Firm News
(May 04, 2013)
Nicholas M. Ward-Willis Nominated as 2013 Corporate Chair of the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk
Mr. Ward-Willis is honored to accept his nomination as the 2013 Corporate Chair of the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk at Thomas Bull Memorial Park on May 4, 2013. Keane & Beane, P.C. has been a fully committed supporter of the NY Arthritis Foundation for almost 20 years and a sponsor of the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk since its inception seven years ago. If you are interested in supporting the Keane & Beane team, please do so by visiting our team page at
or contact Mr. Ward-Willis at nward-willis@kblaw.com for more information or to form your own team.
(May 04, 2013)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Sponsors the 2013 Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk
Keane & Beane, P.C. will again sponsor the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk. Keane & Beane, P.C. has been a fully committed supporter of the NY Arthritis Foundation for almost 20 years and a sponsor of the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk since its inception seven years ago. If you are interested in supporting the Keane & Beane team, please do so by visiting our team page at
or contact Ellen DeVito at edevito@kblaw.com for more information or to form your own team.
(April 02, 2013)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Contributes to Housing Approvals in Mid-Hudson Valley
In March, 2013, Keane & Beane, P.C. was successful in obtaining approvals for two significant land-use projects in the Mid-Hudson Valley,. In Dutchess County, on behalf of Toll Brothers, approvals were obtained for construction of 225 dwellings (132 detached and 93 attached) on 150 acres in the Town of Wappinger. The project required both legislative and administrative action; zoning amendments, site plan and subdivision approvals from the Town of Wappinger were required and obtained. Richard L. O’Rourke served as lead counsel with the assistance of Jennifer Gray, who prepared the petition to amend the Town of Wappinger Zoning Code. In Putnam County, special use permit and site plan approvals were obtained for the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement to construct a new 29,270 square foot Friary (Residence) for the Friars at Graymoor, located in Garrison, New York. Richard L. O’Rourke served as counsel to the project.
(March 07, 2013)
Christopher Aventuro Authors Article on Westfaironlin.com: Taking Precautions to Protect the Elderly
Christopher Aventuro published an article in the Westchester County Business Journal guiding the elderly and their loved ones on how to prevent fraud, with planning and precautions recommendations in three areas.
http://westfaironline.com/52587/taking-precautions-to-protect-the-elderly/
(February 25, 2013)
Keane & Beane’s Successful Representation of $985 Million State-of-the-Art Energy Plant
Keane & Beane, P.C. has been successful in its representation of a proposal to bring a 1,000 megawatt, natural gas fired power plant to the area. The project is a joint effort by Cricket Valley’s parent company, Advanced Power AG of Switzerland, and GE Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of General Electric Corp. The Town of Dover has granted a zoning amendment, special permit and site plan approval for the project. In addition, variances were obtained from the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals to permit the project to go forward. The State Public Service Commission has granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, the last PSC approval the plant needs. The project is “consistent with the current State Energy Plan,” the PSC said in a statement, “and advances recommendations of Governor Cuomo’s Energy Highway Blueprint to accelerate investments in electric generation to strengthen system reliability while creating jobs and stimulating economic development.”
Cricket Valley estimates the project cost will exceed $985 Million ($985,000,000.00), will create over 300 construction jobs and 28 permanent jobs during operation. With approvals in place, construction is anticipated to commence in 2014.
Richard L. O’Rourke and Jennifer L. Gray were the attorneys who worked in connection with obtaining the zoning and planning approvals. The approvals culminated a thorough environmental review process in which the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) served as Lead Agency for purposes of review pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
(February 19, 2013)
KEANE & BEANE, P.C. OBTAINS $3.4 MILLION JUDGMENT
On January 28, 2013, the Honorable Alan D. Scheinkman, presiding Justice in the Commercial Division, Westchester County, issued a 32 page Decision awarding a $2.2 million judgment, along with statutory interest, in favor of the plaintiff in a civil action who was represented by Keane & Beane, P.C. attorneys Eric L. Gordon, Lance H. Klein and Patrick J. O’Sullivan. With interest, the total award exceeds $3.4 million. The case concerned a dispute between the members of a limited liability corporation and the wrongful conversion of proceeds received by the LLC as result of a transaction involving the sale of a recently constructed luxury apartment building located on the Byram River in Port Chester, New York called The Mariner. Keane & Beane asserted on behalf of its client that Defendants had misappropriated the proceeds from the real estate action in question and used them for his personal benefit. Following a five day trial, Judge Scheinkman found that the Defendants, including an individual who operated one of the LLC’s members and several of his wholly owned companies, had purposefully failed to disclose information regarding the real estate transaction and had improperly and purposefully converted proceeds from the transaction which belonged to our client. The Court also specifically found that the individual defendant in question was liable based on wrongful acts taken for his personal benefit and under the piercing the corporate veil theory.
(February 08, 2013)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Goes "Red" Friday
On February 1, 2013, Keane & Beane, P.C. participated in "Go Red for Women" in support of the American Heart Association. All staff members enjoyed a fun day while making a contribution to a worthwhile organization.
(January 22, 2013)
Eric L. Gordon Authors Article on Westfaironline.com: Courts No Rubber Stamp on Environmental Reviews
Eric Gordon published an article in the Article in the Westchester County Business Journal confirming that courts will not passively rubber stamp SEQRA determinations and will carefully examine whether a municipality has overstepped its review authority.
http://westfaironline.com/50249/courts-no-rubber-stamp-on-environmental-reviews/
(January 15, 2013)
Joel Sachs Named WCBA Guest of Honor
Joel Sachs has been named the Guest of Honor at the 2013 Westchester County Bar Association's Annual Meeting and Past Presidents' Dinner to be held on March 19, 2013.
(October 30, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Recognized By The Westchester County Bar Association
On October 24, 2012, Keane & Beane, P.C. was recognized by the Westchester County Bar Association (“WCBA”) for helping to expand the horizons of diverse high school students by providing paid internships through the Summer Intern Program of its Diversity Committee.
(October 26, 2012)
Firm Announces Two Super Lawyers for 2012
Keane & Beane P.C. is pleased to announce that two of its lawyers have been named to the Metro Super LawyersList as top attorneys in New York for 2012.
Joel H. Sachs in the area of Environmental Law
Steven A. Schurkman in the area of Estate Planning
No more than 5 Percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.
(October 07, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Successful In “Border War” Litigation Involving Redevelopment Of Former GM Assembly Plant Site
The Village of Sleepy Hollow and General Motors recently prevailed in a lawsuit brought by the neighboring Village of Tarrytown contesting the redevelopment of the former GM assembly plant. The approval of the Lighthouse Landing mixed-use development project was the culmination of an eight (8) year review process that entailed over 50 public meetings and hearings and the adoption of a detailed Environmental Findings Statement. Tarrytown challenged the project approvals claiming, inter alia, that Sleepy Hollow failed to take a “hard look” at its traffic impacts in Tarrytown pursuant to SEQRA. The Supreme Court, Westchester County adopted many of Sleepy Hollow’s arguments and held it was “unreasonable” for Tarrytown to dispute the traffic mitigation measures specified in the Sleepy Hollow’s Environmental Findings Statement, when Tarrytown had incorporated the same measures in approving a significant waterfront development located within its borders. The Court found that Sleepy Hollow engaged in a comprehensive review and took the required “hard look” at environmental impacts associated with the redevelopment of the GM property.
Joel H. Sachs, Nicholas M. Ward-Willis and Jennifer L. Gray were principally involved in the litigation of this matter on behalf of the Village of Sleepy Hollow. Keane & Beane, P.C. also represented the Village as Special Counsel during the course of the redevelopment approval process.
(October 06, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Associates Appointed as Mentors for the Young Lawyers Section Mentoring Initiative
Keane & Beane P.C. associates Philip A. Butler and Sarah A. Steckler have been appointed as Mentors for the Young Lawyers Section Mentoring Initiative, a pilot program through the New York State Bar Association. This program is intended to provide law students with access to young practicing attorneys who will help students build valuable skills for law school, and beyond, and learn the core values of the legal profession.
(October 01, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Obtains US Court of Appeals Confirmation of Trial Victory in Land Use/Civil Rights Cases
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has confirmed on all counts a lower court decision obtained by Keane and Beane, P.C. on behalf of its clients, a local church and its pastor. The Opinion in Fortress Bible Church v. Feiner, et al., 694 F.3d 208 (2d Cir. 2012), affirms that the Town of Greenburgh, New York violated the plaintiffs’ rights by intentionally and in bad faith obstructing and attempting to “kill” the Church’s land use application to build a combined sanctuary and religious school. The Court rejected every argument proffered by the Town as it upheld the detailed factual findings made in the trial court’s 206-page decision. The Second Circuit’s opinion, which addresses several legal issues of first impression, now paves the way for the Church’s construction of a new sanctuary and school facilities
The appellate decision is the most recent milestone in a protracted legal battle involving the construction by the Church on a parcel it purchased in 1998 on which it proposes uses permitted as of right under the Greenburgh Town Code. The development application dragged on for more than 4 ½ years before the Church finally resorted to litigation in an effort to have the Town process its application in a timely and fair manner and to refrain from further conduct aimed at delaying the project. Following a 26 day trial and on a record of more than 4000 pages, the trial court issued a scathing decision and order in 2010 which directed the Town to permit the Church’s proposed development, included an award of sanctions against the Town for destruction of evidence and found the plaintiffs entitled to compensatory damages.
In the first treatment of the matter by any Federal appellate court, the Second Circuit held that environmental review by a municipality which is intertwined with, and a primary vehicle for making, zoning decisions is considered application of a zoning law within the purview of RLUIPA. The Court reasoned that, to hold otherwise, would be to allow a municipality to evade liability by simply re-characterizing its zoning decisions as environmental determinations. In the Constitutional Law arena, the Court addressed another issue of first impression within the Second Circuit in “class-of-one” Equal Protection challenges. The Court determined that where, as the Church did in this case, a plaintiff presents multiple comparators treated differently as to specific, discrete concerns in the absence of a plausible explanation for the disparities, such a claim can succeed.
