Introduction
Joseph Lynch is a partner in the New York City office and represents for-profit and not-for-profit developers of multifamily housing. He has a particular focus on new development and preservation transactions with complex public and private financing. Joe has extensive knowledge about the New York State Private Housing Finance Law, advising clients on various tax exemptions and their benefits, in addition to financing (FHA, LIHTC, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae), restructuring, and dissolutions. He advises clients on all areas of affordable housing and real estate including development, construction, financing, sales, regulatory matters, and joint ventures.
My focus
Affordable Housing is a Real Estate Business with a Regulatory Overlay
Affordable housing is a complex and constantly evolving business. The intricacies of federal, state, and local regulations, and their contradictions, can be difficult to navigate. My focus is analyzing all these rules and regulations and developing a roadmap for my clients that allows for a smoother development process for their properties and, as importantly, helps to achieve their economic and mission-driven goals.
It’s important to remember that affordable housing is real estate. In addition to the regulatory issues, the development of affordable housing is always a real estate transaction with the same legal issues as in conventional real estate, and it is my job to ensure the real estate transaction is in line with the affordable housing restrictions and regulations.
What we offer is up-to-date knowledge of affordable housing issues. The landscape nationally and on a local level is always changing, and our extensive experience with the agencies, as well as the volume of transactions we handle, ensures that we have the advantage of knowing the latest trends and methods to maximize benefits to our clients.
Looking ahead
The shortage of affordable housing is a national issue. It will require a number of resources, from federal and local governments, to dedicate the necessary attention and capital to address the housing shortage. Our Affordable Housing Team is staying on top of the latest developments and changes in the industry to aid in our clients’ success.
/Insights
- “Using Tax-exempt Bonds with Housing Tax Credits,” IPED’s Learn the Basics: Housing Tax Credits 101, March 13, 2025
- “Housing Advocacy Groups - what they're seeing and what's important,” Annual Upstate New York State Affordable Housing Conference, May 15, 2024
- “Recent Trends in Preservation,” NH&RA Fall Developers Forum, October 3, 2023
- “New York State/New York City Housing Officials,” IRHP NYC Affordable Housing Preservation Symposium 2023, March 1, 2023
- “Structuring a Deal (Affordable Housing 101),” NYSAFAH's 2022 Annual New York State Affordable Housing Conference, May 18, 2022
- “Current Issues in Affordable Housing in New York City,” New York City Bar, Webinar, May 10, 2022
- “The Journey of NYC Affordable Housing,” AABANY Real Estate Committee Virtual Conference, June 23, 2021
- “NHRA COVID-19 Member Town Hall Lessons for Closing Transactions in 2020 and Beyond,” September 17, 2020
- “New York State/New York City Housing Officials,” Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation: Affordable Housing Preservation Symposium, January 22, 2020 (moderator)
In the news
- New York Real Estate Journal
Merchants Capital provides $225 million for rehabilitation of seven affordable housing properties in Bronx
Dec 12, 2023This article covers Merchants Capital providing more than $225 million in financing to support the New York City Housing Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) Union Avenue Consolidated project in the Bronx, which involves the refinancing and rehabilitation of seven properties. The article mentions NP for advising on the deal. The NP team included New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Meghan Altidor and Joe Lynch, and Los Angeles Strategic Policy Advisor and AHRE deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen.
- Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens raised $1.6 million at the 2023 Bishop’s Humanitarian Award dinner
Oct 5, 2023This article recapping the 2023 Bishop’s Humanitarian Award Dinner hosted by Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens mentions New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch for receiving the 2023 Bishop’s Humanitarian Award. Joe was recognized for his dedication to affordable housing in New York.
- Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Several leaders being honored at Bishop’s Humanitarian Dinner
Sep 28, 2023This roundup article of local news mentions New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, who will be honored tonight at the 2023 Bishop’s Humanitarian Award Dinner hosted by Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.
- CoStar News
Nuveen to buy 12,000-plus apartments in major affordable housing bet
May 11, 2023This article mentions NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy; and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Affordable Housing Finance
Nuveen acquires Omni Holding’s affordable housing portfolio
May 10, 2023The following articles mention NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy, and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Multi-Housing News
Nuveen buys 12,000-unit affordable portfolio
May 10, 2023The following articles mention NP for serving as regulatory counsel in Nuveen’s acquisition of a 12,000-unit affordable housing portfolio from Omni Holding Co. The NP deal team was led by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and included Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen; Boston partner Julie Stande; Washington, DC counsel Patrice Harris; associates James Allen and Avery Ryou of New York City, David Hornstein of Washington, DC, and Ali Sisson of Boston; New York City paralegal Brian Murphy, and New York City affordable housing specialist Antonik Kristofer, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate practice.
- Affordable Housing Finance
Holistic high-rise opens in the Bronx
Nov 29, 2022This article covers the grand opening of 425 Grand Concourse, a 26-story mixed-use high-rise in the Bronx and the largest passive house development in the US—making it 70% more energy efficient than standard high-rise new construction. The article mentions NP for the work of Affordable Housing & Real Estate deputy practice leader Deborah VanAmerongen and AHRE partner Joe Lynch, both of the New York City office.
