Sam Kelly

/My focus

I represent developers and sponsors of both market-rate and affordable housing—including cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowners’ associations—on all aspects of construction and conversion projects. My practice includes preparing and updating offering plans, amendments, exemption applications, and no-action letters, as well as guiding clients through the complex regulatory review and approval processes with various New York State and New York City agencies. I work collaboratively with consultants, architects, the New York State Attorney General’s Real Estate Finance Bureau, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and other industry professionals to ensure projects move forward smoothly and efficiently.

I also represent developers and sponsors in negotiating and managing contracts and closings for cooperative and condominium units, whether for new developments or conversions. In addition, I provide comprehensive counsel to clients developing affordable homeownership opportunities, such as housing development fund corporations (HDFCs), community land trusts, and other subsidized housing programs.

/Looking ahead

New York’s affordable housing crisis has resulted in not only soaring rents but also the lowest homeownership rate in the nation. Condominiums and cooperatives have long served as essential pathways to homeownership for New Yorkers. By supporting the development and preservation of affordable co-ops and condos, we can empower more families to invest in their communities and build long-term stability. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to working with clients and stakeholders to expand affordable homeownership opportunities across New York.