Welcome to SITE x SITE

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What is SITE x SITE?

SITE x SITE (“Site by Site”) is an unprecedented retrospective study of citywide development that illustrates the limitations of the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) process in effectively capturing the potential extent of development and environmental effects land use decisions such as rezonings have on city neighborhoods. CEQR is a disclosure process that requires the City to assess the impacts of discretionary actions so that decision-makers can weigh the costs and benefits before funding or approving.

Specifically, SITE x SITE looks back on the development of soft sites, defined under CEQR as likely to be developed in the future – but where specific development plans are not in place. Reliable soft site identification is a critical step in establishing the analytical framework in CEQR evaluations, known as the Reasonable Worst Case Development Scenario.

The goal of SITE x SITE is to provide more reliable information about past development so that estimates of future development and potential impacts are rooted in actual trends. Ultimately, SITE x SITE seeks to improve CEQR so that city planners and decision makers can better serve communities and communities themselves can be better informed in the City’s public land use and environmental review processes. The SITE x SITE initiative also includes a report with detailed methodology, key findings and recommendations, and case studies. A two-page project brief summarizing the report is available.

SITE x SITE Collaboration

SITE x SITE is a collaborative effort of the CEQR Reform Coalition, consisting of the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), Regional Plan Association (RPA), and the New York University Guarini Center on Environmental, Energy and Land Use Law (NYU Guarini Center). It was made possible through a grant from the New York Community Trust (NYCT).

The Pratt Institute Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative (SAVI) played an instrumental role in aggregating and analyzing data, as well as designing and developing this web tool.