THE COLLABORATIVE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR & CITY GOVERNMENT SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY

Public Property Acquisitions Attorneys Based in Philadelphia

Bridging Public Land with Private Sector Projects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the surrounding counties

Acquiring publicly owned real estate for private sector use can be a complex, protracted, and arduous process. Public land can be difficult to procure in the first place, and government agencies exercise substantial oversight when evaluating the development of these types of properties.

Our Philadelphia public property acquisition lawyers at Pritzker Law Group can help take your project from conceptualization to completion. Our firm has strong relationships with city agencies, government officials, and local community groups to help get you through the process.

We emphasize a collaborative approach to real estate development and will do everything possible to make your project a success.

We can help you explore your options for acquiring public land. Schedule a free 15 minute initial consultation with our team by contacting us online.

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Acquiring Public Property in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) manages much of the city’s real estate holdings, while the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) is responsible for leases and sales of larger commercial properties. Available properties overseen by these entities can be sold without legislative approval and are priced at fair market value based on independent appraisals Discounts are potentially available to nonprofits and projects that build affordable housing or meaningfully address other community needs.

Our Public Property Acquisition Services

Pritzker Law Group offers a full suite of real estate legal support services and has successfully acquired public properties for our clients. We can help identify available Commonwealth- or city-owned lands that can support your project’s needs and work to negotiate the best possible deal. After a sale has been completed, we can continue to assist you with matters involving zoning and land use, property due diligence feasibility, licenses and permitting, government relations, and more.

Our Philadelphia public property acquisition attorneys can assist you with:

Developing and submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents
Negotiating and completing transactions with The Bureau of Real Estate, PHDC, and/or PIDC
Facilitating communications, reviews, and approvals with District Council Offices, Landbank, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Coordinating architects and reviewing plans and designs
Overseeing project management, construction compliance, and scheduling

Our accomplished team has provided legal guidance to many prominent firms. Call (215) 515-0882 or contact us online to learn more about how we can support your efforts today.

PROVIDING SEAMLESS NAVIGATION THROUGH THE MULTIFACETED REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Comprehensive Understanding of the Industry & Local Markets
Seasoned Experienced With Municipal Agencies & Administrative Boards
Lawyers with Extensive Careers in Specialized Legal Fields
Certified Women-Owned Law Firm

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Surplus Real Estate System

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains a wide variety of real estate holdings throughout the state. Once a property becomes publicly owned, it cannot be divested without legislative approval.

This can make the acquisition of public property especially challenging. One potential means of facilitating these transactions is through the state’s surplus real estate system.

Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Real Estate is responsible for managing all real estate transactions and deals on behalf of the Commonwealth. When the Bureau determines it no longer needs a particular property, it can elect to call for its sale or conveyance to another entity.

The Bureau provides a Surplus Property Disposition Plan to Commonwealth legislatures each April. This plan outlines all properties the Bureau proposes the Commonwealth sell.

The Bureau can also request that special legislation facilitate the expedited sale or transfer of a property outside of this annual cycle. Every element of real estate transactions of Commonwealth-owned land must be cleared by Commonwealth officials.

This means that, while direct sale and transfer of a public piece of real estate will need reviews and approval. Legislatures can also authorize public auctions of surplus land when no existing deals are in place.