Housing study draft received; Phase II brownfields work underway in Friendship

Planning staff told the board they have received a draft housing study and expect to complete it within a few weeks, which will shape local housing strategy and project prioritization. The meeting record indicates the draft is under review and that staff will return with a final product for board consideration.

Separately, staff reported that Phase II environmental site investigations are underway at Friendship locations to advance brownfields remediation and prepare sites for demolition or redevelopment. The Executive Director also listed approvals from HCR and new DEC wetlands regulations among barriers to meeting next‑month goals, underscoring that environmental review and interagency approvals remain active constraints on project timetables.