Keith Brown, Brown Altman & DiLeo, LLP

Name: Keith Brown

Title: Partner

Company Name: Brown Altman & DiLeo, LLP

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2020?
The Hartz Mountain redevelopment of the former Newsday facility in Melville was the most challenging project our office has handled to date. The size, the scope and the potential impact on the regional economy are all significant. The added opposition from the neighboring Homeowners Association made it extremely challenging. Through it all, we were able to successfully navigate the zoning approval process and bring 900 jobs back to the Melville area that had been lost when Newsday moved its manufacturing and production to the New York Times facility in Queens.

What was the most challenging part of working during the pandemic?
Our office recognized the public health concern early on and provided all staff with the option to work from home prior to the New York State lockdown being implemented. We were fortunate that our office manager and our IT support had implemented remote access for all employees prior to that event, and as a result, we were better equipped to pivot to full-remote work without any interruption to providing legal services to our clients. I would also compliment my partners, David and Michael, who applied for and received an essential business designation, so our firm could remain open to limited staff in order to support the ongoing financial and development work that was necessary to keep the economy going during the pandemic.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
The long-term projections are very bright for the economy to springboard from the economic downturn forced by the pandemic. There is a lot of pent-up pressure for redevelopment, especially due to the exodus of people from Manhattan to specific suburban communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties. As proof, you just need to see the sheer number of people attending open houses these days.