City of Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission to Hold Public Hearings on Citywide Zoning Rewrite
The City of Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission has scheduled two public hearings on the proposed citywide, comprehensive zoning rewrite and zone map revisions to provide property owners, businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to share comments, concerns and objections. The hearings will take place on June 21, 2023 and
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P&Z questions and resident objections may not be enough to stop 12 Godfrey Pl.
Land Use partner Elizabeth Suchy is quoted in Good Morning Wilton regarding the development at 12 Godfrey Place in Wilton. P&Z Questions and Resident Objections May Not be Enough to Stop 12 Godfrey Pl. 8-30g – Good Morning Wilton
Developer wants to build Stamford’s second highest tower
Land Use partner William Hennessey quoted in Stamford Advocate article – Developer wants to build Stamford’s second highest tower (stamfordadvocate.com)
Stamford’s Seaview House Marina gets OK for transformation to apartments despite flooding concerns
Land Use partner William Hennessey quoted in Stamford Advocate in relation to approval for Seaview House Marina approval. https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/stamford-officials-seaview-house-marina-18087962.php
Race is on for first cannabis dispensary to open in Norwalk, as Shangri-La is second to gain approval
The Hour article quoting Carmody Land Use partner Elizabeth Suchy. https://www.thehour.com/news/article/norwalk-second-cannabis-dispensary-shangri-la-18081228.php?src=nwkartribbon
City of Norwalk Comprehensive Zoning Rewrite: Meetings Commence
As part of the next phase of the City of Norwalk’s comprehensive zoning rewrite, meetings with neighborhood groups and in Common Council districts to present the proposed zoning map and regulations will commence this week. Meetings will be a mix of in-person and Zoom formats, offering property owners, interested parties
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Norwalk Draft Zoning Regulations Released – Zoning Map to be Unveiled April 12
After much anticipation, the Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission last week released the first draft of the comprehensive revision of its Building Zone Regulations. This initial draft aims to replace Norwalk’s existing zoning regime, which has been in effect since the adoption of zoning in 1929. The release of the draft
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City of Norwalk to present draft zoning regulations in April
Proposed revisions to the City of Norwalk Building Zone Regulations and Zoning Map will be revealed on Tuesday April 4, 2023 during a virtual presentation on zoom.com. This is the first time in more than 30 years that the City has undertaken a comprehensive rewrite of its regulations, a recommendation
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Indoor ice rink on Stamford-Greenwich border? Zoning board wants say over building’s color
Carmody’s Real Estate & Land Use partner, William Hennessey is quoted in the Stamford Advocate as he represented the developer on its successful application for a new indoor ice rink in Stamford. Click to read.
Wilton Center housing proposal grows to 5 stories, 42 apartments
Carmody Real Estate & Land Use partner, Elizabeth Suchy quoted in The Wilton Bulletin in regard to the proposed development at 12 Godfrey Place. Click to read more
Breaking Ground Update: Legislation Capping Residential Rent Increases
Many of you have been asking about the status of the proposed legislation capping residential rent increases. The contentious proposal, known as H.B. No. 6588, did not make it out of the Housing Committee’s final meeting this week. Instead, the committee opted to create a task force to study the issue
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Governor proposes $600 million for the development of housing in Connecticut
Connecticut continues to face a critical housing shortage and the legislature continues to battle over the best way to cure it, particularly when it comes to affordable housing. Governor Lamont’s 2024-2025 biennial budget proposal looks to invest $600 million towards the development of affordable and workforce housing using a mix
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Expansion of South Norwalk Hotel, Building Demolition Approved by Planning and Zoning Commission
Carmody Land Use partner, Liz Suchy representing developer J.D. Rich Co. is quoted in The Hour regarding the expansion of a South Norwalk hotel, building demolition approved by Planning and Zoning Commission. Expansion of South Norwalk hotel, building demo approved by P&Z (thehour.com)
The Sports Haus is bringing indoor pickleball, padel courts to SoNo
Carmody Land Use partner Liz Suchy represented client 127 Woodward Ave, LLC in the zoning approvals for The Sports Haus facility in Norwalk. Click link to read more The Sports Haus bringing indoor pickleball, padel courts to SoNo (thehour.com)
One of Stamford’s last vacant downtown lots could become a 2-building, seven-story apartment complex
Carmody Land Use partner Lisa Feinberg is quoted in relation to a major new development in Stamford, CT. Click here to read more.
