NEWS ARCHIVES

Newsday

Michael Sahn was the lead expert source in an article examining the pitfalls of non-professionals purchasing undeveloped land in order to build their dream house. He advised buyers to do thorough research into zoning, surveys and title searches, environmental problems and utility services to avoid unfortunate and expensive consequences.

Long Island Business News

A news item reported that Sahn Ward & Baker had secured the necessary building, use and zoning permits for a new Quiznos Subs franchise located in Carle Place. The firm’s representation of franchises that include Panera Bread, Baja Fresh® Mexican Grill Restaurants and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar were noted.

Long Island Business News

The firm is very proud that Michael Sahn was featured as a member of a small group of twenty attorneys in a "Who's Who in Law" special section.  This group was described as standing out from the crowd and reflecting the changing dynamics of the legal community on Long Island. 

Real Estate Weekly

The news that the firm had successfully represented the Long Island franchise of Baja Fresh® Mexican Grill Restaurants in its application to allow a former retail space in the Lake Success Shopping Center appeared in this weekly trade publication.

The Attorney of Nassau County

Two multi-million dollar financing transactions on behalf of the firm’s client Wheatley Custom Builders for the acquisition and development of properties on Marco Island on the coast of Florida appeared as a front page news brief.

Real Estate Weekly

An article authored by Jon Ward examining tenant/landlord rights with regard to lease and sub-lease assignments was published in this New York City real estate publication. Jon presented an in-depth discussion of the key issues, including cases where landlords were denied the right to reject subleases by clients. The article closed by stressing the importance of using a competent attorney to prepare a lease to protect landlords from these situations.

Nassau Lawyer

Michael Sahn and Jon Ward wrote an article on the judicial review of administrative land-use determinations under article 78 of the CPLR for this publication from the Nassau County Bar Association. They examined recent court decisions that sought to have the court overturn local zoning board decisions and concluded to prevail in the courts, the party challenging the determination must show that there is no factual foundation in the record before the administrative body to support the determination. This difficult but not impossible task requires a methodical analysis of the evidence.

Newsday

Michael Sahn was quoted in an article entitled “Buying Bricks and Mortar” on the trend by investors switching from buying stocks to purchasing homes to rent or sell. Sahn advised buyers to check with their local building department before buying a multi-family house because of the large number of illegal two-family homes on Long Island.

The New York Times

Michael Sahn was asked to provide expert commentary on a problem regarding effectuating a change in title between two co-owners of a home. One of the owners had maintained a home for 24 years after the other had moved away. As part of a refinance application, the owner in possession wanted to take the other owner’s name off of the deed, and asked if the other owner could make a claim against the property. Sahn reviewed the ways that the owner in possession could acquire full title to the property and how that owner could ensure that his ownership is protected.

Real Estate Weekly

SAHN & WARD was featured in a news item concerning the Firm’s major victory defending a client whose property was caught in a tug of war between DEC requirements limiting development and a local zoning board. SAHN & WARD brought the case through the entire process, from the first steps of applying for a building permit, applications for zoning variances, an Article 78 litigation in Supreme Court of Nassau County and up to the Appellate Division, Second Department, where the court not only reversed the town’s decision, but granted the necessary variances. This Firm believes that this success will set a precedent for cases where zoning issues arise from compliance with DEC regulations throughout New York State.

The New York Times

Michael Sahn was featured as the expert source in a Real Estate Q & A column entitled “Liabilities in Granting an Easement.” The column explored how a co-op should obtain maximum protection before granting an easement for fire agress to the owner of a new building next door.

Newsday

News that Karen L. Roth had joined the firm of Sahn & Ward as an associate was included in the business pages.

New York Law Journal

Leon Petroleum v. Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Mineola was included in the Decisions of Interest section. The court determined that the Board’s refusal to grant permits to reconfigure a client’s gas station and construct a convenience store was not supported by empirical data or expert testimony.

Long Island Business News

Daniel Baker served as a source in an article examining asset-based lending and how this alternate means of financing flourishes during hard economic times. Baker, who was instrumental in closing a $6 million asset-backed financing for a client in Port Washington, noted that asset-based lending is widely seen as relatively safe. Any default or problem on the part of the borrower is resolved by the lender taking possession of property clearly defined in the agreement.

The New York Times

Jon Ward was featured as the expert source for an article on the legal rights of co-owners of common driveways. He discussed the various issues that the driveway easement should address and what rights and responsibilities each owner may have.

Multi-Family Executive

Michael Sahn wrote an article examining the obstacles posed by environmental impact statutes enacted by twenty-seven states as well as the federal government for this national publication geared to apartment, condominium and coop decision-makers. Sahn advised project sponsors to pay heed to the rules and work closely with reviewing government agencies to protect their developments.