- Long Island Business News
Real estate, architecture & engineering awards 2022
This special report highlighting the publication’s real estate, architecture & engineering awards for 2022 mentions New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, whose Park Lake Residences affordable housing renovation project received the “IDA Project of the Year” award for Nassau County.June 21, 2022 - Real Estate Weekly
Partners secure $71M to acquire, preserve affordable Westchester rental
This article, on Silver Street Development’s joint venture partnership with LIHC Investment Group to rehabilitate low-income housing development Marble Hall Apartments, mentions the firm for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch in representing Silver Street.May 10, 2021 - Multi-Housing News
Rehab starts on New York affordable senior housing
This article on the $35.8 million rehabilitation of an affordable housing community for seniors in White Plains, NY, mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen as borrower counsel.March 30, 2021 - New York Real Estate Journal
National Standard Abstract provides title insurance for CB Emmanuel 30 million rehabilitation project
This article, focusing on the slated project to preserve Calvary Baptist Church Senior Housing’s studio and one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors, mentions the firm for the work by New York City partner Joe Lynch and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen and Rochester associate Matt Carrigg, all in the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, in advising CB Emmanuel.March 2, 2021 - Affordable Housing Finance
Breaking Ground Begins Transformation of Former Jehovah's Witnesses Hotel
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Dec 2, 2020 - Multi-Housing News
Nonprofit to convert former Brooklyn hotel to apartments
The following articles highlight the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 24, 2020 - Bisnow
This week's N.Y. deal sheet
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 24, 2020 - Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Jehovah's Witnesses' former DUMBO hotel to begin conversion to low-income housing
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 23, 2020 - Real Estate Weekly
Affordable developer secures financing for Watchtower hotel conversion
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.Nov 23, 2020 - Real Estate Weekly
Catholic Charities Starts Work on New Queens Development
This article on the ground-breaking of Bishop Valero Residence, an affordable housing development for low-income seniors and formerly homeless adults, quotes New York Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch for leading the team that advised Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation. The deal team also included Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Darren Miller and associate Matt Carrigg.Sep 28, 2020 - Multi-Housing News
JV Completes $53M Redevelopment of Bronx Senior Community
This article on Fort Schuyler House, a 138-unit affordable senior housing community in the Bronx, mentions NP for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Joe Lynch and Meghan Altidor, and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen representing the developer in the deal.Aug 6, 2020 - Law360
NYC real estate week in review
This weekly roundup of notable real estate deals mentions New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Joe Lynch’s work as counsel to affordable housing developer Breaking Ground in its $170 million purchase of a historic building in Brooklyn.Sep 4, 2018 - New York Post
New York City’s Fanciest Offices Are Absolutely Jaw-Dropping
This article on the most attractive office spaces in New York City highlights Nixon Peabody’s Midtown Manhattan office and includes a quote by New York City managing partner Joe Lynch.Jan 18, 2018 - Law360
Nixon Peabody steers $78M Bronx apartment deal
New York City affordable housing partner Joseph Lynch is mentioned in this article as representing nonprofit HP Michelangelo Housing Co. Inc. in its acquisition of an apartment complex in the Bronx for $78.1M.April 18, 2017 - WNYC-FM
Radio broadcast segment
New York City affordable housing partner Joseph Lynch is mentioned in this radio broadcast segment discussing how the Trump Administration’s tax reform may affect affordable housing projects.March 28, 2017 - Crain’s New York Business
Trump's tax plan isn't even law and already it's taken a toll on city's affordable housing projects
Jan 18, 2017New York City office managing partner and affordable housing partner Joe Lynch is quoted in this article about how the Trump administration’s proposed corporate tax cuts are already affecting affordable housing developers in New York City who use tax credits to finance their projects.
- City & State
Officials, Experts Weigh in on Stalled State Housing Measures
New York City office managing partner and affordable housing attorney Joe Lynch is featured in this article discussing the 421-a program, which incentivizes developers for building a multi-unit residential projects.May 1, 2016 - The Real Deal
City to Shoulder More Public Benefit Costs
New York City office managing partner and Affordable Housing attorney Joe Lynch is named as the moderator of a panel during the Massey Knakal Realty Services Multifamily Summit. Panelists included Vicki Been, Commissioner of the city’s Department of Housing Preservation & Development, BFC Partners’ Donald Capoccia, Dunn Development’s Martin Dunn and L&M Development’s CEO Ron Moelis.Nov 13, 2014 - Law360
Looser Rules Pave Way for NYC Affordable Housing Projects
New York City Affordable Housing partners Joe Lynch and John Kelly are quoted in this feature article on the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s plans to streamline affordable housing project development.Oct 2, 2014
Admitted to practice
New York
New Jersey
Education
Brooklyn Law School, J.D.
Fordham University, B.A.
Professional activities
- Citizens Housing Planning Council, Executive Committee
- New York City Housing Partnership Development Corporation, Board member
- Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Board member
Recognition
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the field of Real Estate Law; listed since 2022.
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllChristopher R. Froeb
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1137
- cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
-
Ian T. O'Banion
Partner / AIA / LEED®AP- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8313
- iobanion@nixonpeabody.com
-
