The landscape of short-term rentals in New York City is ever-changing, with a recent court decision adding another chapter to its evolving story. The New York State Supreme Court, in its landmark decision in “Airbnb Inc. v. New York City Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, New York County Index Number…

Constitutional rights form the backbone of our legal system. When these rights intersect with environmental concerns, the legal landscape becomes particularly intriguing. One such instance recently played out in Montana, offering insights and raising questions about similar provisions in state constitutions across the country, including New York State.

In Montana,…

Effective January 1, 2022, New York State enacted a new constitutional amendment, known as the Green Amendment, or the Environmental Rights Amendment. Embedded within the New York State Constitution at Article I, Section 19, the Amendment assures each individual’s right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment. This…

Every community faces a multitude of challenges. Some are more visible than others. But few issues have the capacity to create as much concern and contention as the proposed expansion of a landfill in your neighborhood. In this regard, Seneca County, New York, is no different. The ongoing controversy over…

If you find yourself in a dispute with a state or local administrative board, agency, or officer in New York State, you may need to take legal action to challenge their determinations. In such cases, Article 78 proceedings under the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (the “CPLR”) come…

Zoning and land use law can be a complicated, niche area of law, and so understanding the intricacies of regulations and requirements is vitally important. One crucial tool for seeking relief from zoning restrictions in New York State is a “use variance.” This blog post explains what a Use Variance…

When it comes to zoning and land use matters, understanding the intricacies of regulations and requirements is essential. One vital tool for seeking relief from zoning restrictions in New York State is an “area variance.” This blog post discusses the definition of an Area Variance, the requirements set forth in…

After determining that a $66-million-dollar chateau was illegally constructed, a French court ordered the owner to tear it down. The owner had apparently failed to obtain the required planning permissions before constructing the 32,000 square foot palace. Accordingly, the Court ordered the owner to take down the chateau and restore…

A timely opinion article published by The Hill on June 10, 2020 reminds us of the ways that environmental justice issues are intertwined with the institutionalized disadvantages of certain groups, typically along racial and socioeconomic lines. These inequalities are not just economic, nor are they limited to issues involving our…

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) program, which is administered by the Environmental Facilities Corporation, provides grants on a competitive basis to projects that improve water quality and implement green infrastructure in New York State. In 2019, $15 million of grant funding was available for eligible projects through this program.…

What is the Empire State Development Grant?

In 2019, $150 million of capital grant funding was made available to Empire State Development (ESD) from the Regional Council Capital Fund. This grant provides funds annually for regional and local economic development across New York State.

ESD grant funding is available for…

What is the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)?

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) was launched in the Spring of 2016. Every year, following a comprehensive application and review process, each of New York State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils select one community in their area to receive a $10 million award…

Earlier this year, an individual and two businesses (“Plaintiffs”) brought suit to challenge the Town of Canandaigua’s local sign ordinance. The complaint, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York on June 28, claims that the Town’s local sign law violates Plaintiffs’…

Greene County’s plan to construct a new jail in Coxsackie, New York raises questions about how the proposed project will impact the environment and nearby residents. The project has made news recently as politicians and the public debate the size and cost of the proposed facility.¹ According to recent reporting,…