Special Municipal Counsel

Guiding municipalities and IDAs through complex redevelopments and public-private partnerships, including the use of eminent domain
Our Approach

Z&S serves as Special Counsel to municipalities and IDAs throughout the lower Hudson Valley and on Long Island on economic revitalization projects to transform downtowns, waterfronts, and other underutilized or blighted properties. We guide these efforts from the RFP stage to construction and through project implementation. These projects typically present issues related to land acquisition and disposition, Brownfield redevelopment, urban renewal, public amenities/infrastructure, PILOTs, affordable/workforce housing, zoning, planning and land use, and compliance with SEQRA and other environmental laws and regulations. Our role in these projects often includes assisting our municipal clients on the exercise of eminent domain, from the “public use” determination to serving as trial and appellate counsel on claims for additional compensation.

Z&S also assists municipalities in drafting and enacting new zoning and environmental regulations. We also serve as outside litigation counsel, defending municipal ordinances and determinations against Article 78 challenges, declaratory judgments, and land use civil rights claims.

What We Do

EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW

  • “Public Use” determinations and SEQRA compliance
  • Prepare valuations and advance payment offers
  • Trial and Appellate Counsel on claims for additional compensation regarding land and fixtures
  • EDPL 701 Claims

 

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

  • Land Disposition Agreements and Development Agreements
  • PILOTs, bond financing, and other public financial assistance
  • Drafting of zoning laws to facilitate traditional, transit-oriented, form based, and other development

 

LAND USE/ZONING AND ENVIRONMENTAL

  • SEQRA
  • PUD and other master plan, site plan and land use applications
  • State and County Agencies
  • USEPA & NYSDEC
  • State and Federal litigation and appeals
Recent News
Partner Jody Cross successfully represented Eating Disorder Treatment of New York and Monte Nido & Affiliates through the approval process for a proposed 24/7 residential facility for girls with eating disorders in West Nyack, Town of Clarkstown. Approval was obtained under the Padavan Law, which is aimed at establishing smaller residential group home settings for...
Zarin & Steinmetz congratulates its client Azorim on last week’s opening of Miroza Tower III, which is located adjacent to the Ridge Hill Shopping Center and is the third residential tower to be completed by Azorim within the Ridge Hill community. This exciting project includes a 184-apartment rental building, featuring affordable housing units and amenities,...
Representing the purchaser, Jacob Amir spearheaded our client’s $14 million acquisition of an approximate 3 acres parcel in lower Westchester, including negotiating continued environmental remediation and obligations of various stakeholders. This purchase is part of a multi-tiered transaction, which also includes the anticipated formation of a long-term ground lease to occupy other commercial property for...