Supreme Court Sides with Developer on Impact Fee Dispute
The United States Supreme Court recently issued a unanimous decision in the case of Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, 601 U.S. ___ (2024), which will affect how municipalities impose impact fees on developers. As a result of this decision, regulations that broadly require developers to pay fees for offsite
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Vrbo Host is Breaking Zoning Regs, Conn. High Court Told – Law360
Carmody litigators Marc Kurzman and Damian Gunningsmith in a zoning case before the Connecticut Appellate Court – Vrbo Host Is Breaking Zoning Regs, Conn. High Court Told – Law360
354-unit Stamford development gets OK from Planning Board – Stamford Advocate
Carmody Land Use partner Lisa Feinberg is quoted in the Stamford Advocate article regarding Building and Land Technology’s proposal to convert a four-story office building in Stamford. 354-unit Stamford development gets OK from Planning Board (stamfordadvocate.com)
Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett and Carmody Act as Counsel for Town of Darien in Acquisition of Great Island
In one of the largest residential real estate acquisitions in the US in 2023*, a team of lawyers from Town Counsel Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett P.C. and special counsel Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP represented the Town of Darien in the purchase of Great Island for $85 million. Carmody assisted
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Why Real Estate Professionals Should Know (and care) About The New Corporate Transparency Act
In 2021, in an effort to curtail money laundering, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (âCTAâ). The CTA will dramatically change the business landscape by requiring mandatory reports from nearly all entities, domestic and foreign. The current effective date is January 1, 2024, but existing entities do not have to file
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New Low-Interest Financing Opportunities for Multifamily Housing
With interest rates nearing record highs and the need for more housing in Connecticut growing by the day, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (âCHFAâ) is rolling out a new, competitive financing program for multifamily developments. Known as the âBuild4CTâ program, these funds are targeted at developments with at least 20% of
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Time is Running Out on Existing Zoning Regulations in Norwalk, Connecticut
The deadline to submit applications to the City of Norwalk, Connecticut Department of Planning & Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning & Zoning Commission under the existing regulations and standards of review is February 16, 2024. This includes zoning permits administratively issued by staff, and special permit, site plan
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Upcoming Deadline (February 20) to Appeal 2023 Connecticut Municipal Real Property Tax Revaluation
The following Connecticut municipalities conducted real property tax revaluations in 2023: AvonHamptonRocky HillBarkhamstedHarwintonScotlandBethanyKentSharonBethlehemKillinglyShermanBoltonLebanonSuffieldBurlingtonLitchfieldUnionCantonLymeWashingtonChaplinMadisonWatertownCheshireNew CanaanWestonChesterNew HartfordWethersfieldDarienNew LondonWillingtonEast GranbyNorfolkWiltonEastfordNorwichWindhamEssexOld SaybrookWindsorFranklinOrangeWoodbury This revaluation will fix a property ownerâs tax assessment for the next five years beginning with the October 1, 2023 grand list, which determines the real property taxes due on July 1,
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City of Norwalk, CT Planning & Zoning Commission Adopts New Zoning Map and Regulations
After nearly eight months of comments, revisions, and public hearings, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, adopted a new zoning map and zoning regulations on December 13, 2023. This is the first comprehensive, citywide revision to the zoning regulations in nearly 40 years. The new
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Letâs Talk Property Taxes: Tax Appeals in Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Weston and Wiltonâ Deadline Feb 20, 2024
Every five years each municipality in Connecticut conducts a revaluation of all real property. The City of Norwalk, Town of Darien, Town of New Canaan, Town of Weston, and Town of Wilton conducted revaluations this year, revaluing all real property as of October 1, 2023. A taxpayer looking to contest
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Public Hearings to Commence on Norwalk Zoning Rewrite
Following seven months of review, comment, feedback and revisions, the City of Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings in December 2023 on the final drafts of the proposed zoning map and regulations. Hybrid public hearings have been scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2023 with the in-person
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IRS Announces Increases to Retirement Plan Limits for 2024
On November 1, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the new contribution and benefit limits to qualified retirement plans. The increased limits will allow employees to save more money for retirement. Starting in 2024, the following limits apply: Employees can contribute up to $23,000 into their 401(k), 403(b) and
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Carmody Lawyers Named to ‘Top Lawyers in Fairfield County’
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP is pleased to announce that 11 of its lawyers have been named to Moffly Mediaâs â250+ Top Lawyers in Fairfield Countyâ list. Moffly Media publishes Greenwich, New Canaan/Darien + Rowayton, Stamford, Westport, and athome magazines. Their research process includes online peer-voting, internet research, active
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Carmody Once Again Named to the 2024 Edition of the âBest Law FirmsÂźâ List
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to the 2024 Edition of the U.S. News & World Report â Best Lawyers Âź âBest Law Firmsâ list. In this edition, 18 of the firmâs practice areas are ranked in Tier 1, 8 practice
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Hamden officials approve retail cannabis on Whitney Avenue
Hamden officials approve retail cannabis business on Whitney Avenue (nhregister.com)
Stamford’s new K9 Resorts calls itself a ‘5-star luxury hotel’ for dogs
Carmody clients launch new K9 Resorts dog hotel in Stamford. Partners William Hennessey, Jason Klein and Patrick Hanna advised on zoning and lease issues.
Stratford cannabis dispensary proposed for former Johnny’s Restaurant location
Land Use lawyer Meaghan Miles is quoted in Connecticut Post regarding proposal to open a cannabis dispensary in Stratford. Click here to read more.
