NY-Based Law Firm Abrams Fensterman Taps NYC Council's Acting General Counsel Christian Hylton To Launch Land Use Practice

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara & Einiger LLP announces that Christian Hylton has joined the firm as Partner. Formerly acting General Counsel of the New York City Council, Christian Hylton will work with Frank Carone, director of the firm's Brooklyn MetroTech Center office, to launch a practice area specializing in legal matters pertaining to land use and zoning.

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"We are excited to welcome Christian Hylton to our new office at MetroTech Center, a neighborhood which sets a clear example of how new land use laws are revitalizing the city," said Howard Fensterman, Managing Partner of Abrams Fensterman. "With Christian's addition to the Abrams Fensterman team, our clients will have an expert in understanding where property ownership lies within the context of new zoning laws that have affected approximately half of New York City over a decade."

Abrams Fensterman decided to expand its practice to offer additional, focused expertise in the land use arena because within the last decade, nearly half of New York City has been rezoned, and it is important for clients to understand property ownership as a result of the new zoning laws, and where there are abilities to build and expand, as well as to utilize air rights. Abrams Fensterman's many clients in the healthcare industry will also benefit from this land use practice area as they look to expand or relocate their services.

As Counsel for the Land Division of the New York City Council, Mr. Hylton oversaw all activities regarding land use related applications requiring City Council approval. His work included zoning applications, text amendments, school sitings, authorizing resolutions, designation of landmarks/historic districts, dispositions of public property, acquisition of property for public use, sidewalk cafes and 197-a community planning plans, among many other cases.

Mr. Hylton also served as Committee Counsel to the Zoning and Franchises Committee, the Landmarks, Maritime Uses and Public Siting Committee, the Planning, Dispositions and Concession Committee and the Land Use Committee. He was an active participant in negotiating the rezoning and text amendments for Coney Island, Bedford Stuyvesant, Fordham University, Columbia University, Riverside South, 125^th Street, Flatbush, Prospect Heights, and other large-scale projects. Prior to his six years as counsel for the NYC Council, Mr. Hylton worked at the law firms of Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-Cohen and Phillips Nizer.

Recently, there has been rapid growth in downtown Brooklyn and a revitalization of the real estate market throughout New York City. Mr. Hylton notes, "I have seen the metamorphosis in the downtown Brooklyn area over the past twenty years from derelict neighborhoods to new construction and reimagined buildings. It is exciting to participate in the growth and evolution of this neighborhood and others in the New York area, both as a participant in land use and working at MetroTech Center."

"As an attorney, the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals with dynamic personalities such as Christian Hylton, provides a platform for a strong partnership and professional growth," said Frank Carone, who also serves as a commissioner on the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission.

About Abrams Fensterman

Abrams Fensterman is a full-service law firm headquartered in Lake Success, with offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Rochester. The firm's new land use practice area will provide legal counsel in matters including zoning, rezoning, special permits.

SOURCE Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara & Einiger LLP