Summary
This bill, known as the Smart Growth for the New Century Act, would promote intelligent development in New York State by providing an optional process for communities and groups of communities to create plans that adhere to widely accepted “smart growth” principles. Development projects that are consistent with these plans would be eligible for low-interest loans through a smart growth revolving loan fund also created by this bill, and would be eligible for other incentives, such as certain real property tax exemptions and priority for state financial assistance.

This bill also creates a process by which individual municipalities can develop a shared community vision by creating a “smart growth compact” using community compact councils. Development projects in a compact area that are not consistent with a plan developed by such a council will not be approved by any government entity or supported by state financial assistance. This bill also creates an office of local assistance within the Department of State to provide technical, scientific, and financial assistance to localities for smart growth planning.

Explanation
Across the U.S., states are recognizing the need to encourage sensible, fair and sustainable land use planning. Nine of the eleven Northeast states, in fact, have some kind of official smart growth planning program, but New York does not. The principles of smart growth are based on a community vision, respect for pedestrians, preserving historic neighborhoods, and protecting important community spaces.

Since communities with approved smart growth plans would be eligible for a new funding source and other incentives, this bill will encourage more regions and localities to undergo a collaborative, community-based process to create a long term plan that targets development, uses infrastructure efficiently, and protects natural resources.

Environmental Advocates of New York strongly supports this bill.