Neil Sklaroff

Real Estate, Communications, Construction, Eminent Domain, Real Estate Development, Planned Communities and Condominiums, Zoning and Land Use, Higher Education

Neil Sklaroff is a partner in the Real Estate Department and a member of the Construction, Eminent Domain, Real Estate Development, Planned Communities and Condominiums, Zoning and Land Use, Higher Education, and Communications Groups. He focuses his practice on zoning and land use, real estate tax appeals, eminent domain and condemnation, and real estate and administrative law.

Mr. Sklaroff has represented businesses, developers, civic associations, individuals, and municipalities in land-use matters before administrative bodies, commissions, and agencies, as well as before state and federal trial and appellate courts. He represents the developers of many of the Philadelphia region's high-rise residential condominium projects, museums, hospitals, universities, science centers, telecommunications providers, and retailers.

Representative Land Use Matters

• Represented the landowner in order to obtain land use approvals, including favorable determination from the Federal Aviation Administration, to allow the world's largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals to build its North American distribution center
• Represented Temple University in obtaining land use approvals for the School of Medicine, Tyler School of Art, Alter Hall of the Fox School of Business and the major expansion of Pierce/McGonigle Hall
• Represented the developers of the following high-rise luxury condominium projects in obtaining land use approvals: 10 Rittenhouse Square, Waterfront Square, Residences at the Ritz, and Parkway 22
• Represented several internationally respected museums in obtaining land use approvals for alterations and expansions of gallery and other facilities
  Represented a leading international retailer in obtaining land use approvals, zoning amendments, and land development agreements for multiple locations in eastern Pennsylvania
• Represented the American Revolution Center in relocating to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, negotiating with the National Park Service and obtaining land use and other approvals to allow for the development of the only museum dedicated to the era of the American Revolution
• Represented a national television network in securing and defending land use approvals for a Doppler radar installation
• Represented a national television network in defending notices of violation and cease and desist orders and ultimately negotiated a settlement to continue the filming of a family at a residence for a televised reality show
• Represented a Department of Defense approved munitions manufacturer in obtaining approvals for an explosives incinerator to dispose of substandard and excess munitions at a manufacturing facility
• Represented the developer of a high-rise residential community in obtaining approval for one of Philadelphia’s largest lawful accessory signs (15,000 square feet)
• Represented a national car rental company, a university, and a professional baseball team in securing approvals for parking garages and parking lots
• Represented radio station owners in obtaining approvals for a variety of antenna and tower locations
• Represented telecommunications providers in securing land use approvals for dozens of telecommunications facilities including antenna installations and telecommunications towers
• Represented private developers of high-rise and low-rise student housing and mixed-use projects at major university campuses
• Represented the owner/operator in securing approvals for the construction, operation, and later expansion of a private penal institution

Reported Appellate Court Decisions

Mr. Sklaroff's most recent reported appellate decisions include:

• Turchi v. Philadelphia Board of License and Inspection Review, 20 A.3d 586 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2011)
• National Parks Conservation Association v. Lower Providence Township, 608 F. Supp. 2d 637 (E.D. Pa. 2009)
• Berger & Montague, P.C. v. Philadelphia Historical Commission, 898 A.2d 1 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006)

Professional Activities

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Philadelphia Bar Association
Member, official subcommittee reviewing and commenting on the proposed draft of Philadelphia's new zoning code

Montgomery Bar Association

Zoning Hearing Board of Cheltenham Township, Solicitor, 1995-present

Zoning Hearing Board of Borough of Jenkintown (Pennsylvania), Solicitor, 1996-present

Board of Appeals of Cheltenham Township, Solicitor

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, real estate and zoning/land use, highest ranking (band one), 2007-2011

The Best Lawyers in America, land use & zoning law, 2011 and 2012

Named Best Lawyers' 2012 Philadelphia Land Use and Zoning Lawyer of the Year

Advised on land development and condominium matters for 10 Rittenhouse Square, named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 2010's Best Real Estate Deals in the category "Best Residential Project/Urban"

Publications/Speaking Engagements

Mr. Sklaroff is a frequent author and lecturer on land use and litigation topics for the continuing education programs of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.

Board Memberships

Cheltenham (Pennsylvania) Township, Board of School Directors (elected twice); past (two-term) President

Eastern Montgomery County Technical/Vocational School, Governing Board, past member

Montgomery County School Directors, Legislative Committee, past Chair

Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D. 1973)

Emory University (B.A. 1969)
Member, Omicron Delta Kappa

Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit