Federal Pro-Housing Land Use and Zoning Reforms
For real estate developers and investors in the multi-family sector of the market, it’s important to understand how federal policies may impact future development opportunities. While zoning regulations fall primarily under the purview of local and state governments, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken unprecedented steps to address the national housing crisis. In late 2022, Congress […]
How Does the Illinois Open Meetings Act Affect the Zoning Approval Process?
Whether you are seeking a zoning variance, a zoning map amendment (rezoning), or a special use permit, it’s important to know the legal requirements for conducting a public meeting. Understanding the Illinois Open Meetings Act allows you and your team to advocate more confidently and effectively before administrative, quasi-legislative, and quasi-judicial bodies and to object […]
What Can Go Wrong if You Do Not Have a Zoning Attorney at a ZBA Hearing?
Earlier this year, the CEO of Prada, Gianfranco D’Attis, razed a single-family home in the Village of East Hampton and then sought a series of variances in order to construct a state-of-the-art single family residence with a pool on the same lot. At the ZBA hearing, he was not represented by an attorney. Image Source: […]
Birchwood Law Assists Business Owners Purchasing Commercial Real Estate
In 2022 and 2023, Birchwood Law participated in a series of Small Business Workshops hosted by a not-for-profit organization called SBAC EMPOWER which strives to provide mentorship and support to Chicagoland’s entrepreneurs and business owners. The workshops were organized in partnership with several chambers of commerce, including Woodlawn and Greater Englewood. For a small business […]
Katarina Karac Selected as 2023 “Rising Star” in Illinois for Land Use and Zoning
Katarina Karac has been selected as 2023 Rising Star in Illinois for Land Use and Zoning by Super Lawyers. Only the top 2.5% of qualifying attorneys in Illinois achieve this designation. “My clients come to me with their business ventures on the line. Zoning is incredibility convoluted and intimidating to them. When I take on […]
Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2023
If you’re interested in learning more about the current state of the North American real estate market, check out Urban Land Institute and PwC’s recent report titled, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2023.” The Report projects that industrial/distribution sector will remain a strong prospect for investment and development, followed closely by multifamily housing. These two […]
Zoning, Leasing & Beyond – Birchwood Law Participates in Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce & SBAC Empower’s Small Business Workshop
On August 17th, 2022, SBAC Empower and Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce hosted a Small Business Q&A Session for business owners and entrepreneurs. The topics included zoning, leasing, business licensing, financing, and more. Birchwood Law’s Founding Attorney, Katarina Karac, served on the panel alongside other esteemed panelists, including City of Chicago’s Business Affairs and Consumer […]
Affordable Housing – A Vision for More Equitable Communities
Birchwood Law’s founding attorney, Katarina Karac, in conjunction with another firm, worked to defend a national developer of a 27-unit affordable housing development project after an administrative appeal and several court cases brought by neighboring property owners. The project required the preparation of multiple merit briefs (on appeal before city council and in court) as well as preparation of oral arguments. […]
Cancel Zoning?
A recent article, titled “Cancel Zoning,” published by The Atlantic presents an argument that zoning should be canceled. Many cities face a housing shortage which is driving up costs for home-buyers and renters. However, should zoning be canceled? Did you know that Houston, Texas does not have zoning? Let us know what you think. Email […]
Mid-Year Construction Update
Birchwood Law LLC’s Founding Attorney, Katarina Karac, attended AIRE Brokers (Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers) Mid-Year Construction Update event in Park Ridge, Illinois. An esteemed panel of industrial real estate professionals discussed trends impacting the construction industry, such as supply chain problems, material shortages, increased pricing, labor shortages, and more. At Birchwood Law LLC, […]