qualified Action determination under Section 8-0111 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law. The guidance provides greater clarity for applicants, lead agencies, and project teams seeking to utilize the new exemption process.
The materials include DCP-specific procedural guidance, a Qualified Action Determination Memorandum template, and an Applicant Hazardous Materials Certification. Together, these documents establish a clear framework for implementing the new process and confirm that eligible housing actions may be exempt from CEQR review while continuing to comply with applicable land use, zoning, and other regulatory requirements.
As agencies, developers, and practitioners continue to navigate these changes, GZA is actively helping clients understand eligibility requirements, prepare Qualified Action Determination Memoranda, complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and analysis frameworks, and position projects for a more efficient review process. These new frameworks can help developers save two to three years of the environmental review and approval process.
GZA’s Growing Planning Practice
Since 2023, GZA’s Land Use and Environmental Planning practice has grown to over 20 people with experience in CEQR, comprehensive and resiliency planning and acoustics. GZA’s Land Use and Environmental Planning practice is helping public- and private-sector clients move complex projects forward with greater clarity, confidence, and efficiency. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, GZA brings the integrated perspective, technical depth, and collaborative approach needed to anticipate challenges, streamline approvals, and create equitable, sustainable, and resilient places for the future.
GZA supports land development projects across New York City and the surrounding region with integrated expertise in environmental review, coastal flooding, energy efficiency, acoustics, traffic, and related technical analyses.
For projects advancing through ULURP, our team can help clients prepare for and respond to community, City Planning Commission, and agency comments with clear strategy and defensible technical support.
Whether you are evaluating a potential Qualified Action, planning a future development, or navigating the City’s evolving environmental review process at the Department of City Planning, GZA is ready to help move your project forward.
