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Kenneth K. Fisher

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: New York
277 Park Avenue
16th Floor
New York, New York 10172
P: (212) 883-4962
TF: (800) 437-7040
F: (866) 886-1151

Kenneth K. Fisher

Recent Publication:
What De Blasio’s Land Use Agenda Means for Brooklyn Real Estate Development [Real Estate Alert]
Kenneth K. Fisher discusses key current proposals that could set the stage for the next wave of growth in Brooklyn.
More

Ken's practice concentrates on the public realm of the metropolitan area. His experience includes real estate development, zoning and land use, administrative and regulatory law, government contracting, litigation, and investigations.

Working with Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, he advocates for clients with government decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels. The Observer listed him as one of "The Lawyers You Call" and City Hall News as one of "10 People Who Can Help Get a Project Built-Or Help Stop One." The Real Deal notes that Ken "has emerged as a go-to guy for real estate clients embroiled in contentious projects..." He has been named a "New York Super Lawyer," "Legal Elite" by Avenue magazine, and one of Brooklyn's Power 50 by City & State.

Ken served as a member of the New York City Council from 1991-2001 (D-Brooklyn). He served as founding chair of the New York City Chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters and is currently on NYLCV’s state board, and was founding chair of the board of directors of the Governors Island Alliance. Ken is a fellow of the Urban Design Forum, a member of the Planning Committee of the Municipal Art Society, and the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) New York District Advisory Committee. He is a member of the New York City Bar Association Land Use Planning & Zoning Committee, of which he previously served as chair, and previously served as chair of the Insurance Law Committee, as well as a member of the Judiciary Committee. He served two terms in the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates and co-chaired its Special Committee on Medical Information. He was previously secretary and law committee chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and served as a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

Ken earned his undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific and his law degree from Syracuse University.

Experience

News

Brooklyn Heights Tenants Fear Landlord's Excavation Could Take Out The Crumbling BQE

May 10, 2017

Ken Fisher, a member of the firm’s Business Law Department, discusses his client's plan for a parking garage near a historic apartment complex and a decaying section of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in a Gothamist article,

Ken Fisher Represents Family-Run Construction Company

May 04, 2017

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor's Business Law Department, shares his client's hopes for a new office space.

East Village Residents Feuding Over Future of Abandoned Public School Building

March 29, 2017

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, discusses his client’s development plans in New York City’s East Village on New York One News.

New York Eyes Outsized Share of $1 Trillion Prize

March 01, 2017

Ken Fisher discusses the estimated $1 trillion worth of infrastructure that is a Trump administration priority in The Real Deal.

East Village Community Battles Over Fate of Old School

January 16, 2017

Ken Fisher discusses his client’s efforts to develop a former elementary school in New York City’s East Village into private dorms in a WCBS TV interview.

Amid Tense Politics, Developer Pushes De Blasio for Village Dorms

January 11, 2017

Ken Fisher discusses his client’s plan to develop a former New York City elementary school into private Adelphi University dorms in Crain’s New York Business.

Even in Tony Brownstone Brooklyn Infrastructure Lags Behind

January 01, 2017

Ken Fisher discusses the slow growth of infrastructure in emerging New York City neighborhoods in The Real Deal.

Mayor de Blasio Says Criticism of the Video His Taxpayer-Funded Team Created is ‘Ludicrous’

December 30, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses a taxpayer-funded video released by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office in New York Daily News.

Ken Fisher Named to Brooklyn’s Power 50 by City & State

November 15, 2016

Ken Fisher will be recognized among the Brooklyn Power 50 by City & State at the Borough 50 Series.

Why Does Infrastructure Lag so Far Behind Gentrification?

November 11, 2016

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Business Law Department, discusses why New York City infrastructure can not keep up with gentrification in Brick Underground.

19 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 05, 2016

The 2016 New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 21 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Ken Fisher Receives Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award for Labor, Law & Lobbying by City & State Report

September 22, 2016

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O'Connor's Business Law Department, was among the 2016 honorees at City & State Report’s CSR Awards on September 22, 2016.

Trading Down: Williamsburg Biz Worries New Homeless Refuge Will Repel Customers

August 13, 2016

Ken Fisher addressed the public’s concern surrounding a new refuge center in Williamsburg, NY, at a local community meeting.