In a related matter, Keane & Beane, P.C. also successfully opposed the Town’s efforts to bar an award of damages. The United States District Court, before which the damages issue remains, confirmed in a decision issued September 19, 2012 that plaintiffs may recover monetary damages. The parties continue to litigate the amount of damages to be awarded.
Our clients are represented by Donna Frosco, lead attorney on the appeal and at trial, Nicholas M. Ward-Willis, who represented the Church throughout the land use process and at trial and Edward J. Phillips, who assisted on the briefs.
The full text of the Second Circuit Opinion is available at:
(September 13, 2012)
Carly S. Grant Moderates Judicial Luncheon Series
Carly S. Grant moderated the Federal Bar Council Judicial Luncheon Series, with guest speaker the Honorable Vincent Briccetti, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. The Judicial Luncheon series offers attorneys in their first ten years of practice the opportunity to meet and learn from the federal judiciary. During the discussion, Judge Briccetti advised the newly practicing attorneys to be helpful, professional and succinct when appearing before or writing to a judge. The luncheon took place at The Honorable Charles L. Brieant Jr. Federal Building and Courthouse in White Plains.
(September 04, 2012)
Joel H. Sachs Included in The 19th Edition Of “The Best Lawyers in America”
Keane & Beane, P.C.’s Principal Member Joel Sachs has been included in “The Best Lawyers in America, 19th edition” for his work in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation- Environmental.
Selection for Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprised of more than 4 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country. The annual Best Lawyers publication has been described by the The Americans Lawyer as “the most respected refer-al list of attorneys in practice.”
(August 09, 2012)
Richard L. O’Rourke Named to the Board of Directors of the Westchester County Bar Foundation, Inc.
Richard L. O’Rourke has been named to the Board of Directors of the Westchester County Bar Foundation, Inc. (“WCBF”). WCBF is the charitable arm of the Westchester County Bar Association, with a goal to contribute to the improvement of the administration of justice and to encourage a better public understanding of the law. The Foundation also recognizes the outstanding service of non-judicial employees in the Ninth Judicial District through the annual Joseph F. Gagliardi Award for Excellence, and in conjunction with the Westchester County Bar Association, annually grants the Westchester County Bar Outstanding Law Student Award.
(August 07, 2012)
Ronald A. Longo Elected to the Board of Directors of MASLA
Ronald A. Longo has been elected to the Board of Directors of Management Advocates for School Labor Affairs ("MASLA"). MASLA is the only association in New York State that is dedicated to advocating management's position on public sector labor relations issues. This includes teacher negotiations, arbitrations, grievances and contract negotiations. Members of MASLA are a network of professionals and experts with experience and knowledge in all aspects of negotiations and school district labor relations.
(July 17, 2012)
Joel H. Sachs Selected By NYU Real Estate Institute to Teach Real Estate Master Class
Joel H. Sachs has been selected to teach a Real Estate Master Class at the New York University Institute of Real Estate in New York City. The class that Mr. Sachs will teach is entitled “Real Estate Contracts and Title” and will be held on November 13, 2012 at the NYU Real Estate Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, N.Y. For further information, contact the NYU Real Estate Institute at scps.nyu.edu/registration or call 212/998-7150.
(July 17, 2012)
Sarah A. Steckler Receives Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation
On May 24, 2012, Sarah A. Steckler became an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Keane & Beane, P.C. strives to elevate the standard of the practice of Elder Law and to provide our clients who served in the armed forces with the expertise and qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims.
(June 28, 2012)
Westchester Municipal Planning Federation Commends Keane & Beane, P.C.'s Client, Village of Rye Brook, For Its Adoption Of Affordable Housing Legislation
Keane & Beane, P.C.’s long-standing client, the Village of Rye Brook, was recently recognized by the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation for the development and adoption of a Fair and Affordable Housing floating zoning district. The new zoning district was adopted in response to the 2009 settlement entered into by Westchester County which requires the County to provide 750 units of fair and affordable housing in eligible municipalities throughout the County. The new zoning district encourages the development of fair and affordable housing in the Village through streamlined review procedures. Jennifer Gray was a member of the task force that drafted the local law.
(June 11, 2012)
Nicholas M. Ward-Willis Appointed to the Executive Committee of the NYSBA Environmental Law Section
Nicholas Ward-Willis was appointed to the Executive Committee of the NYSBA Environmental Law Section. Mr. Ward-Willis is a long standing member of the Section and has spoken at Section seminars over the years on petroleum spills, brownfields, environmental due diligence, Superfund litigation and sustainable development. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the NYSBA Real Property Section where he chairs the Green Real Estate Committee.
(June 11, 2012)
Mid-Hudson Regional Consortium Appoints Nicholas M. Ward-Willis
Nicholas M. Ward-Willis has been appointed to the Transportation/Land Use/Livable Communities Working Group of the Regional Sustainability Plan of the Mid-Hudson Regional Consortium. The Mid-Hudson Region Consortium launched the regional sustainability planning process as part of phase one of the Cleaner, Greener Communities program announced by Governor Cuomo in 2011. This Sustainable Development Study is intended to result in the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the Mid-Hudson Region that is closely tied to greenhouse gas emission reduction goals (defined by New York State), as well as the economic development goals defined by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). Mr. Ward-Willis chairs the Green Real Estate Committee of the NYSBA Real Estate section and represents municipal land use boards and developer clients navigating the SEQRA and land use approval process.
