N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6, § 487.8 – Identifying comparison areas.

(a) The applicant shall use the following as comparison areas against which the impact study area is compared and contrasted pursuant to sections 487.9 and 487.10 of this Part to evaluate potential significant and adverse disproportionate environmental impacts in the impact study area:
1. (1) the county in which the facility is proposed to be located; and
2. (2) adjacent communities as defined in section 487.3(a) of this Part.
(b) If the facility is proposed to be located within the City of New York, the city as a whole must be used as a third comparison area in addition to the comparison areas identified in subdivision (a) of this section.