#United States #New York #Belkin Burden Goldman #Tax Exemptions #Zoning Incentives

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP Expands Legal Expertise

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP (BBG), a prominent name in real estate law since its inception in 1989, has made headlines with the recent announcement of five new strategic hires. This growth aims to enhance the firm's capabilities in navigating the complexities of real estate regulations in New York. The newly established Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Department will now provide dedicated support for real estate developers and owners, ensuring they can effectively maneuver through the intricate legal landscape they face.

The expansion involves the addition of five distinguished attorneys from Seiden & Schein, P.C., a firm known for their expertise in real estate legalities. The new team is set to be headed by partners David Shamshovich and Jason C. Hershkowitz. They are joined by associates Brenda J. Slochowsky, Camila Almeida, and Frank Baquero. With this seasoned team at the helm, BBG is poised to offer unparalleled legal counsel on crucial tax incentive programs that directly influence real estate development in the region.

The Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Department will focus on several key programs designed to stimulate growth and development in New York, including:

• - 485-x (Affordable Neighborhoods for New Yorkers Program)
• - 421-a (Affordable New York Housing Program)
• - 467-m (Commercial-to-Residential Conversions Tax Incentives)
• - ICAP (Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program)

In addition to these tax exemption initiatives, the team will assist developers in understanding and navigating various residential zoning bonus programs. One notable program to consider is the newly enacted Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) Program. Despite the expiration of the Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Program, BBG’s new division will still provide essential guidance related to the requirements brought forth by the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Program.

These zoning programs can effectively complement the tax exemption initiatives. However, they necessitate a sophisticated legal strategy to fully capture the financial advantages while maintaining compliance with local regulations, which is a cornerstone of the new team's approach.

Jeffrey L. Goldman, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founding Partner of BBG, articulated the importance of this expansion, remarking, “With this new team, BBG cements its position as the go-to law firm for real estate developers looking to maximize available tax benefits and housing incentives.”

Daniel Altman, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Head of the Transactional Department, shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the new team's integration as a means of delivering comprehensive counsel that covers the full spectrum of clients’ real estate legal needs.

David Shamshovich expressed his excitement regarding this new role at BBG, stating, “BBG provides the perfect platform for our practice. The firm’s deep earning knowledge across various contexts—transactional, litigation, and land use—aligns seamlessly with our focus on tax exemptions and zoning incentives, creating powerful synergies that will benefit our clients engaged in complex development projects.”

Jason C. Hershkowitz, also a partner in the new department, added, “We are excited to join BBG, a firm that mirrors our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service. The blend of our practice with BBG’s extensive managerial real estate expertise will avail a uniquely powerful resource for our clients, especially in today’s challenging market.”

As BBG celebrates its legacy spanning over 36 years, it continues to evolve, expanding its array of services to meet diverse client demands. This latest growth further solidifies BBG’s status as a leading real estate law firm, promising to deliver an all-encompassing suite of services from acquisition and development to financing, leasing, and final disposition. This strategic evolution showcases BBG’s dedication to providing the highest caliber of advocacy within the real estate industry.

For more information about BBG’s vast array of real estate law services, interested parties may visit their official website at bbgllp.com.

About Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP is recognized as a full-service real estate law firm providing extensive legal support to a diverse clientele including developers, investors, landlords, property owners, and property managers. With a robust team of nearly 60 talented attorneys, BBG is committed to delivering strategic guidance across all facets of real estate law, including, but not limited to, appellate litigation, construction law, due diligence, land use and zoning, landlord-tenant disputes, lease structuring, compliance with loft laws, foreclosures, tax exemptions, and transactions.

This latest initiative by Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP exemplifies their unwavering focus on adapting to their clients' evolving needs, thereby enhancing their standing as one of the premier law firms in real estate.