Massachusetts Zoning and Land Use, Business Law, Environmental Law, and Dispute Resolution Attorneys

Senie & Associates P.C. specializes in land use and land-based litigation. When property owners, or contract purchasers of land, want to gain zoning approvals, or obtain a special permit or variance to allow a new use of their parcel, our firm guides our clients through the lengthy and often confusing process. We work closely with architects, engineers, traffic consultants and other experts as proposed developments make their way through hearings at Town Hall. We understand the concerns of the boards and commissions that review these proposals and can often find the right balance between maximizing land use for our clients while making significant improvements to the neighborhood and community. We also represent groups concerned about projects proposed by others in their neighborhood, and can often engage the land use system in a way that minimizes the negative impacts of new developments.

Litigation in the Land Court or the Superior Court involving claims of right by private property owners requires a keen understanding of many real estate concepts and legal principles. Our firm specializes in the areas of: the standing to bring suit, the standards of judicial review of local decisions, restrictive covenants, easements, nuisance and other aspects of the law that are often tested as property owners strive to protect their rights and municipalities do the best they can to discharge their land review functions. Litigation can be costly, but sometimes it is the only avenue to correct a review process that has been executed improperly by local boards or officials or to redress rights that are being violated. The statutory program for regulating the use of land is excellent, though quite involved and complex, and our firm has built its practice around this area of the law.

The firm also handles general corporate and business matters, leases, and real estate transactions.