In SEQRA parlance, a “Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance”, or “Neg. Dec.”, is a lead agency’s finding that the proposed Type I or Unlisted Action under review will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. An applicant whose project receives a Neg. Dec. is spared the (often) considerable time and expense of preparing an
Challenge to Montauk Motel’s Restaurant Fails at Supreme Court Level
The Breakers Motel has been a fixture in Montauk since the 1950’s. Situated at 769 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk New York, the motel has 26 units, a pool and restaurant and is located across the street from the ocean.
In 2015 a building permit was issued by the Town of East Hampton Building Department approving
Second Department Upholds Board of Zoning Appeals Decision Finding Vacant Land Was Not Single and Separate
Given the complex zoning regulations that govern development of vacant land, in recent years, it has become uniquely challenging to develop smaller tracts of vacant land that do not conform to the current zoning code. Further, the doctrines of merger and single and separate add to the complications. Unless a buyer is absolutely certain that
The Domain of Interpreting Zoning Ordinance: “Resort” to the Zoning Board of Appeals
In opposing Crossroad Ventures, LLC’s (“Crossroad Ventures“) endeavor to construct a vacation resort partially within the Town of Shandaken, (“Town“), grassroots preservation organization Catskill Heritage Alliance, Inc. (“Alliance“) commenced two consecutive Article 78 proceedings challenging certain approvals. The Court addressed multiple appeals from both proceedings in Catskill Heritage Alliance,
Revitalizing Long Island’s Downtown Communities – Part Two. Central Islip Awarded $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant
Last week, we reported on a $10 million award issued by the State to help revitalize downtown Hicksville. Well, the Governor is at it again. On August 8th, Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the third round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative; and Central Islip is the big winner on Long
Hicksville’s $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award – Get Ready For Some Big Changes
On July 3rd, Governor Cuomo announced that the state was giving the Town of Oyster Bay a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award that will help underwrite four transformative projects in downtown Hicksville. These projects are aimed at increasing transportation access, improving walkability, and attracting new housing opportunities. Here’s what is planned with
Long-Awaited SEQRA Amendments Are Finally Here: So What Are They, and What Do They Mean?
After six years and vigorous public comment, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted substantive amendments to the implementing regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The new regulations take effect on January 1, 2019 and will apply to all pending and future actions for which a determination of
Appellate Division Finds Planning Board’s Negative Declaration Arbitrary and Capricious and Requires Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement
An application was made for a site plan to the Planning Board of the City of Poughkeepsie for a 24 two-bedroom unit condominium complex in four buildings on a 3.4 acre parcel adjacent to an historic district. The site had existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property, some of which were proposed to
Will The Town of Huntington Change Its Zoning Code To Limit Upstairs Apartments In Its Mixed Use Business District?
In April 2006, the Town of Huntington adopted a local law (Local Law 14-2006) that added § 198-27(A)(22) to its Zoning Code. That local law allows apartments on the top floors of some mixed-used buildings in its C6 General Business District, where the ground floor is occupied by a permitted commercial use. While
A Long Island Sound Crossing – Will This Bridge or Tunnel Ever Be Built?
For many decades, Long Islanders have been hearing about proposals to span over or under Long Island Sound. The most recent pronouncement for a cross-sound tunnel or bridge came from Governor Cuomo in his 2016 state-of-state address. This was followed by a report released by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in December