Connecticut Bar Association – 2023 Land Use Legislative Update
February 9, 2023 On February 9, Jay Klein, Lisa Feinberg and Meaghan Miles are all speaking at the Connecticut Bar Association 2023 Land Use Legislative Update. Click here for more information
Stamford OKs Curaleaf dispensary as city’s second recreational cannabis retailer
January 25, 2023 Carmody Land Use partner, Meaghan M. Miles representing Curaleaf cannabis dispensary, quoted in Stamford Advocate article Stamford OKs second recreational cannabis retailer: Curaleaf (stamfordadvocate.com)
‘Food pharmacy’ part of Fair Haven Community Health Clinic expansion plan
January 21, 2023 Carmody Land Use partner Meaghan M. Miles is quoted in New Haven Register, representing client Fair Haven Community Health Clinic. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Food-pharmacy-part-of-Fair-Haven-Community-17731157.php
Appeal your tax assessment in Stamford CT by February 17, 2023
Stamford conducted real property tax revaluations in 2022: The revaluation in Stamford will fix a property owner’s tax assessment for the next five years beginning with the October 1, 2022 grand list, which reflects the real property taxes due on July 1, 2023. Most property owners should have received a
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Are the Wilton Center Lofts a little too lofty?
Elizabeth Suchy is featured on Westfair Communications. Click here to read the story.
Carmody Adds Experienced Real Estate Partner In Stamford
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP is pleased to announce that Carolyn J. Cavolo has joined the firm’s Real Estate & Land Use team as a Partner in its Stamford office. Cavolo focuses her practice on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions advising owners, investors, developers, financial institutions, and planned community
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Norwalk Hospital Plans Expansion
September 26, 2022 Carmody Land Use partner Liz Suchy representing Norwalk Hospital is quoted in relation to expansion plans. Norwalk Hospital plans expansion | Nancy on Norwalk
From Floor to Roof, Norwalk Building Opens Among ‘Greenest’ in CT
Carmody’s Liz Suchy and Mike Sweeney advised clients Stone Realty Associates, LLC and HMTX, in relation to Connecticut’s newest “green” building, located in Norwalk. From floor to roof, Norwalk building opens among ‘greenest’ in CT (thehour.com)
Apartments in works for office buildings in Wilton
August 10, 2022 Carmody’s Land Use partner Liz Suchy quoted in relation to the reuse of three buildings in Danbury, from offices to residential units. Wilton considers converting office buildings into apartments (wiltonbulletin.com)
Breaking Ground: Connecticut’s Top Court Tilts Tables in Favor of Developers
In an important and positive case for the real estate development community, the Connecticut Supreme Court has dramatically reduced the amount of discretion a local zoning commission has when reviewing a special permit application. In McLoughlin v. Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Bethel, the court held that while
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Breaking Ground: Zoning reforms in response to COVID-19 are here to stay
It has been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic altered the conventional ways of conducting business. During the pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont passed multiple Emergency Orders that allowed businesses and people to continue operating in a modified capacity. The response to some of these initiatives was so positive that as
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Upcoming Deadline (February 20th) to Appeal 2021 Connecticut Municipal Real Property Tax Revaluation
The following thirty-seven Connecticut municipalities conducted real property tax revaluations in 2021: Andover, Ashford, Beacon Falls, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Colchester, Columbia, Cornwall, East Hartford, East Haven, East Lyme, Easton, Enfield, Greenwich, Griswold, Groton, Hartford, Hebron, Killingworth, Lisbon, Manchester, Meriden, Middlebury, Middlefield, Milford, Montville, New Haven, Plainville, Plymouth, Portland, Salem, Shelton, Thomaston,
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Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey Elects Five Attorneys to the Partnership
Carmody has elected five of its lawyers to the partnership effective January 1, 2022. Commenting on the promotion of the new partners, Managing Partner Rick Street said: “All five of these talented lawyers have made significant contributions to the firm and their communities. Every day these attorneys are steadfast in
