Includes temporarily erected structures in the definition of "substandard or insanitary area".
Summary
This bill amends two New York statutes governing urban renewal and redevelopment—the Urban Development Corporation Act and the General Municipal Law—to expand the definition of a “substandard or insanitary area.” Under current law, that term covers blighted or deteriorated areas and certain related land uses. The bill adds “temporarily erected structures,” including scaffolding, and similar facilities to the list of conditions or features that may be included in such an area when they contribute to a blighting influence on surrounding property.
By doing so, the bill would make it easier for public authorities and municipalities to treat areas containing temporary structures as part of a redevelopment or urban renewal project, including projects involving air rights and easements. The measure takes effect immediately and would apply to the statutory framework used to identify eligible areas for urban renewal programs and related development actions.
Impact
The bill would broaden the legal definition of “substandard or insanitary area” in both the Urban Development Corporation Act and the General Municipal Law. This expansion could affect how state and local redevelopment agencies identify eligible sites for urban renewal, including areas with scaffolding or other temporary structures that are part of larger development or air-rights projects. It may also influence the scope of property and land-use determinations in blight findings, potentially affecting developers, municipalities, and property owners involved in redevelopment.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no direct evidence of debate or recorded support/opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears technical and facilitative rather than controversial, aimed at updating redevelopment definitions to reflect temporary structures commonly associated with construction and air-rights development.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is whether including temporarily erected structures such as scaffolding in a blight definition could broaden redevelopment powers too far or allow more aggressive use of urban renewal tools. Supporters would likely view the change as a practical update that helps address modern construction conditions and air-rights projects, while critics might worry about overinclusive blight designations or impacts on property rights and local land-use discretion. No specific opposing or supporting stakeholders are identified in the available record.
Relates to designating blighted property and blighted areas; establishes criteria for designation; provides definition of blighted property and blighted areas; amends definition of substandard or insanitary area by removing the words "slum" and "deteriorated or deteriorating".
Relates to designating blighted property and blighted areas; establishes criteria for designation; provides definition of blighted property and blighted areas; amends definition of substandard or insanitary area by removing the words "slum" and "deteriorated or deteriorating".
Relates to designating blighted property and blighted areas; establishes criteria for designation; provides definition of blighted property and blighted areas; amends definition of substandard or insanitary area by removing the words "slum" and "deteriorated or deteriorating".
Relates to designating blighted property and blighted areas; establishes criteria for designation; provides definition of blighted property and blighted areas; amends definition of substandard or insanitary area by removing the words "slum" and "deteriorated or deteriorating".