Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP Expands with 5 Strategic Hires to Form New Real Estate Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Department

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP ("BBG"), a leading real estate law firm established in 1989, proudly announces the addition of five distinguished attorneys from Seiden & Schein, P.C. This strategic move establishes BBG's new Tax Exemptions and Zoning Incentives Department, significantly enhancing the firm's comprehensive service offerings for real estate developers and owners navigating New York's intricate regulatory landscape. The new practice group will be led by Partners David Shamshovich and Jason C. Hershkowitz, joined by Associates Brenda J. Slochowsky, Camila Almeida, and Frank Baquero.

The new practice group will provide unparalleled counsel on critical tax incentive programs driving New York real estate development, including:

• 485-x (Affordable Neighborhoods for New Yorkers Program);
• 421-a (Affordable New York Housing Program);
• 467-m (Commercial-to-Residential Conversions Tax Incentives); and
• ICAP (Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program).

The team will also guide developers through residential zoning bonus programs such as the newly enacted Universal Affordability Preference (UAP) Program and the now-expired Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Program, as well as fulfilling the affordable housing requirements under the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Program. These zoning programs are designed to work in tandem with the tax exemption programs, requiring a sophisticated legal strategy to fully capture financial benefits while ensuring regulatory compliance, a hallmark of BBG's new team.

Jeffrey L. Goldman, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founding Partner of BBG, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "With this new team, BBG cements its position as the go-to law firm for real estate developers looking to maximize available tax benefits and housing incentives." Daniel Altman, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Head of the Transactional Department, echoed this sentiment, adding, "The integration of tax exemptions and zoning incentives expertise with our established practice areas enable us to deliver truly comprehensive counsel that addresses the full spectrum of our clients' real estate legal needs."

David Shamshovich, Partner and Co-Head of the new department, stated, "BBG provides the ideal platform for our practice. The firm's deep transactional, litigation, and land use expertise perfectly complements our work in tax exemptions and zoning incentives, creating powerful synergies that will benefit clients navigating complex development projects." Jason C. Hershkowitz, Partner and Co-Head of the new department, was equally enthusiastic, saying, "We are thrilled to join BBG, a firm that shares our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service. The integration of our practice with BBG's comprehensive real estate expertise creates a uniquely powerful resource for our clients, particularly in today's challenging market."

With a legacy spanning over 36 years, BBG continues to evolve and expand to meet client needs, further solidifying its position as a premier real estate law firm by providing a comprehensive suite of services that advise clients through every stage of the real estate lifecycle, from acquisition, development, financing, and leasing to final disposition. This strategic growth underscores BBG's commitment to providing its clients and the industry with the highest level of advocacy.

For more information about BBG's comprehensive real estate law services, visit https://bbgllp.com/.

About Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP

Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP is a full-service real estate firm offering sophisticated legal counsel to developers, investors, landlords, property owners, property managers, and cooperative and condominium boards. Their team of nearly 60 attorneys provides the highest level of advocacy and strategic guidance across all facets of real estate law, including appellate litigation, construction law, due diligence, land use and zoning, landlord-tenant disputes, lease structuring, loft law compliance, foreclosures, tax exemptions and zoning incentives, transactions, and rent regulation.

SOURCE Belkin Burden Goldman, LLP