(June 11, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Recognized at the 2nd Annual Westchester Green Business Challenge
Keane & Beane, P.C. was recognized at the Second Annual Westchester Green Business Challenge (“WGBC”) for its participation in the Challenge. The Challenge is a friendly competition open to businesses in Westchester County, New York. Developed by Westchester County in partnership with The Business Council of Westchester, the WGBC is designed to help companies move down the path toward environmental sustainability while improving performance and saving money. The firm has participated in the Challenge for the past two years and has raised environmental awareness in the firm by encouraging double sided printing and copying, increased use of electronic communications instead of mail and faxes and the posting of a list of environmentally friendly tips in the office. Jennifer Gray and Nicholas Ward-Willis have spearheaded the firm’s “green” efforts and participation in the WGBC.
(June 06, 2012)
Donna Frosco Installed as President-Elect of WBASNY
Donna Frosco, a Principal Member of the firm, will serve as President-Elect of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York for 2012-2013. Donna was installed in office at WBASNY’s Annual Convention on June 2 by the Hon. Rosemary S. Pooler, United States Court of Appeals for the 2d Circuit. WBASNY is one of only three statewide bar associations in New York. With more than 3800 men and women members in all legal fields, WBASNY's mission is promotion of justice for children and families in society, support of the fair administration of justice for all, promotion of women in the legal profession and to act as a unified voice for its members on issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status in association with the UN Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative status in association with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Ms. Frosco previously served as the Treasurer and Vice President of Finance for the Association and was an officer of the Westchester Women's Bar Association, the local chapter of WBASNY. She also served as chairperson of several substantive committees including Litigation and Technology.
(May 23, 2012)
Stephanie L. Burns Sworn is as Secretary of The Westchester County Bar Association
On May 17, 2012, Stephanie L. Burns was sworn in as Secretary of the Westchester County Bar Association at the Association’s Annual Banquet. The Westchester County Bar Association is an organization comprised of attorneys who live and/or practice law in Westchester County and non-attorneys whose professional and business interests support the legal profession. The Association strives to elevate the standard of integrity, honor, competence and courtesy in the legal profession and to facilitate the availability of courts and lawyers for all who seek redress.
(May 01, 2012)
Pattern of Progress appoints Richard L. O'Rourke to the Board of Directors
Richard L. O’Rourke has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Pattern for Progress ( www.Pattern-for-Progress.org), the Lower Hudson Valley’s long-standing public policy organization, which brings independent focus and influence to issues, ideas and actions that affect the region. Pattern for Progress brings together business, non-profit, academic and government leaders from across nine counties to collaborate on collective approaches that most impact the growth and vitality of the regional economy.
(April 24, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. presents “Foreclosure: Practical Considerations and Solutions for Seniors”
Keane & Beane, P.C. presents “Foreclosure: Practical Considerations and Solutions for Seniors”, a panel discussion developed to assist Westchester County Seniors with foreclosure prevention and management. The program is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on May 2, 2012 at Westchester County’s 44th Annual Salute to Seniors held at the Westchester County Center. Andrew P. Tureaud, Esq. of Keane & Beane, P.C., along with other panelists consisting of attorneys and housing professionals from Westchester County, will discuss practical ways for Seniors to understand and avoid foreclosure. For more information, visit http://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/SaluteAnnouncement2012.pdf
(March 27, 2012)
Court Upholds Ruling Favorable to School District in Special Education Matter
Keane & Beane, P.C. successfully defended a school district in a federal court appeal of a special education matter. In C.L. and G.W. v. Scarsdale Union Free School District, 10-CV-4315 (CS), the parents sought tuition reimbursement for a private school where they unilaterally placed their son, who they claimed was disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. The Court agreed with the position of the school district that the parents’ choice of school was overly restrictive and therefore not appropriate, resulting in a denial of their request for reimbursement. Stephanie M. Roebuck represented the school district.
(March 21, 2012)
Steven Schurkman - Cited In Book
New York Times journalist Jane Gross cited Steven Schurkman of Keane & Beane, P.C. in her recent book A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parents—and Ourselves. Mr. Schurkman provided anecdotes on how older people and their children approach financial issues and how these sometimes run counter to estate planning principles.
(March 18, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Sponsors the 2012 Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk
On May 5, 2012, Keane & Beane, P.C. will again sponsor the Hudson Valley Arthritis Walk in Orange County, New York. The Firm has sponsored the NY Arthritis Foundation for more than 20 years and supported the Hundson Valley Walk since 2005. Firm staff continue to be active in the Foundation and will be participating in the 2012 Walk.
