Real Estate Roundup: Another Floating Zone Proposed For Orangetown; SEQRA Amendments Exempt Most Housing Projects From Environmental Review; Clarkstown's Real Estate Transfer Tax

June 20, 2026 - 17:18

Orangetown officials are reviewing a new floating zone proposal that would allow residential development on commercially zoned land. The plan, which has been presented to the town board, would let developers apply for a zoning overlay on specific parcels without requiring a full map amendment. Proponents argue the measure could help address the local housing shortage by unlocking underused commercial properties for apartments and townhomes. Critics, however, worry about the potential loss of commercial tax revenue and the strain on existing infrastructure. A public hearing is expected in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, recent amendments to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) are already reshaping the approval landscape for housing projects across New York. The new rules exempt most residential developments from lengthy environmental impact assessments, provided they meet certain density and affordability thresholds. Supporters say the changes will speed up construction and lower costs at a time when the state faces a severe housing crisis. Opponents argue the exemptions strip local communities of their ability to review traffic, noise, and water impacts before projects break ground. The law took effect last month and applies to projects in towns, villages, and cities statewide.

In Clarkstown, the town board has advanced a proposed real estate transfer tax that would impose a fee on property sales to fund affordable housing initiatives. The tax, which still requires a public referendum, would apply to most residential and commercial transactions above a certain price point. Town officials estimate it could generate several million dollars annually for housing programs. Real estate agents and some homeowners have pushed back, warning the tax could discourage sales and drive down property values. The referendum is expected to appear on the ballot in November.