Firm News

In February 2022, Governor Hochul signed Chapter 104 of the Laws of 2022 (“Chapter 104”), which, among other things, created Section 135-c of the New York Executive Law authorizing electronic notarization and directed the Secretary of State to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement electronic notarization. Section 135-c of the Executive Law became effective on January 31, 2023, and the new Part 182.2-182.11…

On February 20, 2023, Jennifer L. Gray will be presenting Use of Accessory Dwelling Units to Respond to Changing Housing Needs at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Training School hosted by the New York State Association of Towns. The program will discuss the national housing shortage and the spike in home prices, particularly in high-demand urban and suburban areas. To increase the supply of…

On February 6, 2023, Jaclyn G. Goldberg will participate on a panel presenting Recruitment and Retention: Collaborative Strategies at the Bargaining Table at the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Winter Legislative Meeting. The panel will discuss what negotiators have been seeing and employing at the bargaining table to help a municipality, or a particular department, to not only retain good, hard and…

Nicholas M. Ward-Willis, Co-Chair of the Westchester County Bar Association's (WCBA) Environmental Law Section, will moderate the WCBA's program Commercial Solar Development: Siting, Approvals, and Other Considerations on February 8, 2023. The program will cover practice tips and how to avoid pitfalls when processing a land use application for solar facilities. Registration is required at www.WCBANY.org/EVENTS. Mr. Willis represents businesses, developers, individuals, property managers and…

On Monday, January 23, 2023, Nicholas M. Ward-Willis will present at the New York State Bar Association's 2023 Annual Meeting, Local and State Government Law Section "Representing Government Clients: What Lawyers Need to Do When Being Engaged by Municipal Clients". This portion of the program will discuss providing legal advice to a municipality and will the various ways local governments may retain a municipal…

Led by Edward J. Phillips and Carina Zupa, the Firm continues to fight on behalf of two Hudson Valley farms in challenging New York City’s local law banning the sale of foie gras in restaurants and retail stores. On September 15, 2022, the Firm obtained a preliminary injunction enjoining the City from enforcing the law. That injunction remains in effect. More recently, the New…

Keane & Beane has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the community, whether it be participating, volunteering or donating to not-for-profit and local outreach organizations, or as in this year, coming together as employees and adopting a local family of 3 through Family Services of Westchester. Keane & Beane employees generously donated items from the family's "wish list", spent an afternoon wrapping and…

Keane & Beane, P.C. is pleased to announce that Christian A.L. Gates has become associated with the firm.  Mr. Gates is the newest member of Keane & Beane, P.C.’s Municipal, Environmental, and Land Development & Zoning practice groups.  He is a 2022 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, where he was a Dean’s Scholarship recipient and Dean’s Honor List student. During law school,…

Keane & Beane, P.C. attorneys Richard L. O’Rourke, James W. Borkowski, and George Alissandratos teamed up and achieved success with their motion for summary judgment to dismiss an action where plaintiffs sought $1,750,000 for private nuisance based upon alleged noise pollution. This litigation was commenced by property owners against the owner and operator of Cricket Valley Energy Center (CVEC) — a $1.5 billion electric…