Amid the myriad challenges and uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barclay Damon LLP’s land use and zoning attorneys are still fully available to continue advocating on your behalf and supporting your unique legal needs.
Through coordinated efforts across our office platform, phone and video meetings, and a deep understanding of evolving state policies and executive orders, we’re well positioned to keep moving your economic development projects and municipal and government approvals forward using all the tools and creative solutions at our disposal.
The disruption caused by COVID-19 touches nearly everyone, including local governments. Responses like social distancing, cancelling large social gatherings, and workforce reductions orders have resulted in many local governments closing their doors and offices to the general public.
Specifically, in New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently issued Executive Order 202.8, which requires all non-essential businesses and not-for-profits to “reduce the in-person workforce at any work locations by 100 percent.” Governor Cuomo also recently implemented the “New York State on PAUSE” policy. He previously issued Executive Order 202.1, which allows meetings of public bodies to be held remotely by conference call or similar services so long as the public can view or listen to the proceedings and the meetings are recorded and later transcribed. The executive order will remain in effect through April 11. Barclay Damon previously reported on Executive Order 202.1.
These laws and policies are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. However, these laws and policies don’t need to hinder your momentum with regards to your projects, required approvals, and general legal needs.
Barclay Damon’s land use and zoning attorneys will continue to analyze the responses of municipalities and governmental bodies across our firm’s office platform and work to find solutions for you to keep your projects on track, reduce delays and disruptions, and ensure your goals are met.
We’ll maintain as much contact with municipalities and governing agencies as possible regarding their plans to operate remotely, and we’ll circulate legal alerts on any pressing updates they provide.
If you have any questions regarding the content in this alert, please contact Jeff Palumbo, Land Use & Zoning Practice Area chair, at jpalumbo@barclaydamon.com; Corey Auerbach, partner, at cauerbach@barclaydamon.com; or another member of the firm’s Land Use & Zoning Practice Area.