Martin J Doyle

November 02, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

On Sept. 13, Mayor Jim Kenney struck a last-minute compromise with city council before its fall session began later that day, concluding the debates—for now—on two controversial real estate issues in Philadelphia: the 10-year tax abatement program and the proposed 1 percent construction tax on new construction and major renovations.

By Martin J. Doyle, Megan E. Moyer and Ian M. Livaich

7 minute read

May 23, 2018 | The Legal Intelligencer

On Feb. 7, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Gene D. Cohen issued a decision in a case of first impression related to a Philadelphia taxpayer's property assessment appeal.

By Martin J. Doyle and Megan E. Albright

7 minute read

January 27, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

On Dec. 31, 2016, Pennsylvania's Mechanics' Lien Law was ­updated in a way that creates new rights and obligations for property owners, ­contractors, subcontractors and suppliers on certain qualifying construction ­projects. The amendments are the result of Act 142 of 2014, which Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law in October 2014, thereby amending the Mechanics' Lien Law of 1963. Act 142 required Pennsylvania's Department of General Services (DGS) to create an online repository, known as the "State Construction Notices Directory," and further maintain the directory for the filing of certain new lien-related notices created by the act. DGS delivered on its task, as the directory was online and available for use on or before the Dec. 31, 2016, deadline.

By Martin J. Doyle,
Nicholas V. Fox 
and Megan E. Albright

10 minute read

February 01, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

In recent years, the city of Philadelphia has, for the first time in decades, experienced significant population growth in certain areas, and a tremendous residential development surge that is transforming parts of the city. Rapidly changing neighborhoods with newly developed lots and renovated properties are changing the way we look at Philadelphia. At the same time, developers' eagerness to build in the new "hot" neighborhood, especially in neighborhoods outside Center City, has led to changing expectations as to the type of development appropriate for these areas.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

6 minute read

June 01, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Local business leaders, under the banner of the Philadelphia Growth Coalition, are advocating for broad tax reform in Philadelphia to encourage job growth and development in the city. Though calls for tax reform in Philadelphia have been longstanding, the recent proposal has seemed to gain some momentum. Despite the progress, though, significant legal issues linger that put into question the prospects for real reform.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

5 minute read

May 30, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Local business leaders, under the banner of the Philadelphia Growth Coalition, are advocating for broad tax reform in Philadelphia to encourage job growth and development in the city. Though calls for tax reform in Philadelphia have been longstanding, the recent proposal has seemed to gain some momentum. Despite the progress, though, significant legal issues linger that put into question the prospects for real reform.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

5 minute read

February 02, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

On Aug. 19, 2014, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania reached a decision as to the proper measure of damages for a tenant's breach of a shopping center lease. The court's decision has important implications for practitioners negotiating damages clauses, in particular when drafting language imposing a duty to mitigate or discounting lost rent damages to present value.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

8 minute read

January 30, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

On Aug. 19, 2014, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania reached a decision as to the proper measure of damages for a tenant's breach of a shopping center lease. The court's decision has important implications for practitioners negotiating damages clauses, in particular when drafting language imposing a duty to mitigate or discounting lost rent damages to present value.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

8 minute read

November 26, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

Philadelphia's recent demographic surge and economic growth has sparked much conversation regarding the future of the city. Those that are optimistic point to Philadelphia's universities, medical institutions, culture, history and geographical location as reasons for confidence in Philadelphia's continued development. Those that are not so optimistic are quick to note the barriers that have prevented Philadelphia from thriving over the last 40 years, including inequality, inadequate job growth, poverty, the public school system and the municipal tax structure.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

7 minute read

September 24, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

Effective Sept. 7, Pennsylvania's Mechanics' Lien Law was amended pursuant to Act 117, which was approved in July. The purposes of the act were twofold: to clarify and strengthen the provisions intended to subordinate mechanics' liens to open-end mortgages securing construction loans; and to provide residential property owners with certain additional protections against mechanics' liens that may be imposed by subcontractors.

By Martin J. Doyle and Igor Pleskov

6 minute read