Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Neighbor Standing to Challenge SEQRA Determinations

By Stewart E. Sterk
March 01, 2020

When does an immediately adjacent neighbor have standing to challenge a SEQRA determination? In Matter of Sun-Brite Car Wash, Inc. v. Board of Zoning and Appeals, 69 N.Y.2d 406, the Court of Appeals made it clear that adjacent neighbors have presumptive standing to challenge zoning determinations. However, in Hohman v. Town of Poestenkill, 2020 WL 20407, a case decided in January, the Third Department, following its own precedent, has held that no similar presumption arises with respect to SEQRA determinations, at least when the SEQRA determination does not arise in the context of zoning. The Third Department's holding stands in contrast to Second Department cases applying the Sun-Brite rule to SEQRA determinations even outside the zoning context.

The Hohman case

In Hohman, the town entered into negotiations with the Nature Conservancy to acquire a 138-acre parcel owned and maintained by the Conservancy. The town board classified the action as a Type I action under SEQRA and prepared an environmental assessment form (EAF). Upon review of the EAF, the town board issued a negative declaration, concluding that the acquisition would have no adverse environmental impact. Neighbors brought this article 78 proceeding challenging the determination, but Supreme Court concluded that neighbors lacked standing.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases Image

The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.