Does Living Near An Above-Ground Train Equal Cheaper Housing? Not So Much

August 02, 2016

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate Practice Group, discusses the effect above-ground trains have on apartment prices on BrickUnderground.com.

No Criminal Charges Recommended in Clinton Email Probe

July 05, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses how Hillary Clinton can move on after the FBI's email probe decision with CBS2 New York.

Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio Continue to Clash Because ‘They Don’t Trust the Other One’

June 25, 2016

Ken Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor’s Real Estate department and Public Strategies group, discusses Mayor de Blasio’s efforts to maintain mayoral control of New York City schools in the New York Daily News.

Ken Fisher Discusses New York Primaries Past and Present on CNN

April 13, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses the history of New York primary elections on CNN.

Ken Fisher Discusses Major New York City Compromise On Mayor's Proposals in Crain's

March 15, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses a compromise crafted by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on housing proposals.

Ken Fisher Discusses Affordable Housing Incentives in Engineering News Record

January 18, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses New York City's ongoing struggle to agree on a prevailing wage requirement in an Engineering News Record article.

Ken Fisher Discusses Potential Effects on Manhattan and Beyond if 421-A Program Expires

December 03, 2015

Kenneth K. Fisher, a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department and Public Strategies Group, discusses the potential repercussions of the 421-a tax abatement program expiring.

Ken Fisher Discusses Potential New Reporting Requirements for Consulting Firms in New York with NY1

November 24, 2015

Ken Fisher discussed new regulations for political consulting firms in New York to register as lobbyists and disclose their clients and income to the public.

Ken Fisher Discusses Designating New York City's Greenwood Cemetery and Fairway Apartments as Landmarks in CityLand

October 20, 2015

Ken Fisher is quoted in CityLand discussing the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on designating New York City's Greenwood Cemetery and Fairway Apartments as landmarks.

Ken Fisher Discusses Proposal to Landmark New York's Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn Daily

October 13, 2015

Ken Fisher is quoted in Brooklyn Daily on the proposal to landmark New York's historic Green-Wood cemetery.

Ken Fisher Discusses Selling "Air" over New York City Landmarks

October 07, 2015

Ken Fisher is quoted in Commercial Observer on incorporating the ability to build higher than zoning allows when it comes to air rights on New York City landmarks.

Ken Fisher Discusses New York City's 421-a Tax Abatement in Real Estate Weekly

October 07, 2015

Ken Fisher is quoted in Real Estate Weekly on the potential expiration of New York City's 421-a tax abatement program.

21 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 05, 2015

The 2015 New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 21 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Ken Fisher Discusses the 421-a Tax Abatement Program in City & State

August 31, 2015

Ken Fisher discusses the approaching deadline to cut a pivotal deal on construction incentives and wages for construction workers.

Ken Fisher Discusses Potential Implications of Supreme Court's Fair Housing Ruling on New York in The Real Deal

July 14, 2015

In an article titled “Supreme Court Ruling Puts NYC Affordable Housing Plan in Peril,” Cozen O’Connor attorney, and former New York City Council member, Kenneth Fisher, discusses the implications of the June 25, 2015, ruling. The new decision requires anyone challenging an affordable housing policy as a violation of the Fair Housing Act to prove only that the policy itself is discriminatory.

Ken Fisher Comments on 421-a Tax Exemption Program in Crain’s New York Business

July 02, 2015

Ken Fisher comments on the potential legal challenges related to the 421-a tax exemption program in a Crain’s New York Business article. The article discusses developers’ concerns over the re-vamped 421-a tax exemption program for housing, particularly a provision allowing the Real Estate Board of New York and the building trades to negotiate the program’s wage mandate for construction workers.

Ken Fisher Quoted in Real Estate Weekly on the New York State Legislature Deadlock on 421-a Tax Abatement Program

June 17, 2015

Ken Fisher was quoted in a Real Estate Weekly article that discusses the 421-a tax abatement program and rent regulations in New York State that expired on June 15, 2015, leaving the State Legislature at an impasse on numerous points. The deadlock will make a last minute deal more unlikely, with the last day of the legislative session for the year quickly approaching.

Ken Fisher Quoted in The New York Times on Midtown Manhattan Redevelopment

June 05, 2015

Ken Fisher was quoted in The New York Times in an article addressing the redevelopment of Midtown Manhattan’s historic architectural buildings, and how the designation of being a preserved landmark building is made. The article explores how New York City’s expanding real estate landscape is creating challenges for preservation societies, who work to protect historical buildings throughout the city.

