Zarin & Steinmetz is pleased to announce that the firm secured a complete victory in defending land-use approvals it secured from an Article 78 challenge. The action sought to stop the redevelopment of a prominent site in the Town of Fishkill with a restaurant, self-storage facility, car wash, and other uses. Zarin & Steinmetz had...

Z&S Attorney Jacob Amir obtained complete dismissal of an action brought against a subcontractor telecommunications company for claims alleging conversion, fraud, negligent hiring and supervision, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The Plaintiff claimed money damages against several parties, including our client and a major telecommunications service provider, arising from installation services and...

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:...

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 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...

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...