Jake T. Russo helps commercial and residential developers, property owners, and real estate investors navigate legal issues connected with land use and real estate acquisition and development.
Jake advises clients on how to put together site plan and subdivision requests that comply with local ordinances and state regulations and, when necessary, to make a case for a zoning variance. He also represents them before the relevant municipal land use boards and agencies from plan submission through final decision. His experience includes New Jersey-based projects regulated under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law and Mount Laurel doctrine, as well as water quality management plan approvals. He also negotiates development and settlement agreements, as well as conditions of approval with municipalities.
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Jake draws on his experience as a land use attorney to conduct due diligence for large real estate transactions, including identifying potential land use obstacles and formulating strategic solutions in collaboration with architects, engineers, and consultants to address zoning challenges. He also provides clients with in-depth research memorandums on zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and environmental laws to help them better understand the feasibility and strategic planning necessary to complete development projects.
In addition, Jake drafts purchase and sale agreements for the acquisition of commercial, industrial and residential properties on behalf of local and national developers. He also prepares financing documents for commercial real estate transactions, representing both lenders and borrowers, and crafts commercial lease agreements for landlords and tenants.