Land Use

Our Land Use lawyers have handled many of the thorniest and most sophisticated land use matters, have represented most of NYC’s leading developers and institutions, and have advised on many of NYC’s megaprojects. 

Our goal is to help clients add value to their property while minimizing or avoiding the regulatory risks associated with its development and operation. To do this, we work on all the land use aspects of site development in New York City, including: 

• Due diligence for purchases and financings
• Counseling as to land use compliance, issues and opportunities
• Negotiating and documenting development rights transactions
• Securing legislative, as-of-right and discretionary approvals under the city’s zoning and historic preservation laws
• Litigating to assert our clients’ rights or defend their land use approvals
• Handling tax incentive and economic development matters and eminent domain proceedings 

Our lawyers have obtained public approvals for many of New York City’s highest-profile projects and best-known institutions and buildings, including: 

• Each of the five supertall buildings at the southern end of Central Park, including One57, 432 Park Ave., Central Park Tower, 220 Central Park South and 111 W. 57^th St.
• The Museum of Modern Art
• Restorations, enlargements and new construction in virtually every historic district in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
• Major colleges, universities and other nonprofits
• Rockefeller Center
• The Chrysler Building
• The Empire State Building 

Many of our team members have served in senior positions in city administrations, where they acquired unsurpassed institutional insight and experience. Our lawyers also hold leadership roles in the Real Estate Board of New York, the leading industry association.