Ken Fisher Quoted in WNYC on New York City's 421-a Tax Exemption

June 02, 2015

Ken Fisher, a member in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, discussed New York City’s 421-a tax exemption on WNYC radio. In the piece, Ken addresses how the New York City Department of Buildings has been handling the influx of applications.

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Regarding Halletts A Development Co. Project in Queens, NY

March 05, 2015

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Regarding Halletts A Development Co. Project in Queens, NY

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Regarding Mayor de Blasio's City Council Relationships

March 01, 2015

Ken Fisher, a member of the Government & Regulatory and the Real Estate Practice Groups, is quoted in Crain's New York in an article discussing New York Mayor Bill de Blasio clashing with city counsel over power.

16 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 23, 2014

The 2014 New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 16 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Regarding Segmented Condo Buildings

July 25, 2014

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was recently quoted in a Crain's New York article titled, "Rich-door, Poor-door Debate Heats Up." The article examines the remarks of Gale Brewer, the Manhattan borough president, calling for an end to "segmented" condo buildings that were built using incentives for creating affordable housing. In the article, Ken offers his view on the situation by stating, "The state and the city really don't have many programs to spur the creation of affordable for-sale housing and Mayor Bill de Blasio's plans appear more focused on creating affordable rental housing."

Ken Fisher Quoted in the Commercial Observer Regarding the Recently Opened LIC Hilton Extended-Hotel

July 15, 2014

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was recently quoted in the Commercial Observer regarding the lis pendens that the newly opened Long Island City/Manhattan View extended-stay hotel has received. Ken Fisher represents Jab Rad, the managing partner of the property. Ken offered his remarks by stating the property "will be vigorously defended."

Ken Fisher Mentioned in The New York Daily News Regarding The Port Authority

May 29, 2014

Ken Fisher, of the New York City office’s business law department, was quoted in a New York Law Journal article titled, “Candidates for Brooklyn D.A. Reprise Themes From Primary.” In the article Ken offers his remarks regarding Brooklyn’s D.A., Charles Hynes. Ken is quoted as saying Hynes, “was an innovative prosecutor whose policies helped bring down crime, not just in Brooklyn, but across the country.”

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Business Article, "City Hall's New 'In' Crowd"

February 10, 2014

Ken Fisher, of the Government & Regulatory and the Real Estate Practice Groups, was quoted in a Crain's New York Business article titled, "City Hall's New 'In' Crowd." The article examines how the first Latina City Council speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, was elected in New York. The lobbyists that support Mark-Viverito are mentioned by Ken Fisher as he says, "Anytime a story is written saying a lobbyist is close to a politician, they raise their rates."

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Business Article, "A Glimmer of Hope on City Council for Developers"

January 27, 2014

Ken Fisher, of the Government & Regulatory and the Real Estate Practice Groups, was quoted in a Crain's New York Business article titled, "A Glimmer of Hope on City Council for Developers." The article examines David Greenfield and his role as chair of the Committee on Land Use on the New York City Council. Fisher offers his remarks on Greenfield by stating, "The power of the job comes in helping to shape the debate."

Ken Fisher discusses de Blasio transition [New York Real Estate Journal]

December 10, 2013

Bill de Blasio will become the 109th mayor of the city of New York. As different as de Blasio and Bloomberg are in experience and ideology, so too is the city at these points of time.

Ken Fisher Mentioned in Capital New York

November 25, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the New York City office and Real Estate Practice Group, was mentioned in a Capital New York article titled, "Controversial Magnate Pokes Holes in Bloomberg's Styrofoam Ban." The article explains the financed lobbying effort the City Council successfully pushed to alter Michael Bloomberg's bill to ban the use of styrofoam in food establishments.

Ken Fisher Quoted in the New York Law Journal Regarding Brooklyn DA Candidates

November 04, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in a New York Law Journal article titled,

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Business

September 30, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in a Crain's New York Business article titled, "Big Election Spender Eyes Albany." In the article, Ken offers his remarks by stating, "The nexus of their agendas is encouraging development and making sure there's a favorable regulatory environment for that."

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Business on de Blasio's Plans for NYC

September 23, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in a Crain's New York Business article on mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio's proposed policy for New York City.

Ken Fisher Quoted in The New York Times Regarding the Race for New York City Council Speaker

September 19, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in The New York Times. Fisher offered his remarks on the current stage of the race in New York City.

Ken Fisher Quoted in NY Times Article on Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes

September 12, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in a New York Times article titled,

Ken Fisher Quoted in Crain's New York Business on NY Primary Results

September 12, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was quoted in a Crain's New York Business article titled,

Ken Fisher Quoted on NY Mayoral Candidate Bill Thompson in City & State

September 06, 2013

Ken Fisher, of the Real Estate Practice Group, was recently quoted in a City & State article titled,

Ken Fisher Discusses Bill de Blasio as Public Advocate [Capital New York]

August 26, 2013

Ken, of the firm's Real Estate Department, is quoted in the article

Ken Fisher Quoted in The Real Deal

May 01, 2013

In an article titled, "Midtown West, Tribeca, Chelsea Rank as Manhattan 'Hoods with Steepest Inventory Plunge," Ken Fisher of the firm's Business Law Department is quoted with regards to surging residential sales in New York City. Ken notes, "Low crime rates, improved subways and more family-friendly amenities are among the factors fueling the city’s popularity."

Ken Fisher Quoted in The Brooklyn Bureau

March 25, 2013

Fisher of the Business Law Department discusses Marty Markowitz, the Borough President of Brooklyn, NY.

Ken Fisher Quoted in the New York Post

December 16, 2012

Ken Fisher was quoted in the New York Post regarding the demise of Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez, which could finally lead to a political compromise in the on-going battle that has been going on for years among the Satmar Hasidim in Brooklyn.

Ken Fisher quoted in City & State

October 16, 2012

Ken Fisher was quoted in the City & State article titled "City & State’s Rising Stars Glimmer At Night" regarding their "Rising Stars" event which recognized its 40 under 40 honorees.

Ken Fisher quoted in the New York Times

September 20, 2012

Ken Fisher quoted in the New York Times

Ken Fisher featured in The Commercial Observer

August 09, 2012

Ken Fisher featured in The Commercial Observer

Ken Fisher quoted in Crain’s New York Business

July 15, 2012

Ken Fisher quoted in Crain’s New York Business

Ken Fisher quoted in Capital Tonight

April 18, 2012

Ken Fisher quoted in Capital Tonight

Ken Fisher's program "CityWide" featured in New York Daily News

March 22, 2012

Ken Fisher's program "CityWide" featured in New York Daily News

Ken Fisher quoted in the Capital

October 10, 2011

Ken Fisher quoted in the Capital

Ken Fisher quoted in the Capital New York

October 03, 2011

Ken Fisher quoted in the Capital New York

Kenneth Fisher was quoted in the Wall Street Journal

September 10, 2011

Kenneth Fisher was quoted in the Wall Street Journal

Cozen O’Connor Launches Public Strategies LLC - New Entity Offers Enhanced Government Relations Assistance in Public Policy Advocacy, Regulatory Compliance and Contract Procurement

September 22, 2009

Cozen O’Connor Launches Public Strategies LLC - New Entity Offers Enhanced Government Relations Assistance in Public Policy Advocacy, Regulatory Compliance and Contract Procurement

What De Blasio’s Land Use Agenda Means for Brooklyn Real Estate Development [Real Estate Alert]

June 01, 2017

Kenneth K. Fisher discusses key current proposals that could set the stage for the next wave of growth in Brooklyn.

Take The Trump Organization Public

December 14, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses methods for Donald Trump’s business organization to avoid conflicts of interest in Crain’s New York Business.

Builder In The White House: What’s Ahead for Built Environment?

December 06, 2016

Ken Fisher discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on New York’s design professionals in the New York Real Estate Journal.

Storm Clouds Building for NYC Built Environment [New York Real Estate Journal]

December 08, 2015

Ken Fisher, a member of the firm’s Business Law Department, discusses the forecast for New York City’s future infrastructure and development efforts. Ken addresses funding transportation and major infrastructure projects throughout the city, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Tappan Zee Bridge and LaGuardia Airport.

Five things to know about de Blasio and the built envir. [New York Real Estate Journal]

December 08, 2014

Ken Fisher, a member in the firm's Business Law Department, discusses New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo impact on infrastructure and real estate development in New York City.

City Congressional Delegation Looks to Expand Its Electoral Influence [Politicker.com]

September 19, 2013

Members of New York City’s Congressional delegation, long relegated to the sidelines of local politics, are increasingly filling the void left by the declining influence of political party apparatchiks.

