News & Events - 2011
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 traveled 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 web page.
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.