Public confidence in government has eroded at every level. Voter frustration is evident in the public discourse. Public cynicism undermines the effectiveness of democratic institutions. The solution to this problem should not be left solely to the partisan political machinery of government, nor to the reactive and punitive machinery of the criminal justice system. We … Continued

Over many decades of working in the planning profession as a consultant to municipalities in Westchester County and elsewhere, I have worked with many attorneys. In my opinion, Lester Steinman stands alone among many accomplished giants in the field of land use law. The day he and I began to work together on myriad projects … Continued

Lester D. Steinman is one of the most respected authorities on municipal law matters in the Westchester/Lower Hudson Valley region and well beyond. He has been, and remains, a resource to colleagues and clients, providing governance, guidance and practical wisdom. Perhaps more important, though, is the esteem which all who have had the privilege to … Continued

There have been a substantial number of land use decisions issued on both the state and federal level in the past year. This article attempts to provide a summary of some of those cases that appear to have more widespread application and/or provide a new perspective on a particular land use issue. Agency Interpretations Loper … Continued

Question A town board member and a local developer are long-time personal friends. Every year, since well before the board member entered municipal service, they and their spouses have celebrated their birthdays together at an expensive local restaurant. Each friend picks up the tab on the birthday of the other. The cost of dinner always … Continued

Municipal attorneys can face difficult ethical issues when they represent one or more municipalities, various boards of a municipality, and non-governmental clients who may have business before the municipalities they represent. This article focuses on the particular role of county attorneys in New York State. They have mandatory clients and multiple clients. Under County Law … Continued

I. Introduction If you are a land use practitioner, you have likely been approached by a prospective client who insists that he or she has an absolute right to obtain a zoning variance because the facts of his or her application resemble those on which prior variances were granted for other properties in a different … Continued

Introduction Attorneys are historically bad with technology. From expert witnesses who explain what the internet is, to attorneys who haven’t figured out e-filing,1 law is full of examples of practitioners falling behind. This is done so at the risk of both attorney and client. The threats that are faced when refusing to learn technological advancements are … Continued

Since I last wrote in the Municipal Lawyer1 about New York’s congestion pricing plan and the litigation seeking to obstruct it, the program has been making new headlines in the aftermath of Governor Hochul’s June 5 announcement of an “indefinite pause” on the program.2 The announcement came less than a month before the program’s long-anticipated start date, and … Continued