Lecturer Bio
Christopher E. Wright, Esq,
Christopher E. Wright is a partner in the firm and the leader of our zoning and land use practice. He has practiced zoning and land use law for over 25 years. He regularly appears at the New York City Planning Commission, the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals and the Landmarks Preservation Commission presenting zoning and land use applications. These applications also require making presentations at the Borough President’s office in all five boroughs, local Community Boards throughout the City and the New York City Council. In addition, he has expertise with other City Agencies including the Department of Buildings, the Department of Finance, the Department of Environmental Protection and the NYC Fire Department. This includes handling violations issued by the City’s enforcement agencies and Certificate of Occupancy matters.
Prior to entering private practice in 2000, Mr. Wright worked at several economic development agencies for the City Of New York, including the Economic Development Corporation and the NY City Council. Christopher understands how these agencies operate from the inside and how to navigate the public approval process.
In addition to zoning and land use applications, Mr. Wright works with for-profit and non-profit developers and land owners in analyzing their real estate portfolios in order to develop strategies for future growth. He has represented private developers, schools, religious organizations and affordable housing advocates. His clients range from large scale developers to single property owners. As part of these development strategies, Mr. Wright has represented both buyers and sellers in development rights transfers (air rights). He can prepare and negotiate the documentation required to complete a development rights transfer, whether for buyer or seller.
Mr. Wright’s practice area also includes Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Long Island where he has advised property owners on zoning and development options based on local regulations and agencies.
He regularly teaches Zoning and Land Use Continuing Education Classes for various CLE sponsors, and he frequently writes articles about and lectures on zoning and land use topics and relevant court cases.
