Kenneth M Block

January 30, 2024 | New York Law Journal

A discussion of the array of new laws and amendments to existing laws passed in 2023 which will impact developers and owners of real estate in New York. The article examines the most significant developments and identifies certain potential penalties for failure to comply.

By Kenneth M. Block and Stuart B. Rosen

6 minute read

September 12, 2023 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Kenneth Block and Melissa Billig discuss they city's "Get Sheds Down" initiative which was recently unveiled by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo and provides a plan to overhaul current rules governing the design, use and permitting for sheds and scaffolding systems on public sidewalks.

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

5 minute read

June 13, 2023 | New York Law Journal

In his Construction Law column, Kenneth Block offers a guide for developing a sample sustainability program, including the assembly of a sustainability team comprised of energy consultants, design professionals, contractors and property managers.

By Kenneth M. Block

8 minute read

March 07, 2023 | New York Law Journal

The pandemic has changed the way we use office space. New York City has a significant amount of under-occupied or vacant office real estate. Converting these commercial spaces to residential could help to solve the housing affordability crisis, but not every building is a viable candidate for a residential conversion—it's expensive to renovate, there are no tax breaks, and the commercial districts have not been re-zoned to permit these conversions—so how can they do it?

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

5 minute read

November 08, 2022 | New York Law Journal

A well drafted agreement will lay out key business terms, the responsibilities of each party, and will manage expectations and risks. It is critical to balance what may be achievable with what is reasonable under the circumstances and, importantly, what hot button issues may derail contract negotiations.

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

6 minute read

September 13, 2022 | New York Law Journal

In his Construction Law column, Ken Block outlines several business terms which may be included in a Request for Proposal (RFP), and provides examples of how the owner may want to handle them.

By Kenneth M. Block

6 minute read

June 15, 2022 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Kenneth Block and Stuart Rosen examine the concept of "unavoidable delays," i.e., a delay for which the contractor is not responsible and may be entitled to an extension of time, additional compensation or both.

By Kenneth M. Block and Stuart B. Rosen

6 minute read

March 08, 2022 | New York Law Journal

In this first of a two-part series on architectural service agreements (ASA), Kenneth Block discusses the scope of the architect's services under an ASA and related compensation issues.

By Kenneth M. Block

6 minute read

November 09, 2021 | New York Law Journal

In his Construction Law column, Ken Block offers a detailed discussion of setting the best guaranteed maximum price in construction management agreements which addresses the interests of both the owner and construction manager.

By Kenneth M. Block

6 minute read

September 28, 2021 | New York Law Journal

In his Construction Law column, Kenneth Block discusses two recent developments regarding indemnification provisions in construction contracts and advises counsel for owners and contractors to revisit their indemnification provisions to make sure there is adequate protection for their clients.

By Kenneth M. Block

6 minute read