US Open Ground Lease Fight: Key Lessons in Real Estate Contract Drafting
By Matt Behrens, Esq. A well-structured ground lease—i.e., a long-term, often 99-year, lease—is not just a document reflecting today’s environment. It is a roadmap and shield against tomorrow’s conflicts. Behind the sensational headlines of the United States Tennis Association suing New York City over the Queens Casino plan lies an important lesson in lease drafting: […]
Z&S Attorneys Win Swift Ruling in Westchester Property Dispute
Zarin & Steinmetz was retained by Westchester homeowners to defend against a neighbor’s lawsuit seeking easement rights over a dirt trail on the client’s property. The neighbor filed an aggressive Order to Show Cause (OSC) seeking immediate court permission to make alterations to the trail before the case could even be heard. Z&S partners Lee […]
Z&S Goes Before NY Court of Appeals in Land Use Case
Z&S Partner Lee Lefkowitz presented oral argument on November 20 before the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court. The case, Hudson View Park Company, LLC v. Town of Fishkill, addresses important questions at the intersection of land use, statutory interpretation, contract law, and public policy. Appearing before New York’s highest court is a major milestone […]
Z&S Wins Emergency Order to Vacate Staten Island Settlement
Zarin & Steinmetz was retained by defendants, owners of a Staten Island property. The defendants had faced a contract lawsuit from the property’s former seller, which they chose to settle. However, shortly after settlement, it was discovered the former seller had allegedly hidden significant environmental contamination on the site. Since this critical information was allegedly […]