(February 21, 2012)
Sarah A. Steckler Appointed as a Mentor for the Young Lawyers Section Mentoring Initiative with Cardozo Law School
Sarah A. Steckler, an Associate in the Firm’s Elder Law and Trust and Estate Practice Groups, was appointed as a Mentor for the Young Lawyers Section Mentoring Initiative with Cardozo Law School. Mentoring is the cornerstone for professional development and a meaningful avenue to give back to the legal community. Ms. Steckler has also participated as a Mentor since 2007 with The George Washington University’s Admissions Alumni & Parent Program.
(February 17, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Goes "RED" Friday
On February 17, 2012, Keane & Beane, P.C. sponsored a "Wear Red" Friday in support of the American Heart Association. All staff members enjoyed a fun day while making a contribution to a worthwhile organization.
(February 07, 2012)
Court Sustains Developer's Utility Rates
On February 2, 2012, Keane & Beane, P.C. obtained a favorable decision from the Third Department, Appellate Division, on behalf of a private water utility of a large shopping center located in Putnam, New York, confirming that water rates charged by the water utility to tenants of a retail shopping center, were rational and reasonable and that no reductions to the water rates were required. After approximately five years of litigation before the Public Service Commission, the Albany County Supreme Court and the Appellate Division, the Third Department’s Order rejected the claim made by certain tenants that provisions in contracts between the developer of the shopping center and two of the tenants precluded the private water utility from obtaining a fair return on capital extended to construct the water utility. Richard L. O’Rourke, Esq. and Eric L. Gordon, Esq., represented the private water utility. The decision is Matter of Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., et al. v. State of New York Public Service Commission, et al., Docket Number 512846 (3d Dep’t February 2, 2012).
(February 07, 2012)
Jennifer L. Gray Named Secretary to the Executive Committee Of Pace Law School Alumni
Jennifer L. Gray, an Associate in the Firm's Land Use & Development and Municipal Law Practice Groups, was named to the Executive Committee of the Pace Law School Alumni Association. Ms. Gray graduated with honors from Pace Law School in 2006 and has served on the Board of its Alumni Association since 2009.
(February 01, 2012)
Keane & Beane, P.C. 2012 Food Drive
As part of Keane & Beane, P.C.’s continued goal to give back and support its community, the firm took up its annual food collection to support the Westchester Food Bank from January 23, 2012 to January 30, 2012. The firm is pleased to report that it delivered 80 lbs. of food and $320.00 in monetary donations!
(January 01, 2012)
Christopher Aventuro Becomes Member of Keane & Beane, P.C.
Keane & Beane, P.C. is pleased to announce that Christopher J. Aventuro, Esq. has become a Member of the Firm. Mr. Aventuro will continue to focus his practice in Trust and Estate Litigation in addition to Estate and Medicaid Planning and Administration, General Litigation and Guardianship Practice.
(December 27, 2011)
Happy Holidays from Keane & Beane, P.C.
As a continuation of the Firm’s commitment to community service, in honor of its clients and friends, this holiday season Keane & Beane, P.C. has made a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter.
(December 27, 2011)
Joel H. Sachs Receives George W. Perkins Award
Joel Sachs, head of the Keane & Beane Environmental Practice Group, was presented with the prestigious George W. Perkins Award by the Parks and Trails Association of New York State at a reception held at the University Club in New York City on November 17, 2011. Mr. Sachs was cited as a "Pioneer of New York Environmental Law”.
Also, Mr. Sachs was featured as one of the Best Lawyers in New York, in the practice area of Environmental Law, in the December 15, 2011 issue of New York Magazine.
(November 29, 2011)
“Off-Campus Student Speech – Free or Not” Moot Court Debate
On December 1, 2011, Stephanie M. Roebuck participated in a Moot Court Debate against Marc Stern, Esq., Counsel for Legal Advocacy of the American Jewish Committee, on the topic of “Off-Campus Student Speech – Free or Not.” The Moot Court Debate was part of the program at the AJC Westchester’s Inaugural Judge Learned Hand Award Dinner, which honored The Honorable Sondra Miller and Lawrence Otis Graham, Esq. Judge Miller and Mr. Graham acted as the presiding judges for the Debate, which was a lively exchange on whether Constitutional Free Speech protections extend to students for their off-campus communications, including communications that may be made electronically.
(November 01, 2011)
Keane & Beane Ranked By U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has announced that Keane & Beane, P.C. has been ranked as a Tier 1 law firm for both the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental in its annual listings of the Best Law Firms in America. Keane & Beane is the only firm based in Westchester County to earn such a distinction for these areas of the law. The issue of U.S. News & World Report containing the rankings was published on November 15, 2011. Also, a complete listing of all firms honored is now available at www.usnews.com.
(October 28, 2011)
Senior Law Day in Westchester October 27th
Steven Schurkman from Keane & Beane chaired the 12th annual Senior Law Day in Westchester on October 27th at the County Center in White Plains. The annual Senior Law Day offers seniors and their families a free, full morning of financial and legal advice on a variety of topics, including Estate Planning/Elder Law 101, use of a will or trust and paying for long term care. Over 2600 people have attended a Senior Law Day since 2000.
This year, we had record pre-registrations and included sessions on changes to estate and income tax laws and The Marriage Equality Act. Deepankar Mukerji of Keane & Beane co-led a session on paying for long-term care. Click here for a feature article on the session.
