Case Study
Horizon Waterfront Dispute
About
About The Client
Horizon Developments is a premier real estate group specializing in revitalizing urban decay into luxury spaces. They purchased a derelict industrial harbor zone with the vision of transforming it into the city's new cultural and residential hub, a project valued at $400 million.
Problem
The Challenge
The project faced a dual threat: a class-action lawsuit from local residents concerned about noise and traffic, and a strict environmental injunction regarding potential water contamination from previous industrial use. The city council had effectively frozen all construction permits indefinitely until these issues were resolved.
Goal
Strategic Objectives
The goal was to lift the injunction, settle the class-action suit amicably to avoid bad PR, and obtain the necessary rezoning permits to allow for high-density construction, all while adhering to strict environmental cleanup protocols.
Solution
Legal Strategy
We adopted a collaborative approach. Instead of fighting the residents, we mediated a settlement that included community benefits, leading to the withdrawal of the lawsuit. Simultaneously, we worked with environmental engineers to draft a binding remediation plan that satisfied the EPA and local authorities, proving the new development would actually improve local water quality.
We navigated this complex land-use case through a structured timeline of negotiation and compliance.
Phase 1
Environmental impact auditing and remediation planning.
Phase 2
Community mediation and settlement negotiation.
Phase 3
Zoning board hearings and permit acquisition.
Result
The Outcome
The injunction was lifted, and Horizon Developments received unanimous approval from the zoning board. The project broke ground six months later. Today, the Horizon Waterfront is a thriving district, and our legal framework for the environmental cleanup has been adopted as a standard by the municipality.
