Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Smart Growth

Albany Committees Wisely Advance Smart Growth Bill

The bus cam bill isn't the only piece of progressive transportation and planning legislation having a good day in Albany. Sam Hoyt's smart growth legislation passed through three important committees today and could pass the full legislature as soon as Thursday, according to Peter Fleischer of Empire State Future, the smart growth advocacy organization. 

In the State Assembly, the bill passed both Denny Farrell's Ways and Means Committee and Speaker Sheldon Silver's Rules Committee. The vote was unanimous in Ways and Means, according to an Assembly spokesperson. The bill is on the calendar for a vote by the full Assembly, where its passage is all but assured. "People seem to think it's on the fast track," said Fleischer. 

The bill is only one step behind in the State Senate. It passed overwhelmingly in Carl Kruger's Finance Committee and is now pending in Malcolm Smith's Rules Committee. A representative of Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, a lead sponsor of the bill, said she expects the full Senate to vote on it Thursday.

The smart growth bill would require the state to prioritize its infrastructure spending in already developed areas, slowing sprawl and reinvesting in New York's urban centers. With billions of dollars spent on building roads, sewers, schools, housing, and other infrastructure and services, even a small diversion of that money toward existing development will help protect the state's open spaces and move us away from wasteful, car-dependent growth. We'll keep you posted on what happens to the bill over the next few days, but right now, signs look promising. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts