RECENT NEWS & EVENTS
SWC&B Partner and Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Chris Coschignano Urges the Community to Help Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee Continue its Work
The Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee was created in January 2010 with a $60,000 grant that will be exhausted in June. The committee is asking local municipalities in surrounding counties, towns, cities and villages for small grants from each so that no one municipality bears the entire financial burden. The OB/SCH Protection Committee works to help municipalities curb pollution from storm water and runoff and meet federal and state pollution mandates. It also indentifies model codes and best management practices used by other governments in protecting harbors and waterfronts, offers outreach and education programs for the public, and provides environmental training for municipal employees and consultants.
The committee is already working with area not-for-profits including Friends of the Bay and other environmental group. It was spearheaded by The Town of Oyster Bay, to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitats that are focal points for the recreational and economic vitality of the region.
SWCB Partner and Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Chris J. Coschignano Serves as Master of Ceremonies for 2012 Town of Oyster Bay Induction Ceremony
SWCB Partner and Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Chris J. Coschignano was honored to serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the 2012 Town of Oyster Bay Induction Ceremony for Town Supervisor John Venditto, Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella, Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone, Councilwoman Rebecca M. Alessia, Town Clerk Steven L. Labriola and Receiver of Taxes James J. Stefanich. More than 500 people attended the ceremony, including dignitaries and elected officials. Among them were Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Police Commissioner Thomas V. Dale and Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph N. Mondello, as well as many Village Mayors and New York State legislators and representatives.
Michael Sahn Selected For Long Island Business News Who's Who In Commercial And Residential Real Estate Law
Long Island Business News featured Michael Sahn in its annual report for 2011, Who's Who in Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law. In an article published in this special section, Michael Sahn addressed the issues and trends surrounding the "greening" of municipal building codes, noting that New York and its municipalities have thus far moved slower than other jurisdictions in adopting green building standards, but that is likely to change dramatically in the next decade as the State finds ways to meet the Governor's Executive Order 24 of 2009, which directs New York State to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Click here to read the Long Island Business News article.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano Cuts Ribbon on New Office Space
We were honored to have Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano cut the ribbon for our new office space on the seventh floor at a reception held on December 5, 2011. We were further honored to have many public officials join us, including Mayor Michael Koblenz, East Hills; William Burton, Esq., Village Attorney for East Hills; and Mayor Edward Adler, Village of Sands Point. The recently completed construction of new office space on the seventh floor is actually larger than our sixth floor offices in size, all to enable the Firm to better serve our existing clients, and allow for continued growth. We hope you will have the opportunity to visit us soon to see the Firm's new offices.
Chris Coschignano Encourages Everyone to Support Toys for Tots
Partner Chris Coschignano encourages everyone to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl to a Toys for Tots drop box, one of which can be found in the main lobby of The Omni Building, located at 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard in Uniondale.
Chris has served as an Honorary Vice Chairman of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve 64th Annual Toys for Tots Drive on Long Island for many years, and is an active supporter of the toy drive. The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season and to distribute those toys to needy children. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Drop boxes can also be found in post offices across Long Island.
AVR Groundbreaking Ceremony
Michael Sahn took part in a groundbreaking ceremony held on November 28 in Carle Place, where AVR Realty Company is building a new Hilton Homewood Suites Hotel. Michael Sahn represented the Firm's long-standing client, AVR, in land use and zoning approvals for the hotel, and Chris Coschignano handled the IDA financing transaction for the project. The groundbreaking received coverage in several local media outlets: Newsday, Long Island Business News, Westbury Times and Bellmore Patch.
Michael Sahn Selected as a Recipient of a Leadership in Law Award
Long Island Business News created the Leadership in Law Awards to recognize individuals whose dedication to excellence and leadership, both in the law and in the community, has had a positive impact on Long Island. Awardees were selected by a committee of business leaders based on the biographical information submitted to Long Island Business News that reflected their professional accomplishments. Michael and a distinguished group of awardees were honored at a special gala dinner that was held on Monday, November 14 at The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Click here to see Long Island Business News announcement.
The Passing of Kenneth Auerbach
It is with deepest regret that the Firm announces the passing of Kenneth Auerbach on November 2, 2011. Ken was respected for his skills, wise counsel and guidance. His dedication and commitment to clients and his friendship and camaraderie with the attorneys and staff of the firm will be greatly missed. The Firm joins with his family and friends in mourning his passing.
Jason Kaplan Moderates Panel at HSBC National Center for Economic and Financial Education
Jason Kaplan moderated a panel entitled "The Economics of Going Green" at the HSBC National Center for Economic and Financial Education in Manhattan. The panel discussed sustainability, economics, and education, generally. More specific topics included carbon neutral solutions, environmental management systems, site assessment procedure for soil and groundwater testing, the latest in harnessing wind and solar energy, the showcasing of analytical software to assess a property's wind resources, solutions for climate change, innovations and incentives for cleaner energy, and other ways to integrate economics and science to make Earth Science and the Environmental Science Advanced Placement courses relate more closely to today's world. In addition to Jason, panel members included Jackrit Watanatada of KJK Climate Investments, Michael Carim of First Environmental, and Chris Cavanagh of National Grid.
The Council for Economic Education offers comprehensive in-class K-12 economic and personal finance education programs, consisting of teaching resources across the curriculum and professional development for teachers. The Council's mission is to advocate for better school-based economic and personal finance education, and to educate young people, primarily through well-prepared teachers, so that they may become empowered with economic and financial literacy. Each year, the Council's programs reach more than 150,000 K-12 teachers and over 15 million students in the United States and in more than 30 other countries. To learn more, click here.
Michael H. Sahn Named By Super Lawyers For New York Metro Area 2011
For the second consecutive year, Michael Sahn has been named by Super Lawyers magazine as one of the top 5% land use and zoning lawyers in the New York metro area for 2011. The selections for Super Lawyers are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, a service of the Thomson Reuters Legal division. Each year, the research team at Super Lawyers undertakes a rigorous multi-phase selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check. The objective is to create a comprehensive list of outstanding attorneys that can be used by attorneys and consumers seeking superior legal counsel.
Click here to read the online Super Lawyers New York- Metro / 2011 magazine.
Michael Sahn Spoke as Panelist at Hofstra University’s Land Use Training Program for Municipal Planning and Zoning Officials
On September 26, Michael Sahn joined a distinguished panel of speakers in a program entitled “Best Practices for Public Hearings.” The program was sponsored by Hofstra’s Institute of Real Estate Studies to provide training for municipal planning and zoning officials. Other panelists were Martha Kriesel, Chief Deputy County Attorney for Special Projects, Office of the Nassau County Attorney, David Paul Weiss, Esq., Chairman, Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals, Kevin McAndrew, Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP and Steven Leventhal, Esq., Leventhal, Sliney and Mullaney, LLP. Supervisor Mark Lesko of the Town of Brookhaven was the keynote speaker.
SWC&B Presenting Sponsor of Supervisor Venditto's Annual 5K Run
For the second year, the Firm is pleased to be the Presenting Sponsor of the annual Supervisor Venditto's 5K Run, held on Saturday, October 15. Supervisor Venditto's 5K Run kicks off the 28th annual Oyster Festival and is conducted under the auspices of the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks. Race management services are provided by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC).
The Firm Guides Applications of City of Glen Cove Planning Board in Proceedings Resulting in Approval of Village Piazza
Michael H. Sahn, as Counsel to the Glen Cove Planning Board, provided legal representation to the Board in the proceedings resulting in the approval of the Glen Cove Village Piazza project. The site plan and special permit applications were approved in a meeting on August 10 for the complete reconstruction of City of Glen Cove’s downtown into a European-style plaza, offering ground-level retail stores, space for professional firms, balcony apartments, and walkable public space. The $60 million mixed-use development project will feature 142 rental units, 27,632 square feet of retail space and ample parking space.
To read news coverage about the Village Piazza, click here for a Newsday article.
SWC&B Participates in Workplace Challenge
For the fourth year in a row, SWC&B participated in the Marcum Workplace Challenge. This year, we were also proud to be a sponsor of this ever-growing corporate fundraising event. More than 6,400 walkers, runners, friends and family members from nearly 200 professional firms and companies gathered for an evening of friendly competition and fun at Jones Beach.
Jason Horowitz came in first of all of our runners in the 3.5 mile run, with a remarkable time of 21:50, a new personal best.
We are proud to report that both the men's team and the women's team took first place in a competition between all law firms participating in the event, known as the Legal Challenge.
Our men's team had an outstanding performance, ranking 14th out of a total field of 111 men's teams, with a team finish time of 1:15:34. Our women's team was equally impressive, coming in sixth out of a field of 55, with an overall time of 1:25:14. Our mixed men's and women's team came in at 27th place, out of a field of 53 mixed teams. Congratulations to all the members of our Firm who participated.
Jason Kaplan Featured in the New York Environmental Lawyer Magazine
Associate Jason Kaplan was prominently featured in the Spring 2011 issue of the New York Environmental Lawyer magazine, published by the New York State Bar Association. The article notes his involvement in some of the most current and complex environmental issues in New York, including the cleanup of the Lower Passaic River Site Area, and matters concerning managing environmental risks through contractual language.
In addition to his strong legal skills, Jason is well known at the Firm for his commitment to harnessing the power of networking as a means of achieving success. He is very active in several different areas of the NYSBA and is a member of the Young Professionals Group of the Nature Conservancy, where his efforts are directed towards developing membership and increasing advocacy of the Conservancy’s mission. In his spare time, Jason studies and performs improvisational comedy in New York City with a theater group. To read the article, click here.
Chris Coschignano Presents Proclamation to Slomin's Inc. at Movies by Moonlight
Partner Chris Coschignano, who is also a Town of Oyster Bay Councilman, was pleased to present a proclamation from the Town of Oyster Bay to Steve Montero, seen here accepting the proclamation on behalf of Slomin’s, Inc., a sponsor of the Movies by Moonlight series. Chris and Steve are joined by some of the children who enjoyed the movie.
SWC&B Sponsors Town of Oyster Bay Summer Concert Series
Sahn Ward Coschignano & Baker is proud to be a sponsor of this summer’s “Music Under the Stars” concert series, presented by the Town of Oyster Bay at parks and beaches throughout the Town, from July 5th to August 6th. For a schedule of performances and locations, visit the Town’s website by clicking here.
2011 Marcum Workplace Challenge
Pre-Event Gathering
Jason Horowitz met with Marcum Workplace Challenge leaders and beneficiaries recently, and all are excited about the upcoming event.
Seen here, from left to right, back row:
Mindy Davidson, Event Director; Carolyn Mazzenga, Marcum; Gina DiMarco, Harrison Leifer DiMarco; Paule Pachter and Robin S. Amato, Long Island Cares, Suzanne LeBlanc, Long Island Children's Museum
Front: row: Ray Farrell, Carter DeLuca Farrell & Schmidt and Jason Horowitz.
Adam Koblenz Serves as Tennis Chair for 36th
Annual CMF Golf and Tennis Classic
On June 13th, the Children's Medical Fund held its 36th annual golf and tennis event. Adam has been involved with CMF for several years, and we congratulate him on a highly successful event. To learn more about CMF, click here.
Michael Sahn Attends the Burton Awards for Legal Achievement
Founding partner Michael Sahn travelled to Washington, D.C. on June 13th to attend The Burton Awards for Legal Achievement. In its twelfth year, The Burton Awards recognizes and rewards legal scholarship, writing and achievements in the law by partners and counsel from the nation’s law firms, members of the Judiciary and legal educators. Through an alliance with the Law Library of the Library of Congress, The Burton Awards brings together distinguished members of the judiciary and the legal profession.
“The highlight of this exciting event was meeting both United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. and Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor,” said Michael, who was invited to this excusive event. “Both Justices circulated throughout the room, conversing with everyone. It was an incredible evening, and a memorable experience.”
The Burton Awards for Legal Achievement was established in 1999, dedicated principally to rewarding effective legal writing and excellence in the law. The program honors partners in law firms, counsel to corporations and law school educators and students. The awards program recognizes achievements in public service, reform in the law, and general legal scholarship. The awards are selected, generally, by a panel of professors from prestigious law schools, including Harvard Law School, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Michigan Law School, and members of the Judiciary and distinguished lawyers, among others. To learn more, visit www.burtonawards.com.
Partner Dan Baker, Trustee and a Candidate for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Long Island’s Man & Woman of the Year Campaign
Partners Michael Sahn and Dan Baker enjoyed the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Long Island Chapter’s Man of the Year Grand Finale Celebration, which took place on May 10 at the NYIT de Seversky Mansion. Dan, a long-time member of the LLS Board of Trustees and supporter of the organization, was selected to be one of twelve candidates vying for the title of Man & Woman of the Year. The Long Island chapter campaign raised more than $243,000 and was a great success.
Partner Miriam Villani Honored at Awards Gala for LIBN's Top 50 Most Influential Women
Members of the Firm celebrated with Miriam Villani and her family at the Awards Gala held in celebration of the Top 50 Most Influential Women of Long Island, presented by Long Island Business News.
New York Real Estate Journal Features Article by Michael Sahn
Michael authored an article on NYC Local Law 84 Energy-Use Benchmarking data that appeared in the May 24 edition of New York Real Estate Journal. To read the article, click here.
Partner Chris Coschignano Hosts 10th Annual Clean Up Day
Under Chris Coschignano's leadership, Syosset residents joined together on Saturday, May 14th to make their community a better, cleaner place. Chris has served as a Town of Oyster Bay Councilman since 2002, and this is one of his favorite community events. One of the greatest results of the event, says Chris, is the fact that it instills a sense of civic pride in residents and increases local spirit among neighbors. He also noted that the genesis of this event was the desire to spruce up the main thoroughfare for the Annual Memorial Day Parade each year.
SWC&B Sponsors Downtown Sounds at City of Glen Cove
For the second year, the Firm is proud to sponsor an exciting series of live music performances that will take place every weekend in July and August at the Village Square in the City of Glen Cove. Downtown Sounds is an annual free concert series produced by the City of Glen Cove and the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) that provides a “back to downtown” environment that celebrates the City’s diverse ethnic community while encouraging Long Islanders to take advantage of all that the City’s downtown has to offer.
SWC&B Attorneys Recognized by Touro Alumni Publication
The Winter 2011 issue of The Touro Lawyer, the alumni publication from Touro Law Center, includes news about several SWC&B attorneys. News of Chris Coschignano and John Farrell joining the Firm and the appointment of Dan Baker to serve as co-chair of the Real Property Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association are featured. Our Counsel Joseph Rosenberg is also in the issue, with an informative article on the use of Charitable Lead Trusts.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries Continues Expansion with Help from SWC&B
Chris Coschignano and John Farrell successfully represented the owners of two Five Guys Burgers and Fries franchise outlets in obtaining approvals and permits. The Garden City Park approval was straightforward, but the location in Carle Place faced challenges in the number of parking stalls available for customers and a variance was required before construction could begin. Working with a traffic expert, John and Chris had to prove that the location was suitable for the restaurant traffic that would ensue once the Five Guys opened, and that the presence of a Five Guys franchise would not have a negative impact on what is already a busy commercial area.
Every Woman Matters and Marcum Workplace Challenge Events
The Firm is pleased to be a sponsor of two major Long Island fundraising races. The Every Woman Matters: A Walk For Women and Their Families is an inspirational walk to be held on May 22 along the Jones Beach Boardwalk to celebrate women's health and wellness to benefit the new Katz Women’s Hospital and Women’s Health Institute of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Click here to learn more. On July 26th, the will co-sponsor the Marcum Workplace Challenge, which supports the Children's Medical Fund of New York, the Long Island Children's Museum and Long Island Cares. We have participated in this race for many years and our team always enjoys the camaraderie of the event while achieving excellent race times. To learn more about the Workplace Challenge, click here.
Touro Law Center Presents Dan Baker Presented With Public Interest/Pro-Bono Attorney Of The Year Award
We congratulate Partner Dan Baker, who was recently presented with The Public Interest/Pro-Bono Attorney of the Year award from the Touro Law Center. Dan was among a group of distinguished attorneys honored for his commitment and dedication to public service and pro bono work.
Dan Braff Active with UJA-Real Estate Executives Gala
Dan Braff has become an active member with the Real Estate Executives (REX) group of emerging young professionals in New York’s real estate world, including developers, attorneys, owners, financiers and investment strategists. Dan helped REX put together the REX Gala, an annual event honoring a distinguished and dedicated young real estate executive. Hundreds of professionals in the New York real estate community attended this event, and the Firm was pleased that Dan participated.
Adam Koblenz Takes Leadership Role in Steaks & Sticks 2011 Event
Adam Koblenz has taken a leadership role with fundraising activities on behalf of the Children’s Medical Fund of New York. CMF is holding a fundraising event, “Steak & Sticks 2011” when the Islanders play the Rangers on March 31st at Nassau Coliseum.
Partner Miriam Villani Named to LIBN's Top 50 Most Influential Women
We are honored that our partner Miriam Villani has been selected as a member of the 2011 class of Long Island's Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business, which recognizes the significant contributions of women professionals to the region's economy and communities. Miriam is a leading environmental lawyer who has made the education and professional development of fellow environmental lawyers one of her top priorities. Miriam will be honored at a special awards gala at The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY, on Thursday, May 19, 2011. To learn more about the awards gala, click here.
Dan Baker Named Candidate For "Man Of The Year" Campaign From Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Long Island Chapter
We are pleased to support Dan Baker's efforts to win the "Man of the Year" campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Long Island Chapter. Every year, candidates across the country engage in a good natured fundraising competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man and Woman of the Year" titles. Click here to visit Dan's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society webpage.
Tom McKevitt Takes Part in Governor Cuomo's Address at Hofstra University
Tom McKevitt was honored to introduce the Governor's Budget Director at the Governor's request during the Governor's February 9th press conference. At the press conference, the Governor addressed elected officials, guests, students and the press regarding New York State's economy.
Tom, an important member of the Long Island Delegation, who has long championed New York State's economic growth and development, thanked the Governor for coming to Long Island to convey his blueprint for solving the economic challenges facing New York State. The introductions and the Governor's speech can be seen on You Tube. Click here to watch the video.
Dan Braff Speaks with NYU Law Students
The Firm was proud to be represented by Dan Braff at NYU Law School's "Finding Your Niche" Career Fair, held in early February. Dan is a dedicated NYU Law alumnus and was pleased to share his own experience with the law students, candidly discussing his career path. Before becoming Counsel to the Firm, Dan's experience includes being associated with a prominent national law firm, Blank Rome, and as in-house counsel at a Long Island-based real estate development company. We applaud Dan's generosity and are sure that the students he spoke with received valuable insights and guidance regarding their future law careers.
Jason Kaplan Writes a How-To for Young Lawyers Pursuing Careers in Environmental Law
An article by Jason Kaplan advising young lawyers on the creative strategies they need to successfully land a position in environmental law was featured in the January Electronically-In-Touch newsletter. Published 12 times per year by the NYSBA’s Young Lawyer’s Section, Electronically-In-Touch features advice, guidance, and tips useful to the young lawyer. Kaplan credits networking, developing genuine connections and persistence as key factors to his own success. Click here to read the article.
Michael Sahn Joins Hofstra's Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Committee
Michael Sahn has joined the Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Committee at Hofstra University's School of Continuing Education, and he will take an active role in ensuring the continued high quality of the program, which attracts about 100 students every year.
Chris Coschignano Encourages Everyone to Support Toys for Tots
Partner Chris Coschignano encourages everyone to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl to a Toys for Tots drop box, one of which can be found in the reception area of our office on the sixth floor. Chris, who is also a Town Councilman, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto were mentioned in a local radio station's interview with Nassau County Executive Ed Magnano and US Marine Corp Major Chuck Kilbride as they spread the word about the Marine's 63rd Annual Toys for Tots drive. Toys for Tots boxes are also found in any post office across Long Island.
Jason Kaplan Named Young Lawyers Section Co-Liaison to Environmental Law Section
Environmental law associate Jason Kaplan, who works with partner Miriam Villani, has taken on the position of co-liaison from the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) to the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. As co-liaison, Jason is responsible for attending Environmental Law Section meetings and informing the Environmental Law Section about the YLS activities, reporting news or upcoming events to the Environmental Law Section and drafting brief updates for the Environmental Law Section’s e-newsletter, Electronically In-Touch. We look forward to his continued professional growth and development.
Hofstra Welcomes Judge McCabe as New Director of Paralegal Program
We are proud that Judge McCabe has been appointed director of the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Hofstra University. His long and distinguished career as a member of the judiciary will be of great value to the students attending the Paralegal Program. To read the Justice's complete biography, click here.
Jewish War Veterans Honors Chris Coschignano
Chris Coschignano was recently honored by the Jewish War Veterans Gier Levitt Post 655 during their first annual golf outing, held to support Homes for Homecoming Heroes. Homes for Homecoming Heroes was created to build homes that will be sold at cost, through a lottery system, for any members of the Armed Services who were involved with the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Syosset Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Chris Coschignano for his Support
Chris Coschignano is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of businesses in Syosset. He was recently honored by the Syosset Chamber of Commerce, along with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto.
SWC&B is Presenting Sponsor of Supervisor Venditto’s 5K Run in October
We are pleased to be the Presenting Sponsor of the annual Supervisor Venditto’s 5K Run, held on Saturday, October 16 that kicks off the 27th annual Oyster Festival. Supervisor’s Venditto’s 5K Run is conducted under the auspices of Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks, with race management services provided by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC).
The course is set in the hills of Oyster Bay, which is challenging for the runners and part of the Supervisor’s 5K Run’s appeal. Participants are invited to run or walk the course, and each entrant will be presented with a high quality commemorative sweatshirt. The Run is a part of the USA Track & Field – Long Island Grand Prix of Long Island road races, with outstanding post-race refreshments, a raffle and awards five deep in age groups from 14 and under through 85 plus. Special awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers from the Town of Oyster Bay as well as the oldest and youngest finishers who are Town residents. For entry forms and details, contact Mike Polansky at GLIRC at 516-349-7646 or visit www.glirc.org.
Miriam Villani to Author Chapter for West's New York Practice Series Volume on Environmental Law
Environmental law partner Miriam Villani has been invited to contribute a chapter for the definitive treatise on environmental law in New York State, Environmental Law and Regulation in New York (West’s New York Practice Series). Miriam, a highly respected environmental lawyer in New York State, will author a chapter on the law pertaining to hazardous waste management. She has contributed to the chapter on pesticides and herbicides in previous editions.
Miriam is currently Editor-in-Chief of The New York Environmental Lawyer, a quarterly journal published by the New York State Bar Association, and has served as Chair of the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. Click here to read her biography.
Chris J. Coschignano Joins the Newly Renamed Sahn Ward Coschignano & Baker
Founding partner Michael Sahn announced that Long Island attorney and Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Chris J. Coschignano, an accomplished and respected attorney and a Councilman from the Town of Oyster Bay, has become a member of the Firm, and that the Firm’s name has been changed to reflect his becoming part of the Firm. To read his complete biography, click here.
Joseph B. Rosenberg, Counsel to the Firm, moves to Our Uniondale Offices
The Firm is pleased to welcome Joseph B. Rosenberg to our expanded office, which now includes a large suite of offices and conference rooms on the seventh floor of The OMNI building Mr. Rosenberg concentrates his practice in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate and related areas. He maintains an additional second office in midtown Manhattan. We are very pleased that Mr. Rosenberg has joined us. To read his complete profile, click here.
The Firm Supports the Downtown Sounds 2010 Summer Music Festival
The Firm is proud to sponsor an exciting series of live music performances that take place every weekend in July and August at the Village Square in the City of Glen Cove. Downtown Sounds is an annual free concert series produced by the City of Glen Cove and the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) that provides a “back to downtown” environment that celebrates the City’s diverse ethnic community while encouraging Long Islanders to take advantage of all that the City’s downtown has to offer. To learn more, visit http://www.downtownsoundslive.org.
Sahn, Baker and McKevitt Take Leadership Positions with Nassau County Bar
We are pleased to announce that Michael Sahn and Dan Baker have been appointed to serve as Co-Chairs of the Real Property Law Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, and Tom McKevitt has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Municipal Law Committee. The Real Property Law Committee considers current developments relating to the practice of real estate law, and the Municipal Law Committee reviews trends and developments concerning all matters of municipal law, including zoning and land use planning, elections, employee relations, open meetings law, and preparation and enforcement of ordinances and local laws.
The Nassau County Bar Association enjoys a membership of nearly 6,000 private and public sector attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students, making it the largest suburban bar association in the country. Association members participate in more than 40 substantive law committees and a variety of programs which strive to confront the challenges and changing needs of the legal profession and the community at large.
To visit the Nassau County Bar Association website, click here.
Judicial Portrait of Hon. Edward G. McCabe Dedicated at Nassau County Supreme Court
On Friday, May 21, the Hon. Edward G. McCabe was joined by family members and members of the Firm to celebrate the dedication of his judicial portrait. A formal ceremony took place at the Courthouse on May 21, attended by members of the Firm, family members, members of the judiciary, and colleagues. The portrait of Justice McCabe now can be seen along with more than 85 portraits of retired justices along the walls of the courtroom that date back to the early 1900s. Click here to see the item that appeared in the New York Law Journal.
The Nassau County Bar Association has a long-standing tradition of presenting portraits of retired Nassau County Justices to the Supreme Court for display in the Court’s central courtroom. For several decades, the Nassau County Bar Association has commissioned and presented judicial portraits to honor judges for their service and dedication.
The Firm Congratulated Mayor Ralph Suozzi and The Glen Cove City Council on NYCOM Award Recognizing The City of Glen Cove’s Visual Simulation Ordinance
We were pleased that the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) named The City of Glen Cove the first place winner of a Local Government Achievement Award (LGAA) for its Visual Simulation Ordinance. The Firm served as The City’s Special Counsel in the drafting and adoption of the ordinance. The awards recognize innovative projects or programs that improve the quality of life for their municipality and are presented every spring during the NYCOM annual conference. The ordinance mandates the use of visual simulation submissions to accompany applications for large scale development projects. Major Ralph Suozzi and The City of Glen Cove received the award from NYCOM and award co-sponsor Empire State Report during NYCOM’s 101st Annual Meeting, held this year in Saratoga Springs, New York. To learn more, click here.
The Firm was a Proud Sponsor of Every Woman Matters: A Walk for Women and their Families to Support the Katz Women's Hospital at North Shore-LIJ
The Firm was a proud co-sponsor of a 5K walk (3.1 miles along the boardwalk) at Jones Beach Park, Field 5, on Sunday, May 16 to benefit the new Katz Women’s Hospital and Women’s Health Institute at North Shore-LIJ. Participants walked or ran the 5K route, and enjoyed a visit to the Healthy Living Showcase and Exhibition. For more information on the walk, visit www.everywomanmatterswalk.com.
The New York Environmental Lawyer
Miriam Villani completed her second issue as Editor-in-Chief of The New York Environmental Lawyer. In coming months, the journal will be available in an electronic edition as part of the Environmental Law Section’s efforts to prevent pollution. In the electronic version, the new column entitled “Open for Discussion” will incorporate a link to the Section’s blog to encourage online discussions among Section members on matters of interest.
The Firm Writes Groundbreaking Visual Simulation Ordinance for City of Glen Cove
On behalf of the City of Glen Cove, the Firm has written a new ordinance that mandates the use of visual simulation submissions to accompany applications for large scale development projects. With the adoption of the ordinance, Glen Cove has become the first municipality in the United States to require the submission of visual simulations with certain land use applications. The visual simulations will dramatically improve the ability of zoning and land use officials to consider the impact of projects on the community. This ordinance exemplifies the progressive and forward-thinking approach of Mayor Ralph Suozzi and the City Council in planning the City’s future. Read the full story in Newsday.
Justice McCabe Honored by Irish-Americans in Government
Justice McCabe was honored for his three-decade long career as one of the most distinguished public servants in government and the judiciary in Nassau County. As a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Justice McCabe has a history of promoting Irish history and culture and has supported and advised the Board of Directors of the Irish-Americans in Government for many years.
Thomas McKevitt Presented with 40th Annual Hofstra Alumni George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award
Thomas McKevitt was presented with the 49th Annual George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award on Saturday, December 5. The award is in recognition of his dedication and support of the Hofstra Alumni Association. He is a graduate of both Hofstra University (B.A.) and Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.). Mr. McKevitt is among a group of eight distinguished alumni who were presented with the award at the dinner.
The Hofstra George M. Estabrook Alumni Association, Inc. is focused on identifying and recognizing distinguished and outstanding alumni through award programs and establishing scholarship programs for deserving students. George M. Estabrook was one of the founding trustees of Hofstra University, mayor of the Village of Hempstead and president of the Estabrook Construction Company, which built many of the buildings on the Hofstra campus as well as throughout Long Island.
Michael Sahn Speaks Before Suffolk County Planning Commission’s Autumn Conference
Michael Sahn was invited to speak on advanced SEQRA issues for professionals attending the Suffolk County Planning Commission’s Autumn Planning Conference on Wednesday, October 21. The session addressed recent SEQRA case law. This advanced course was part of an annual training conference that was attended by planning and zoning board members, town and village board members, planners, architects, environmental specialists and other land use professionals.
The Firm Welcomes Justice Edward G. McCabe
We are distinctly honored to announce that former Nassau County Supreme Court Justice and Administrative Judge of Nassau County Edward G. McCabe, has joined the Firm as Special Counsel. Justice McCabe’s distinguished career dedicated to public service spans over three decades. He is one of the most respected judges and public servants in the history of Nassau County. His depth of experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset that will benefit our clients and our entire Firm. Click here to read Justice McCabe’s profile.
Miriam Villani Becomes Editor-In-Chief Of New York State Bar Association Publication
The Firm is proud to recognize Miriam Villani’s leadership role as Editor-in-Chief of the New York State Bar Association Environmental Law Section’s prestigious quarterly publication, The New York State Environmental Lawyer. Under her leadership, the journal will feature substantive articles on developing issues in environmental law, and columns covering ethics issues, EPA and DEC updates, as well as recent administrative and judicial case updates. We invite you to call Miriam to learn more, or click here to visit the website.
