Kevin M. Clyne, Partner in HK’s Tax Certiorari and Condemnation Law Practice Group, was named one of the “Who’s Who in Real Property & Tax Certiorari Law” by Long Island Business News. The following passage was taken from his mention in the June edition of LIBN:

Kevin M. Clyne is a partner at Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP. Clyne has developed a reputation as a vigilant advocate for his client’s interests throughout Long Island and New York State. He has handled complex property tax matters in most regions of New York, from Long Island to the northern suburbs of New York City, from the Hudson Valley and Capital Region to the westernmost parts of New York State.

Most notably, Clyne tried to successful conclusion several big box retail cases in upstate New York utilizing a methodology of first impression in New York. He is now in the process of litigating and revisiting the second-generation rent methodology in New York, as well as tackling the issue of separating going concern value and real estate value in different property types, such as institutional self-storage, assisted living and nursing facilities, and hospitality properties.

Clyne has also spearheaded the litigation and resolution of many golf courses north of New York City, seizing upon the methodology championed on Long Island by his law partners for almost 30 years.

He also oversees the real estate portfolio for a rapidly expanding supply warehouse owner across the country, utilizing his broad network of local property tax experts and consulting with them to ensure his client’s property tax burdens are at equitable and competitive levels.

The attorney’s role is absolutely critical in every tax certiorari matter in New York, Clyne said.

“I can think of one obvious example where a certain substantial real estate developer and famous person negotiated a new value with an upstate assessor directly without realizing there was an equalization rate in place in the jurisdiction and that the value and assessment were not interchangeable,” he said. “That person. in an effort to avoid attorney fees, ended up agreeing to an assessment well above market value and paying substantially more than they should have been paying.”

“The impacts of the pandemic have added a certain desperation for relief, especially in the hospitality and retail sectors,” Clyne said. “There is also a certain desperation on the municipal side as real estate tax coffers have been hit hard. My recent experience is that some assessors are asking taxpayers to take less than optimal relief together with going forward restrictions on filing, the latter which is a statutory consequence to assessment reductions in many jurisdictions.”

“It is this statutory restriction on future filings that can be the most prejudicial to taxpayers, particularly when the agreed to reduction doesn’t adequately account for recent events,” Clyne said. “Desperation may lead to acceptance of settlements that will have long term negative consequences.”

Clyne earned a juris doctor from Hofstra University School of Law and is a graduate, cum laude, of Loyola College of Maryland.

He is a member of Nassau County,Suffolk County, Westchester County, City of New York Bar Associations; member of Institute for Professionals in Taxation; member of Long Island Real Estate Group; co-chair of Action Long Island Housing Task Force: and board member of New York Condemnation Conference.

Clyne is a proud supporter of his daughter’s autism advocacy efforts (Piece by Piece Bethpage, Inc.) started in support of her brother.

Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne (HK) concentrates its practice in valuation law. The firm helps clients maintain their competitive edge by reducing excessive real estate tax burdens. When property is taken for a public use, HK fights in eminent domain proceedings to make sure clients receive the compensation they are due under the law.

HK contests the property valuation of a broad range of major properties throughout New York City, from major office buildings and hotels to large retail projects and multifamily residential, to industrial and specialty property. HK also represents a diverse real estate portfolio in property tax appeals on Long Island, in Westchester County, and throughout upstate New York.

HK’s reputation for integrity means its clients receive skilled and trusted counsel through the multi-faceted and highly complex property tax review and appeal process. More than just litigating tax appeals after an issue has arisen, the firm is available for the acquisition or development underwriting and due diligence stages, providing forecasts and advisory services to eliminate unwanted tax surprises.

HK has been at the forefront of navigating the complex world of real estate taxes for decades, saving our clients millions of dollars each year in unwarranted property taxes.