Innovation gains ground even with contracts under microscope [New York Real Estate Journal]

February 14, 2012

Innovation gains ground even with contracts under microscope - New York Real Estate Journal - Even in the best of times, the use of outside contractors by government can be controversial, with public employee unions clamoring for more work to be brought in house. These, however, are not the best of times. The city, state and country all continue to suffer from the deep impacts of the Great Recession. Although New York City seems to have weathered the storm better than many metropolitan areas, budgets continue to be cut while infrastructure needs remain unmet.

The Developers' To-Do List While Waiting for Money to Thaw [Real Estate Alert!]

October 15, 2010

The Developers' To-Do List While Waiting for Money to Thaw - Real Estate Alert! - Tempting though it may be to spend time and effort on projects and tasks that got shunted aside during the heyday of the last real estate boom, but never went away, or on non-business pursuits, this is a perfect time -- even a critical time -- to position yourself and your businesses for the next economy. Please call us for additional suggestions, implementation advice, or just a good sounding board for your own ideas.

Government Ethics Reform: A Work in Progress [New York Law Journal]

February 22, 2010

Government Ethics Reform: A Work in Progress - New York Law Journal - There seems to be a widespread consensus that the public's lack of trust in the political
process should be a genuine concern for both officials and advocates. However, elected
officials at all levels struggle with avoiding compromising situations and appearances,
while not stifling the free flow of information and political relationships which inform the
democratic process.

New York – Home To Our Nation’s Capital Markets [Metropolitan Corporate Counsel]

October 01, 2009

New York – Home To Our Nation’s Capital Markets - Metropolitan Corporate Counsel - The Editor interviews Kenneth Fisher
and William Rosoff, members of the
business law department at Cozen
O’Connor.

Brooklyn Historical Society Real Estate Roundtable	Brooklyn, NY	05/02/2017
Government Ethics – A New York Study	New York, NY	10/21/2016
Lobbying Laws and Regulations: Office of the City Clerk, NYS Joint Commission on Public Ethics and New York Advocacy Association	New York, NY	04/14/2016
ABA Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries: The Year of Thinking Big	Washington, DC	10/08/2015
The Politics of Preservation	New York, NY	08/06/2015
Charting Her Own Course: A Breakfast Conversation with Eva Moskowitz	New York, NY	03/25/2015
A Breakfast Conversation With Patrick J. Foye	New York, NY	05/29/2014
Museums: Culture and Construction	Webinar	05/22/2014
New York Advocacy Association's 2014 Update on Lobbying Laws and Compliance in New York State and New York City	New York, New York	03/14/2014
Briefing Conference Call On The Newly Elected	Conference Call	11/06/2013
Good Council: Representing Brooklyn	Brooklyn, NY	10/29/2013
New York State MWBE Forum	Albany, NY	10/03/2013
Briefing Conference Call On New York City Primary Election	Toll-Free Dial-in Number	09/11/2013
NYLCVEF 2013 Environmental Candidate School	New York, NY	05/11/2013
The New York City 2013 Mayoral Candidate Debates	New York, NY	03/21/2013
Cozen O'Connor welcomed Governor Dan Malloy to a breakfast on Feb. 20 where he discussed Sandy Hook and Superstorm Sandy	New York, NY	02/20/2013
Air Rights Innovations: Using TDRs to Achieve Policy Goals	New York, NY	12/13/2012
Hot Topics Review: Legal Issues Affecting Property Management in Complex Times	New York, New York	11/29/2012
Intelligent Jobsites Conference "Construction's Technological Revolution"	New York, New York	10/19/2012
Politics and the Workplace: Best Practices for Employee and Corporate Political Activity	Webinar	09/20/2012
New York: Tech City	New York, NY	05/16/2012
The Future of Social Media & the Law	New York, NY	10/05/2011
Ten Years Later: Securing Our City and Country in 2011	New York, NY	07/25/2011
Developing the 21st Century: Land Use, Construction Law, and Project Finance in the Built Environment	New York, NY	01/25/2011
Albany 2011: What Needs To Be Done?	New York, NY	12/03/2010
New York City Bar, Committee on Land Use, Planning & Zoning: “Community Benefit Agreements: Time For Reform?”	New York, NY	05/17/2010
A Conversation With Governor David Paterson: A Breakfast Conversation at Club 101	New York, NY	03/01/2010