Million Dollar Award for Owner of Property Contaminated by Pollution from Adjacent Gas Station
Under the leadership of Jon Ward, Esq., the Firm has won a $1 million verdict on behalf of a commercial property owner whose property was contaminated by gasoline constituents that originated from an adjacent gas station. After a lengthy non-jury trial in the Suffolk County Supreme Court, the gas station owner has been ordered to pay damages to the Firm’s client for cleanup costs, environmental consulting fees and legal fees incurred by the client.
The Firm Represents Owner of Booker T. Washington House in Fort Salonga, Town of Huntington
Designated as a historic structure and property in 2005, the summer home of Booker T. Washington sits on a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound, dangerously close to an eroding 60 foot cliff. With the guidance of Michael Sahn, the owner is formulating plans to move the historic house to another location on the 1.4 acre property and build a new home on the site, once water and erosion issues are resolved. Click here to learn more.
The Firm Serves as Co-Counsel for Major Yaphank Project
The Firm is proud of our role as co-counsel to our longstanding client, The Beechwood Organization, the major partner in a real estate development company designated by Suffolk County to build an important new development in Yaphank with 1,000 units of affordable housing, a destination sports and entertainment venue and a research park powered by solar energy. The project is to be built on land owned by Suffolk County. The project also includes a hotel, restaurants, office and retail space and a variety of housing choices. To read more about the project, click here.
Tom McKevitt Speaks Before New York State Conference of Mayors
Tom McKevitt was invited to speak on ethical considerations for planning and zoning officials for the New York State Conference of Mayors 2009 Planning & Zoning Summer School, held in conjunction with the Association of Towns, the State of New York and the New York Planning Federation. Tom spoke at the Long Island program, which was held at the Town of Islip’s Town Hall on July 21st. These programs are also being offered in Albany, Syracuse, and Williamsville, New York. To learn more about the programs and the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials, NYCOM, visit http://www.nycom.org.
The Firm is Proud of our Role in the Adoption of the Glen Cove Master Plan and Extend Our Congratulations to Mayor Ralph Suozzi
The Firm congratulates Mayor Ralph Suozzi, who received a 2009 Smart Growth Award from Vision Long Island for the adoption of the Glen Cove Master Plan, which lays the groundwork for future of the City, including multiple redevelopment projects from the waterfront to the downtown.
The creation of a Master Plan is a major undertaking that requires expertise in many different disciplines. The firm was pleased to serve as Special Counsel to the City of Glen Cove, providing legal guidance and counsel concerning land use and zoning issues as the City developed its first Master Plan in more than 50 years. The comprehensive Master Plan provides the City of Glen Cove with a clear vision as the City moves into the future. We look forward to our continuing representation of the City as elements of the plan are implemented.
Miriam E. Villani at Redevelopment Seminar
Miriam E. Villani participated as a lecturer in a seminar entitled The Redevelopment of Contaminated Property: New York State’s Brownfield Program and Beyond on Wednesday, June 10 at the Melville Marriott. The program was co-sponsored by the Environmental Law Section and the Committee on Continuing Legal Education of the New York State Bar Association. Please call our office if you would like to speak with Miriam about the seminar.
The Firm Welcomes Miriam E. Villani To The Firm
The Firm is pleased to announce that Miriam E. Villani, a highly accomplished and respected attorney in the field of environmental law, has been named a Partner with the Firm. Ms. Villani brings outstanding expertise and knowledge to our Firm, and we are honored to have her join our practice. Ms. Villani’s experience in environmental law will significantly benefit our clients, particularly since environmental law has such importance in the areas of land use, real estate and commercial transactions, municipal law and brownfields redevelopment. Click here to read her attorney profile.
The Firm Hosts Reception for Town Councilman Anthony J. Santino
The Firm was honored to host a fundraising reception in support of Anthony Santino, Senior Councilman of the Town of Hempstead. Councilman Santino represents the Fourth Councilmatic District of the Town of Hempstead, which includes Baldwin, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Island Park, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead, and a portion of Lynbrook. Councilman Santino has served the Town of Hempstead since winning his first election in November 1993 and has been re-elected by large margins ever since. He is the senior member of the Hempstead Town Board and has a long and distinguished career serving the Town of Hempstead.
