Holland & Knight Wins Victory for Affordable and Supportive Housing Project, Defeating “Not in My Backyard” CEQA Lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO (February 1, 2019) – Holland & Knight represented nonprofit affordable housing developer, A Community of Friends, on a pro bono basis to defeat a CEQA challenge by a not-in-my-backyard group that sought to block the development of Liberty Lane Apartments in Redlands, a 98 percent affordable housing project primarily for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as for individuals with special needs and other low-income households.

Holland & Knight successfully defended the environmental analysis for the project under a very unfavorable standard of review, and subsequently negotiated with the opponents to ensure that there would be no appeal so the project could finally move forward. The judgment was entered in A Community of Friends' favor on October 16 and a final settlement was executed on November 8. The time to appeal officially expired at the end of 2018, so the victory is now final.

"A Community of Friends was thrilled with the outcome of the litigation," said Dora Leong Gallo, its president and chief executive officer. "We are grateful that Holland & Knight provided us with the legal knowledge of Daniel Golub and appreciate the firm's support of our mission."

The Holland & Knight team representing A Community of Friends was led by Mr. Golub. Other team members included Kristina Azlin, Stephanie DeHerrera, Ashley Nance and Genna Yarkin.