(September 20, 2011)
Firm Announces Three Super Lawyers for 2011
Keane & Beane P.C. is pleased to announce that three of its lawyers have been named to the Metro Super Lawyers List as top attorneys in New York for 2011.
Richard L. O’Rourke in the area of Land Use/Zoning
Joel H. Sachs in the areas of Environmental Law and Real Estate
Steven A. Schurkman in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate
No more than 5 Percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.
Joel H. Sachs also was selected recently by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 in the fields of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Mr. Sachs has appeared in Best Lawyers each year since 2006.
(September 15, 2011)
Edward J. Phillips Appointed as Mediator
On September 15, 2011, Member Edward J. Phillips was appointed to serve as a Mediator on the Mediation Panel for the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
(September 06, 2011)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Announces New Associates
Keane & Beane, P.C. is pleased to announce four new Associates: Philip A. Butler, Scott E. Chester, Carly S. Grant and Sarah A. Steckler. The firm currently has 30 attorneys, including our new colleagues.
Philip A. Butler joins the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice. Mr. Butler was previously a Legal Intern for AON Risk Management. He received his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law in 2010.
Scott E. Chester joins the Trusts & Estates and Elder Law practices. Prior to joining the firm, he was a practicing attorney in the New York area. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School in 2008.
Carly S. Grant joins the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice. Ms. Grant previously worked as a Law Clerk for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. She received her J.D. magna cum laude from Pace University School of Law in 2008.
Sarah A. Steckler joins the Trusts & Estates and Elder Law practices. Ms. Steckler was previously a practicing attorney in Westchester County, NY. She received her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 2010.
(June 10, 2011)
Seminar for School District Board Members and Superintendents
On June 1st, Keane & Beane invited Board Members and Superintendents of public school districts it represents to a seminar at its office. Lawrence Praga addressed whether opportunities exist to generate income from District facilities. Donna Frosco advised the attendees on the best practices for the use of social media by board members and school officials. Judson Siebert discussed the potential benefits and practical consequences to Districts of the property tax revaluation and annual reassessment process.
(June 08, 2011)
Keane & Beane, P.C. Proudly Sponsors The Make A Wish Foundation Annual Golf Outing
Keane & Beane, P.C. this year once again was a proud sponsor of The Make A Wish Foundation Annual Golf Outing held June 8, 2011 at Centennial Golf Club, Carmel/Southeast New York. Keane & Beane, P.C. teamed up with their clients, Matt Martin and Jeff Ahrens, both with Advanced Power, www.advancedpower.ch, the leading international developer of independent power generation products. The Make A Wish Foundation (www.hudsonwish.org) has a mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
(May 23, 2011)
Donna Frosco Elected Vice President of Women's Bar Association
Donna Frosco, a Principal Member of the firm, has been elected to serve as Vice President of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York for the 2011-2012 term. WBASNY is one of only three statewide bar associations in New York. It has more than 3800 men and women members in all legal fields. WBASNY's mission is the promotion of justice for women in the legal profession and for women, children and families in society, support of the fair administration of justice and to act as a unified voice for its members on issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status in association with the UN Department of Public Information and Special Consultative status in association with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Donna previously served as the Treasurer of the Association and Chair of WBASNY's Media and Public Relations Committee and was an officer and past director of the Westchester Women's Bar Association, a chapter of WBASNY.
(May 21, 2011)
Keane & Beane Sponsors the Hudson Valley 2011 Arthritis Walk
On May 21, 2011, Keane & Beane proudly sponsored the Hudson Valley 2011 Arthritis Walk in Orange County, New York. Keane & Beane has sponsored the NY Arthritis Foundation for almost 20 years and has supported the Hudson Valley Walk since its inception in 2005. Firm staff are active in the Foundation and participate in the Walks.
(May 16, 2011)
New Estate Tax Laws
On May 16th, 2011, Steven Schurkman published an article titled "New Estate Tax Laws" in a special Elder Care issue of the Westchester County Business Journal, Fairfield County Business Journal and HV Biz. In it, Mr. Schurkman, who leads the firm's Elder Law and Trusts & Estates practices, provides practical guidance to individuals in light of the recent changes. Click here
(Accessible via permission from Westfair Communications)
(March 18, 2011)
Panel Discussion on Land Use Applications
On March 16th, Keane & Beane sponsored a panel discussion titled: “Land Use Applications: Do's & Don'ts from the Reviewers' Perspective.” The panelists were Don Moscato, Chairman of the Village of Rye Brook Zoning Board of Appeals; Tom Heaslip, Chairman of the Town of Harrison Planning Board; and Tom LaPerch, Chairman of the Town of Southeast Planning Board. Attendees included professional engineers, architects, wetland consultants and other Land Use professionals from across the Hudson Valley. Breakfast and networking was followed by informative presentations by the panelists, and a group discussion faciliated by Keane & Beane.
