Our experience representing individuals, community groups, and businesses with respect to zoning, land use and environmental matters has given us insight and an informed approach to representing municipalities. We have represented municipalities both as Special Counsel and General Counsel.
As General Counsel to municipalities we:
- Advise the municipal board regarding applications submitted to it;
- Attend municipal board meetings and other appointments as requested;
- Assist the municipal board in conducting its municipal business in accordance with procedural and substantive legal requirements;
- Render legal advice in matters related to the municipal board’s official capacity;
- Help the municipal board prepare for public meetings and hearings; and
- Make recommendations to the municipal board regarding proposed amendments to the municipal code.
As Special Counsel, we represent municipalities seeking to prosecute and defend claims related to environmental, land use, and zoning matters, including:
- Bring municipal challenges to State actions that adversely impact the municipality;
- Defend the municipality’s Local Laws and Code;
- Assist in a drafting legislation and Code changes;
- Render advice in SEQRA matters;
- Defend municipal actions and determinations in Article 78 proceedings or other lawsuits;
- Assist in drafting and revising local laws;
- Assist in drafting and revising wind and solar energy zoning laws;
- Represent municipalities in Article 10 proceedings and 94-c proceedings for large power plant siting, CPCN proceedings for large power plant operations, and Article VII proceedings for transmission line siting; and
- Represent municipalities in connection with the siting, construction or expansion of renewable or other energy producing projects within their borders and subject to local permitting requirements.
