2016 Women in Real Estate: Judy Simoncic

Judy Simoncic, Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, LLP

Name: Judy Lynn Simoncic

Title: Partner

Company/firm: Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana LLP

Years in Real Estate: 23

Twitter: @Forchelli_law

LinkedIn: Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana LLP

How did you get your start in real estate?

Working for a local municipality

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

Long Island Real Estate Group, Options for Community Living, Inc., Nassau County Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

I am proud to represent the New York Institute of Technology in the land use and zoning approval process for the expansion of its Old Westbury Campus. This major expansion includes the construction of four new residence halls, a campus commons building, an academic building and other site improvements. NYIT is one of the remaining Long Island colleges that does not have dormitories. The approval of this project, which I was instrumental in securing, will put NYIT on a par with other Long Island colleges and will ensure its continuing success. The approval process involved applications before a number of municipalities and administrative agencies and presented many unique issues. Successfully resolving these issues has expanded my knowledge of how to navigate the many complexities of modern land use practice.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

I was recently selected as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in business on Long Island. My fellow recipients are among the most accomplished women anywhere and to be listed among them is a great honor. It is gratifying to know that my hard work and dedication to my profession over the past 23 years has been acknowledged by this prestigious award.

Simoncic concentrates her practice in the areas of zoning, land use, environmental, municipal, and real estate law. She represents national franchises, Fortune 500 companies, national corporations, large real estate development companies as well as individual real estate developers in the development of both residential and commercial properties throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

She regularly appears on behalf of her clients before municipal boards on a diversity of zoning applications such as variances, special use permits, change of zones, site plan approval, and major and minor subdivisions. She has secured zoning approvals for Senior Housing Projects, Retail and Office Complexes, Multiple Dwelling Projects, Planned Unit Developments, Assisted Living Facilities, Equestrian facilities, Public Storage Facilities, Fitness Clubs, Public Utility Facilities, Restaurant Franchises, among others.

Simoncic is a member of the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG). In 2011, she was appointed to the Options for Living Inc. Board of Directors. She was listed in Long Island Business News’ “Who’s Who in Women in Professional Services”; “Ones to Watch” ; “Who’s Who in Real Estate, ” and “Top Influential Women on Long Island.”