(March 17, 2011)
Keane & Beane Attorneys Recognized by WCBA
The Westchester County Bar Association recognized Keane & Beane members Stephanie L. Burns and Steven A. Schurkman at its Annual Meeting and Past Presidents dinner on March 16th. Ms. Burns was recognized for her contributions as Former Co-Chair of the WCBA Diversity Committee, and Mr. Schurkman was recognized for his contributions to the WCBA as the Immediate Past Co-Chair of the Elder Law Committee. Ms. Burns, who represents public school districts throughout the Hudson Valley as General Counsel, is also a Member of the Board of Directors of the WCBA and Co-Chair of its Membership Committee. In addition, the WCBA asked Keane & Beane’s founder Edward F. Beane to serve on its Nominating Committee this year.
(February 10, 2011)
Estate Planning Update
Keane & Beane recently updated its clients on significant estate planning developments and opportunities which have arisen over the past few months. Steven Schurkman, David Glasser and Patrick O’Sullivan summarize the new developments and suggest steps to consider in the areas of Powers of Attorney and Estate and Gift Tax Law. Download document here
(January 07, 2011)
Keane & Beane Helps Biotech Campus Plans Move Ahead
Keane & Beane is pleased to report that the approvals for the expansion of the Landmark at Eastview campus have been secured. These will permit the construction of over 400,000 square feet of state-of-the art laboratory and related research space on the Mount Pleasant portion of the Landmark at Eastview premises. This is one of the largest expansion projects in the Hudson Valley in recent years, and will further efforts to attract biotech industries to Westchester County. Richard O’Rourke and Judson Siebert serve as counsel to the property owner and applicant, Biomed Realty Trust. On September 13, 2011, the Mount Pleasant Town Board adopted zoning amendments permitting the project approvals. Resolutions granting site plan approval, steep slopes and wetlands permits were then adopted by the Mount Pleasant Planning Board on October 17, 2011. Information concerning the project appeared in the September 24, 2010 Westchester Business Journal (click here). Biomed Realty Trust is headquartered in San Diego, and owns, develops and manages properties servicing the life science industry nationwide.
(December 22, 2010)
Joel Sachs Named "Best Lawyer" 2011
Keane & Beane’s Principal Member Joel Sachs has been named to the “New York Area’s Top Lawyers 2011” list under the environmental law category. Joel is the only environmental lawyer in the entire Hudson Valley to receive this designation. This honor appears in the December 20-27, 2010 issue of New York magazine. Attorneys are chosen for inclusion based solely on a vote of their peers. He has been honored with this designation for the previous three years.
(December 08, 2010)
Schurkman Assists Seniors through Information Line
Principal Member Steven A. Schurkman is contributing his expertise to the "Senior Information Line," a joint project of the New York State Consumer Protection Board, the New York State Office of Aging and the Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale. The Senior Information Line allows callers from across New York State to access news, updates and information about legal and health related topics of interest to seniors. Steve has prepared the text for the Information Line relating to changes in New York's Power of Attorney law. Other topics which the Senior Information Line has covered include, for example, how to reduce identity theft and how to avoid telephone and internet scams. The Senior Information Line can be accessed on-line at www.nysconsumer.gov or by dialing 1-800-503-9000 and is available in English and Spanish.
(November 16, 2010)
Steven Schurkman’s Elder Law Guide Widely Distributed
“Elder Law Q&A: Answers to Questions about Estate and Financial Planning, Health Care Planning and Elder Abuse” written and updated annually by Steven Schurkman, has been translated into Spanish. Topics discussed range from power of attorney to long-term care insurance, wills and trusts, preservation of assets/Medicaid planning, taxes, health care proxies and living wills. www.westchestergov.com/seniors hosts both this version and the English guide, which can also be downloaded here.
The guide is a publication of the Pace Women’s Justice Center at Pace Law School in White Plains in collaboration with the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.
(November 03, 2010)
Keane & Beane Takes Lead at Senior Law Day
On October 14th, Steven Schurkman chaired the Senior Law Day held at the Westchester County Center. Mr. Schurkman also conducted a workshop on Nuts and Bolts of Estate Planning and Elder Law, and our Counsel Deepankar Mukerji spoke on Paying for Long Term Care. Over 300 people attended the event, including several dignitaries: Congresswoman Nita Lowey, District Attorney Janet DiFiore, Judge Anthony Scarpino, and Westchester County’s Senior Programs Commissioner Mae Carpenter. Read more.
(October 15, 2010)
Keane & Beane Hosts "Green" Seminar
On October 15th, Keane & Beane, P.C. hosted a seminar by TriState Solar Alliance, a local nonprofit organization aimed at increasing the adoption of solar energy by utilizing group volume pricing to reduce the cost of installing solar PV. Attendees represented a broad range of industry groups including, commercial property managers, energy distributors, architects, construction and local business owners.
(October 12, 2010)
Sachs and Mitzner Named Super Lawyers
Senior partner Joel Sachs was named one of the best environmental attorneys in the New York metropolitan area for 2010. The honor, which appears in the Super Lawyers advertorial in the October 3, 2010 New York Times Magazine, was the end result of a process that includes nominations as a potential honoree, independent screening of credentials and expertise and review of final candidates by their peers within practice areas. Joel, who heads our firm's environmental law practice area, was the only environmental attorney outside of New York City so honored. He has previously been honored with this designation every year since 2007. Super Lawyers has also named Joel one of the Top 25 Attorneys in Westchester for the years 2009 and 2010. This latest recognition appears in the October 2010 issue of Westchester Magazine.