Connecticut’s First Wegmans Site Begins Demolition in Norwalk
Real Estate & Land Use partner, Jay Klein, is quoted in The Norwalk Hour regarding demolition in Norwalk, which will become Connecticut’s first Wegmans.Click here to read more.
Stamford’s largest developer BLT to convert its HQ â former Pitney Bowes building â into 256 apartments
“Converting office space to residential homes, particularly outside the central business district, is a fantastic way to combat the housing crisis and reduce office vacancy,” – Carmody Land Use partner Lisa Feinberg represents Building and Land Technology (BLT) on conversion of HQ to apartments. Stamford’s largest developer to convert its HQ into
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Third Cannabis Retailer Approved in Norwalk
Land Use partner, Elizabeth Suchy, is quoted in Nancy on Norwalk regarding the approval of Shangri-La’s second cannabis retail location, making it the third retail location in Norwalk. Click to read more.
Stamford Mayor Proposes 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The housing shortage continues to dominate the discussion at all levels of government in 2023, and in Stamford, Mayor Simmons is pushing for action. The Mayor recently issued an Affordable Housing Executive Order calling for the equivalent of 1,000 new or substantially renovated affordable housing units by 2025, and the development
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Former Norwalk YMCA Proposed to be Developed into Apartment Complex
Real Estate & Land Use partner, Elizabeth Suchy, is quoted in The Hour regarding a proposal to develop a 204-unit apartment complex where the old Norwalk YMCA is located. Click to read more.
Parking Requirements Based on Space Utilization
Land Use partner, Elizabeth Suchy, is quoted in The Wilton Bulletin regarding a proposed amendment, which would allow parking requirements to be based on space utilization, rather than gross square-footage. The Norwalk P&Z Commission unanimously approved the text amendment. Click to read more.
Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission Approve Wilton Center Lofts
The P&Z Commission voted to approve Wilton Center Lofts, a five-story, 42-unit residential building in Norwalk after using Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing statute. Click to read more in Good Morning Wilton.Click to read more in The Hour.
National Havoc Robotics League Seeks Permit in Norwalk
Real Estate & Land Use partner, Elizabeth Suchy, is quoted in The Hour regarding the STEM competition held in Norwalk. Click to read more.
Sparks Fly Over Wilton Lofts at P&Z Hearing
Land Use partner, Liz Suchy, is quoted in The Wilton Bulletin regarding the public hearing for a 40-unit, multifamily development at 12 Godfrey Place in Wilton. Click here to read more.
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 Norwalkâs 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 â 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 Norwalkâs 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 Committeeâs 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 Lamontâs 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)
Carmody Advises GEM Manufacturing in Sale to Core Industrial Partners
Carmody’s Corporate team lead by Tom Candrick and Kevin Palumberi advised GEM Manufacturing on its sale to Core Industrial Partners, with support from Adam Brocklehurst, Johanna Bachmair, Deborah Brancato and Mark Williams. Click here to read: Private equity firm acquires Waterbury business | Hartford Business Journal
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
SECURE Act 2.0 Significant Changes for Retirement Plans
January 19, 2023 SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022. This Act makes numerous important changes to various retirement plan rules, affecting 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and enhances some changes made in the 2019 SECURE Act.
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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 ownerâs 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 firmâs 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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Increase in 401(k) Plan Limits for 2023
The IRS, in Notice 2022-55 has announced increased 401(k) plan limits for 2023. The increases are larger than usual due to inflation. Here is what you need to know: The 401(k) deferral limit is increased to $22,500 from $20,500. Note this increase applies to 403(b) plans as well. The total contribution limit
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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: Connecticutâs 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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Young Black investors are betting heavily on crypto, worrying some advisors
Tim Klimpl is featured in Fortune’s CFO Daily. Click here to read the story.
As Crypto Enters the Compensation World, Employers Should Walk Before Running
Tim Klimpl discusses cryptocurrency as a form of compensation for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. Click here to read the article.
As crypto enters the compensation world, Startups should walk before running
The use of cryptocurrency is starting to gain a substantial foothold in employment and compensation according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For startup companies and other employers, this trend should call for both excitement and caution. First, last month the DOLâs Employee Benefits Security Administration published a compliance assistance
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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: âAll 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 firmâs continued growth across its offices and practices. Gideon Asemnor (New Haven) joins the firmâs 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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Labor Department Releases Model Notices for New COBRA Subsidy
In our March 29 e-alert concerning the new COBRA subsidy, we indicated that we would advise when the new COBRA notices from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) became available. The DOL published the model notices on April 7, 2021. Background: Under the American Rescue Plan Act (âARPAâ), a temporary
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Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP Welcomes Timothy S. Klimpl As Counsel
Timothy Klimpl, of New Canaan, Connecticut has recently joined Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP as Counsel in the firmâs Stamford office. Tim is a seasoned attorney with experience providing ERISA advice and related services to a variety of plan sponsors and employee benefit plans, including corporate, nonprofit, multiemployer and
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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 Governorâs 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 (âRONâ) 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 firmâs Managing Partner, effective February 1, 2020. Previously, Rick has served as Assistant Managing Partner of the firm and as Practice Group Leader of the firmâs litigation group. Outgoing Managing Partner Ann Zucker said, âRick 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 LawyersÂź 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 Lamontâs signature provide a time-tested avenue for redeveloping these urban areas. The new laws enable municipalities to form nonstock corporations, referred to as âland banksâ, to take title to, rehabilitate and convey abandoned and blighted
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