Areas of Practice


REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, ZONING AND LAND USE

The Real Estate Development, Zoning and Land Use Practice Group serves clients in a complete range of environmental matters from routine regulatory compliance to complex multi-media administrative enforcement and litigation. The Practice Group advises clients on compliance with local, state and federal statutes and regulations relating to the development of real estate. Clients depend on us to review development proposals to determine what, if any, permits and approvals are required from or by government agencies. The Firm regularly represents its clients before local planning and town boards, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”), the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and other federal and state agencies. The Firm also assists municipalities, public authorities and other government entities in acquiring property through condemnation and thus is familiar with the Eminent Domain Procedure Law. Much of the Firm’s land use practice is devoted to assisting clients in complying with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and, where relevant, the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”).

The attorneys in the Firm’s real estate development, zoning and land use practice have a wide range of experience. They include a former Deputy Commissioner; two General Counsels and a former Assistant Commissioner of the NYSDEC, as well as others who have held local government zoning, planning and legal positions.

Over the past three decades, we have regularly assisted clients in both the private and public sector navigate the SEQRA process, as well as assist project sponsors in obtaining zoning approvals and state and federal wetland permits.

Real Estate Development, Zoning and Land Use Practice
Among the areas in which Whiteman Osterman & Hanna’s attorneys have helped clients are:

  • Development of land use legislation such as comprehensive plans, zoning laws, wetlands regulations and environmental review legislation.
  • Redevelopment of contaminated properties under state and federal brownfields programs.
  • Litigation involving environmental claims.
  • Represent energy companies before NYSDEC and United States Army Corps of Engineers in obtaining necessary permits and approvals for transmission projects in New York.
  • Establishment and expansion of sewer, water and other special districts.
  • Obtained wetlands and other environmental permits for regional commercial shopping centers throughout the State.
  • Representation in permitting and enforcement proceedings before local, state and federal agencies.
  • Review of projects for consistency with SEQRA and local laws.
  • Represent state agencies and authorities on SEQRA related aspects of several projects.
  • Redevelopment of former military bases and state facilities.
  • Siting and review of new power plants, including several alternative energy facilities such as wind and solar.