Expert Legal Counsel for NY’s Commercial Real Estate Sector
At Gerstman Commercial Real Estate Transactions, we specialize in navigating the complexities of commercial office and retail leases. Our deep expertise in New York’s real estate landscape allows us to provide tailored legal solutions that safeguard your business interests.
With many years of experience, our firm is dedicated to serving the unique needs of commercial landlords, tenants, and developers. Our mission is to simplify the leasing process and safeguard your investments through comprehensive legal strategies tailored to your goals.
The Gerstman PLLC Advantage
The Advantage of Partnering with a Politically Connected Law Firm for Commercial Real Estate Transactions
In the complex landscape of New York City’s commercial real estate market, navigating regulatory frameworks, zoning laws, and permitting processes can significantly impact the success and speed of a transaction. Law firms that combine commercial real estate expertise with government relations and lobbying capabilities offer distinct advantages over those that do not.
A politically connected law firm brings an in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment and established relationships with key decision-makers at city agencies and local government. These connections can facilitate smoother interactions, expedite approvals, and help preempt potential obstacles before they escalate into costly delays. By leveraging insights into policy trends and pending legislation, such firms can also advise clients proactively, allowing them to adapt strategies in anticipation of regulatory changes rather than reacting to them.
Moreover, the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of clients with city officials ensures that projects receive the attention they deserve. Whether it’s negotiating zoning variances, securing tax incentives, or addressing community concerns, a law firm with lobbying capabilities can present a compelling case that aligns both legal and political considerations. This dual expertise not only enhances the likelihood of favorable outcomes but also provides clients with a strategic advantage in a competitive market.
In essence, choosing a law firm skilled in both government relations and commercial real estate transactions is an investment in efficiency, foresight, and influence—qualities that can determine the difference between a stalled project and a successful one.
Our Team
Services
Commercial Office Leasing
We assist landlords and tenants in navigating complex office lease negotiations, ensuring clarity, compliance, and favorable terms.
RETAIL LEASING
Our team helps retailers and property owners secure retail lease agreements that support long-term business success.
Regulatory and Government Support
Our firm is also a well-established lobbying firm and can assist with any government issues that stand in your way.
Restaurant Leasing and Regulatory Advocacy
At Gerstman Commercial Real Estate, we specialize in restaurant leasing, providing expert legal guidance to streamline the complex process of securing and negotiating leases. With extensive experience in regulatory advocacy and lobbying, we help restaurant owners navigate the intricate web of permits, zoning laws, and compliance requirements, ensuring they can open faster and operate smoothly. Our deep understanding of the hospitality industry allows us to anticipate challenges, negotiate favorable lease terms, and expedite approvals, making us the go-to firm for restaurant entrepreneurs in New York City.
Here are some examples of real estate-related government relations issues that a law firm could resolve in New York City:
Resolution: The firm worked with the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), engaged with local community boards, and negotiated with city officials to secure the variance while incorporating community benefits such as affordable housing units and public space improvements.
Issue: A client purchased a historic building for commercial redevelopment, but after the acquisition, a local preservation group pushed for landmark designation, which would have significantly limited the planned renovations.
Resolution: The firm successfully advocated before the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), demonstrating that the proposed redevelopment maintained historical integrity while contributing to economic growth. The project was approved with modifications that satisfied stakeholders.
Issue: A nonprofit developer sought to build an affordable housing complex but struggled to secure financing due to high property taxes. The project required a tax abatement under the 421-a program and additional incentives from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Resolution: The firm negotiated with city agencies to secure the necessary 421-a benefits and additional financial incentives, allowing the project to move forward while ensuring compliance with affordability requirements.
Issue: A major real estate developer faced a stop-work order on a high-rise project due to a dispute over construction safety regulations and neighbor complaints about site conditions.
Resolution: The firm coordinated with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and the local community board, implemented a revised safety plan, and negotiated a resolution that lifted the stop-work order while addressing neighbor concerns.
Issue: A client faced significant permitting delays for a mixed-use development due to shifting environmental impact review requirements and pushback from city agencies.
Resolution: The firm worked with the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to streamline the environmental review process, negotiate compliance measures, and expedite the issuance of necessary permits.
Issue: A developer planned to construct a high-rise office tower in Midtown but needed to purchase air rights from an adjacent property to maximize the building’s height. The transaction required city approval and compliance with zoning regulations.
Resolution: The firm facilitated negotiations with the NYC Department of City Planning and local stakeholders, ensuring compliance with Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) regulations, and secured approvals for the air rights transfer.
Issue: A property owner opposed the city’s plan to convert a nearby commercial property into a homeless shelter, arguing that the process lacked transparency and violated zoning laws.
Resolution: The firm represented the client in negotiations with city agencies and found fire safety violations which ultimately led to a compromise where the city adjusted the shelter’s capacity and operational guidelines to address community concerns.
improvements.
Resolution: The firm navigated negotiations with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), mediated a resolution between the landlord and tenants, and structured a cost-sharing agreement that avoided litigation and ensured compliance with city regulations.
Industries Served
Tailored Legal Services Across Industries
We proudly serve a diverse clientele, including:
- Corporate tenants seeking office spaces
- Retail businesses expanding their footprint
- Property owners and developers
Whether you are leasing a high-rise in Midtown or a boutique storefront in SoHo, we have the expertise to meet your needs.
