BILL NUMBER: S9423
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property law, in relation to providing for the
adaptive reuse of certain parcels which are zoned for commercial,
office, retail, or parking
 
PURPOSE:
To address New York's housing shortage streamlining the redevelopment of
vacant or underutilized commercial properties into residential or mixed-
use housing units.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Redeveloping
Empty and Vacant Infrastructure for Vibrant Economies Act" or the
"REVIVE Act".
Section 2: Provides legislative intent.
Section 3: The real property law is amended by adding a new article 17
to create definitions and outline standards for what qualifies as an
eligible adaptive reuse project.
Section 4: Provides a severability clause. Section 5: Provides an effec-
tive date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In the mid-twentieth century, land seemed abundant and the effects of
climate change were not well known. The United States experienced an
urban sprawl, as people moved out of the cities and into the suburbs,
willing to drive miles for work, shopping, and socializing. In addition
to social and economic trends, municipal laws and regulations paved the
way towards shopping plazas, retail centers, and office parks playing a
vital role in the economic and social fabric of America of the time.
According to a 2026 report by Hudon Valley Pattern for Progress titled
"Built for Cars, Ready for People," decades old municipal parking
mandates have resulted in large amounts of land being devoted to automo-
bile parking.
Today, however, many of these properties are in decline due to changing
economic conditions, evolving consumer preferences, and the rise of
alternative retail and business models. Many malls, shopping plazas,
office centers and their parking tots have become underutilized or
outright vacant, such that academics and planners have deemed them to be
"stranded assets."
At the same time, New York is confronting a severe housing crisis- the
current supply of housing does not meet the demand. Addressing this
crisis requires innovative approaches that unlock the potential of
stranded assets for housing and community development, while thoughtful-
ly balancing statewide housing goals with the needs and preferences of
localities.
A 2024 report by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli concludes
that, "The State must take action to stimulate community-appropriate
development actions and enhance the supply and diversity of the housing
stock." An efficient way for the State to increase the housing supply is
to open and streamline the processes for turning vacant retail centers
and parking lots into new homes. Converting obsolete retail centers and
parking lots into vibrant mixed-use communities would promote general
welfare by revitalizing underused properties, creating new opportunities
for housing, businesses, and recreation, and strengthening the economic
and social vitality of New York's municipalities.
One significant impediment to these conversions is the continued appli-
cation of outdated and rigid municipal zoning and parking regulations.
To promote the development of dynamic, mixed-use communities that serve
both local and statewide interests, this bill removes certain barriers
to the redevelopment of already paved lands, white balancing the desires
of municipalities, to unlock numerous housing opportunities for everyday
New Yorkers. At least fourteen other states have introduced similar
bills, with many states having passed and enacted such legislation.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.