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Aaron
Goldman

Associate

Aaron
Goldman

Associate

Aaron’s practice focuses on environmental review of development projects, land use issues, and regulatory compliance counseling. His experience includes advising clients with respect to environmental due diligence during real estate transactions, working with property owners and environmental consultants on complex New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program projects, guiding developers through renewable energy permitting, and assisting clients with building-systems environmental issues such as lead-based paint and water treatment systems.

After earning an Environmental and Natural Resources Law LL.M. in 2017, Aaron practiced environmental law as an assistant city attorney for four years. During this time, he worked on projects related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Water Act Section 404 dredge-and-fill permitting, infrastructure relocation agreements, infrastructure connection agreements with neighboring municipalities, easement acquisitions, trying cases to verdict, and real estate acquisitions with associated due diligence.

Willets Point Development Project

Location: Queens, NY

SPR was retained by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to serve as environmental counsel for the preparation of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the City of New York's proposed redevelopment of a 61 acre parcel in Willets Point Queens. The Willets Point project is a proposed redevelopment of an underutilized industrial area into a lively, mixed-use, sustainable community and regional destination. Besides the GEIS, the Firm assisted the City in other aspects of the proposed project, including hazardous waste remediation and environmental issues relating to the purchase of existing parcels within the project area and the parcels to be utilized to relocate existing businesses. The project, which required the rezoning of the area and adoption of an urban renewal plan, was approved in the Fall of 2008. In 2017 SPR was retained by the Queens Development Group (a partnership of the Related Companies and Sterling Equities) to represent the project developer in connection with hazardous waste remediation pursuant to the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The project will transform an approximately 23 acre area with construction of New York City’s largest 100% affordable housing project in 40 years, a professional league soccer stadium, a public school, park and public open space amenities.

New York City Housing Authority – PACT Conversion

Location: New York, NY

SPR advises small and large property managers and owners regarding compliance with federal and NYC lead-based paint (LBP) legal requirements. Our practice also includes advising parties on the regulatory and consent order requirements applicable to LBP in the context of conversions of NYCHA public housing developments to private owned housing under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.

Extra Space Storage

Location: Nationwide

SPR managed the environmental due diligence for a $12 Billion merger involving 1,300 facilities across the USA.  Facilities were located in at least 37 jurisdictions, including: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CA, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA,  MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, MO, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK,  OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, and WA. SPR reviewed environmental due diligence documents including Phase I and Phase II site investigation reports, developed due diligence strategy, worked with Extra Space’s environmental consultants and local counsel to identify and manage risks across the portfolio, and supported SEC counsel with respect to environmental aspects of their 10b-5 opinion.  The transaction closed on time.

“Environmental Law: Developments in the Law of SEQRA”

For: Syracuse Law Review Vol. 73, No. 717

Article Title: Developments in the Law of SEQRA

July 2023 | Written by Ahlia Bethea, Mark Chertok, Aaron Goldman (and Evan Preminger)

“Defining Professionalism and Why It Matters”

For: The Colorado Lawyer, Vol. 44, No. 11

November 2015 | Written by Aaron Goldman (and Hon. Robert D. Hawthorne)

“H.B. 18-1128: Protections for Consumer Data Privacy”

For: Colorado Municipal League, CLE

2019 | Written by Aaron Goldman et. al

GES 120: “Water Sustainability in the Western US,” Guest Lecturer

For: Colorado State University (Guest Lecturer)

2019 - 2021

Update on New York City and New York State Lead-Based Paint Laws

Numerous changes and clarifications to New York City (NYC) and New York State lead-based paint (LBP) laws for residential properties are coming into effect in 2024 and 2025. These provisions relate to a statewide rental registry for residences constructed before 1980, testing common areas in NYC buildings, and enhanced turnover remediation requirements in ...

NYC Local Law 97 Remains In Effect After Appellate Decision In Glen Oaks Case

On May 16, 2024, the New York Appellate Division, First Department, reversed in part the trial court decision that dismissed the challenge to ...

2023 Update on Federal and New York City Lead-Based Paint Laws

This year has seen notable changes and clarifications to Federal and New York City lead-based paint standards for residential properties. These provisions relate to lead paint investigations, testing, remediation, and penalties that may impact compliance planning for building owners and managers. Because these legal changes were adopted after SPR’s ...

New York Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to Local Law 97

On October 30, 2023, the New York Supreme Court, New York County dismissed a significant legal challenge to New York City’s building emissions law, Local Law 97 of 2019. The decision provides clarity to the NYC real estate community that Local Law 97 is valid, enforceable, and constitutional. The law’s greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

Building Owners Sue NYC to Challenge Local Law 97

Marking the first legal challenge to NYC Local Law 97 of 2019 (Local Law 97) since its enactment, a group of building cooperatives, residents, shareholders, and a real estate company (Plaintiffs) sued the City of New York, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), and the ...

University of Denver Sturm College of Law, LL.M., 2017

University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., 2013, cum laude

University of Florida, B.A., 2010, cum laude

New York, 2022

United States District Court for the District of Colorado, 2014

Colorado State, 2014

New York State Bar Association, Environmental & Energy Law Section, Member

New York State Bar Association, LGBTQ Law Section, Member

New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute (NYCELLI)

New York City Bar Association Environmental Law Committee

Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee, Member

Colorado LGBTQ Bar Association, Member

Colorado Bar Association Environmental Law Section, Member

Environmental Law Institute, Member