Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson and village Trustee Jon Espersen were part of a group meeting recently with state Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson, North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec, and Ithaca Mayor Cantelmo Thursday joined Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin at the state Capitol in Albany to advocate for state Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Let Them Build agenda.

Hochul’s ‘Let Them Build’ plan would make it faster and more affordable to build new housing and other critical infrastructure in New York, while preserving environmental safeguards. Currently, housing and infrastructure projects take more than 50% longer to complete from start to finish compared to other states. Environmental reviews take an average of 2.5 years to complete, often adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building new homes in New York.

The mayors met with members and staff of the New York State Senate and Assembly as well as with Governor Hochul and described specific projects in their communities that faced lengthy delays because of the current law that resulted in increased costs.

New, common-sense reforms will streamline approval processes without superseding local zoning and environmental protections. Communities will be able to build much-needed homes, childcare centers, clean energy, and other critical projects at a faster rate and more affordability.

The local leaders emphasized the importance of including the Governor’s full proposal, rather than something narrower.

“Governor Hochul’s proposal for changes in SEQR laws will help our community grow by removing redundancies in the process which will benefit both developers and new home buyers!” Ferguson said. “I am in full support of her proposal and thank her for the opportunity to discuss the matter face to face with the Governor and her staff.”

Ferguson also discussed the village’s water situation as well as the Econo Lodge issue and continuing financial support for Fredonia State University during his time with state leaders and the governor.