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Q&A
The role of environmental review in a streamlined affordable housing approval process
2:35:49
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49 sec
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks architect John Woelfling about the role of environmental review in his proposed streamlined process for affordable housing. Woelfling suggests it could focus on contextual factors like shadows and density relative to the neighborhood, potentially drawing on models like Miami's that expedite approvals for projects matching nearby density.
- Environmental review could be tailored to assess context-specific impacts.
- Examples include shadow studies and density comparisons with adjacent zoning/buildings.
- He references a Miami model that fast-tracks projects matching existing neighborhood density.
Richard R. Buery Jr.
2:35:49
I have a follow-up question.
2:35:50
So how would environmental review play what role environmental review play in the process for you to describe?
John Woelfling
2:35:57
So it may be something as simple as looking at, shadows.
2:36:03
Maybe it is, you know, making sure that the density of this is not gonna outweigh something that's also in the neighborhood.
2:36:10
One of the things that I often do in my rezoning, proposals is I look at the context around.
2:36:15
I'll look at what the adjacent zoning districts are.
2:36:18
I'll look at whether there's a big building right next door or within a block radius or or within a a relatively close area.
2:36:25
I think in in Miami, there is something very similar.
2:36:28
If you are matching the density of something that's in the in a mile radius, you get a much faster process, to get that project approved.
2:36:37
So that would be one way to do it.