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Carmody Continues Growth with Six New Attorneys
Carmody welcomes six new associate attorneys to the firm, demonstrating the firm’s continued growth across its offices and practices. Gideon Asemnor (New Haven) joins the firm’s Litigation practice. Before joining Carmody, Gideon practiced in the areas of professional liability, construction law, product liability, and commercial litigation at a firm in
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Connecticut General Assembly Extends Term of Certain Zoning Approvals
The General Assembly passed legislation extending the term of zoning approvals that were effective as of March 10, 2020, the date the Governor declared a State of Emergency to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The adopted legislation is in two parts: Public Act 21-34 (effective June 10, 2021) and HB 6541
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Commercial Tenant Bankruptcy: A Summary as State Courts Reopen
On April 10, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7X, detailed here, which instituted a moratorium on residential evictions and summary process actions until July 1, 2020. The Governor’s Order did not apply to commercial eviction proceedings. While a commercial landlord was permitted to serve a notice to
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Land Use and Building Permit Tolling
This week, the Governor issued Executive Order: 7JJ (3): THE TOLLING OF LAND USE AND BUILDING PERMITS. This Executive Order extends the period of validity of approval or permits issued by a municipal land use agency or building official so they do not expire during the state of emergency. It
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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidance on Remote Ink-Signed Notarization (RIN)
On April 14, 2020, Fannie Mae issued a guidance on the procedures it considered prudent in Remote Ink-Signed Notarization (RIN) closings, and specifically distinguished that the prior remote online notarization (“RON”) guidelines of the Fannie Mae Lender Letter LL-2020-03 do not apply to RINs. Freddie Mac had issued a similar
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COVID-19 Contract and Insurance Issues
Dear Clients and Friends, Our team of business, real estate, and litigation lawyers are available to answer your questions about some of the most pressing COVID-19 contract and insurance issues faced by our business clients. Our lawyers are using WebEx and Zoom to counsel clients, negotiate transactions, and try to
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Carmody Elects Richard L. Street as New Managing Partner
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP has elected Richard L. Street as the firm’s Managing Partner, effective February 1, 2020. Previously, Rick has served as Assistant Managing Partner of the firm and as Practice Group Leader of the firm’s litigation group. Outgoing Managing Partner Ann Zucker said, “Rick has a
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The New “Mansion Tax” on Residential Real Estate Sales Exceeding $2.5 Million
Currently, the State of Connecticut imposes a conveyance tax on residential real estate sales. The current tax rate is: (1) 0.75% on the first $800,000 of the sales price plus (2) 1.25% on the portion of the sales price greater than $800,000. For example, if the sales price of a
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Bill Hennessey Named “Lawyer of the Year” in Stamford, Connecticut for Real Estate, 2020
Bill Hennessey is named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® in Stamford, Connecticut for Real Estate, 2020. About Bill Hennessey Bill Hennessey has practiced in southwest Connecticut for over 30 years. His practice is concentrated on planning, zoning, and related land use issues, as well as real estate transactions,
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New Laws Help Establish Land Banks
Vacant buildings and blighted neighborhoods challenge redevelopment in Connecticut cities. Two statutes awaiting Governor Ned Lamont’s signature provide a time-tested avenue for redeveloping these urban areas. The new laws enable municipalities to form nonstock corporations, referred to as “land banks”, to take title to, rehabilitate and convey abandoned and blighted
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