Kenneth M. Block

September 10, 2008 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block and Andrew W. Singer, members of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP, write that rather than intentionally or haphazardly mislabeling workers for short-term profits, construction companies must consider the myriad liabilities and sanctions potentially applicable in such instances.

By Kenneth M. Block and Andrew W. Singer

10 minute read

May 16, 2007 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block and Jeffrey B. Steiner, members of Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner, write that a lender holding a minority interest in a syndicated loan faces the possibility that the majority in interest will act in a manner that the minority lender feels is against its own interest. This occurred in a recent Court of Appeals case, where the minority member was prevented from pursuing rights against the borrower that the member believed it had when entering into the syndicate.

By Kenneth M. Block and Jeffrey B. Steiner

10 minute read

September 14, 2011 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, partners at Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt, write that Section 34 of New York's Lien Law voids any contract that purports to waive a potential lienor's right to file a mechanic's lien. Under a specific carve out in Section 34, however, lien waivers for payments received at or after the potential lienor received payment are enforceable.

By Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran

9 minute read

January 18, 2006 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block and Jeffrey B. Steiner, members of Brown Raysman Felder & Steiner, write that it is now common for lenders to provide for an "exit fee"--additional or deferred interest due at any time the loan is paid off, even at time of maturity. A review of litigation arising from the applicability and enforceability of these fees shows that precision of drafting may have avoided the disputes.

By Kenneth M. Block and Jeffrey B. Steiner

8 minute read

November 10, 2010 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, members of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt, write that with two possible exceptions, the statute of limitations for claims against an architect is three years from the completion of the architect's services, while claims against a contractor must be brought within six years after the work is complete.

By Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran

14 minute read

August 29, 2007 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block, a member of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt, writes that while contractual provisions can be created to penalize or require a contractor for delayed or early completion, the best course to ensure the timely completion of the project is through a team approach using careful project scheduling.

By Kenneth M. Block

9 minute read

March 27, 2006 | The Recorder

Recent court cases address loan prepayment fees.

By Kenneth M. Block and Jeffrey B. Steiner

8 minute read

June 11, 2008 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block, a partner in Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt and general counsel of the New York chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, writes that the LEED certification process is as heavily marked by sustainable construction practices as it is by sustainable design. Those construction practices are found in the specifications, and strict compliance is essential to achieve the desired LEED certification.

By Kenneth M. Block

8 minute read

July 29, 2009 | New York Law Journal

Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, members of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt, write that the law of mechanic's liens as it applies to condominiums presents unique issues that can result in problems for contractors, as well as condominium unit owners and boards of managers. Contractors not familiar with the rules, they warn, can find themselves without security for the payment of work they have performed on the condominium property.

By Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran

16 minute read

March 14, 2011 | Legaltech News

Two of the bills signed into law as part of New York's Greener, Greater Buildings Plan -- benchmarking and energy auditing and adjustments -- will compel an examination of the energy usage of large buildings throughout the city. The new legislation may result in efforts by owners to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings under a process known as "retrofitting."

By Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran

12 minute read