Melvyn Mitzner, the firm's late Senior Counsel, was also included as one of the metropolitan area's Super Lawyers in the practice area of real estate. Mel had previously been honored in the same category each year since 2007. Westchester Magazine also recognized Mel as one of the top real estate attorneys in the County for 2010.
(September 22, 2010)
Stephanie Roebuck Appears On Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Panel
Stephanie M. Roebuck was a panelist at a continuing legal education presentation of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association entitled “Back to School: Bullying and Cyber-bullying Legal Primer 101.” Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore was the special guest presenter, and other presenters included Bruce Kelly, Coalition Coordinator for New Rochelle FOCUS and Stephanie Perez, Assistant County Attorney. The panel discussed school, police, parent and community responses to the issues of bullying and other forms of harassment experienced by children. The presentation took place at the Pace University School of Law.
(August 12, 2010)
Keane & Beane Wins Major RLUIPA Case
Keane & Beane obtained a decision in federal court awarding injunctive relief and undetermined damages (likely to be more than $4 million) to a local church that has been prevented by the Town of Greenburgh from building a house of worship and religious school on 6.5 acres of church-owned property. The 206-page decision in Fortress Bible Church v. Feiner, et al., 734 F.Supp. 2d 403 (S.D.N.Y. 2010), came after a protracted legal battle that began in 2003. Following a 29-day bench trial, the court ordered the Town to permit construction of church and school facilities, awarded Fortress Bible Church compensatory damages and attorney's fees, and imposed $10,000 in sanctions against the Town.
As reflected in the Opinion, Keane & Beane successfully presented “overwhelming evidence of [the Town's] intentional delay, hostility and bias towards the Church's application…" [Pg. 169]. The Court concluded that the Town's actions violated RLUIPA and the Church's rights under the United States Constitution, the New York State Constitution and New York State Law. District Judge Stephen Robinson also cited ”a record replete with evidence regarding the Defendants' intentional destruction of evidence and disregard for discovery obligations.” [p.204]
The Court has ordered that the Town to issue a building permit to the Church within 90 days. The Court also has directed the church to supplement its application for monetary damages, including increased construction costs as a result of delay, reimbursement of excessive environmental review fees charged by the Town, and attorneys' fees and costs. During trial, the church already claimed over $4 million in damages from the Town, and the additional evidence that the church intends to submit to the Court will only increase this amount.
The church is represented by Donna Frosco, who served as lead trial counsel, Nicholas Ward-Willis, who represented the Church throughout the land use process and at trial, and Edward Phillips, who assisted on the litigation and briefs.
(August 10, 2010)
Keane & Beane Successfully Defends Employment Law Win on Appeal
Keane & Beane successfully defended an appeal challenging a win on behalf of Keane & Beane's clients in Federal District Court. The United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit found that the court below correctly dismissed all claims against the firm's clients, a hospital emergency room physicians group and an individual physician. The Plaintiff had alleged racial discrimination under 42 U.S.C. 1981, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 200, et seq., and the New York Human Rights Law. However, on a summary judgment motion before trial, the firm demonstrated that those claims lacked merit as a matter of law, and the plaintiff could not prevail. The Court specifically found that plaintiff failed to demonstrate any adverse employment action and could not make a showing permitting an inference of discrimination. The case is Peter Lawrence v. Ira Mehlman, et al., 2010 WL 3124431 (C.A.2 (N.Y.)). Edward Beane and Donna Frosco handled the case for the firm.
(June 21, 2010)
New York State Bar Association Elects Joel H. Sachs to the House of Delegates
Joel H. Sachs was elected to the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association in June 2010. He attended and spoke at his first meeting in Cooperstown, New York on June 18, 2010.
(June 01, 2010)
Donna Frosco Elected Treasurer of the Women's Bar Association for 2010-2011 Term
Donna Frosco, a Principal Member of Keane & Beane, P.C., has been elected to serve as Treasurer of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York for the 2010-2011 term. WBASNY is one of only two statewide bar associations in New York. It has more than 3800 men and women members in all legal fields. WBASNY's mission is the promotion of justice for women in the legal profession and for women, children and families in society, support of the fair administration of justice and to act as a unified voice for its members on issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular. WBASNY holds United Nations NGO status in association with the UN Department of Public Information and Special Consultative status in association with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Donna previously served as the Chair of WBASNY's Media and Public Relations Committee and was an officer and past director of the Westchester Women's Bar Association, a chapter of WBASNY.
(May 01, 2010)
Keane & Beane Celebrates 30 Years!
Keane & Beane, P.C. proudly celebrated its 30th Anniversary on May 1, 2010. We thank our clients, friends and professional colleagues for their trust and support throughout the years. As we observe this milestone, we remain committed to providing the highest level of service to business, individuals, families, school districts, municipalities and non-profit organizations in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
