Corey is a boots-on-the-ground land use and zoning attorney who guides major development projects from concept to approval across New York State. As a New York land use and zoning lawyer, he is known for deftly navigating complex municipal processes, managing SEQRA strategy, securing time-sensitive zoning approvals for developers and renewable energy companies, and advising municipalities on complex land use and SEQRA matters.
He has extensive experience obtaining entitlements for large-scale commercial and industrial developments; renewable energy projects, including community solar arrays and battery energy storage systems; data center and other infrastructure facilities; hotels and hospitality venues; health care facilities; and not-for-profit institutions. Corey has served as land use counsel for major development projects across New York State in the commercial, industrial, and energy sectors. He also leads teams conducting zoning and land use due diligence for the acquisition and financing of major energy and infrastructure facilities. Recognized for simplifying complex zoning and SEQRA issues, he routinely appears before planning boards, zoning boards of appeals, town boards, environmental agencies, and state regulators. His work includes rezoning and zoning text amendments, special use permits, variances, interpretation appeals, wetland and stormwater compliance, highway work permits, SEQRA environmental review, and wireless and telecommunications siting.
Corey maintains an active litigation practice involving land use, SEQRA, and municipal disputes. He represents both applicants and municipalities in Article 78 proceedings and related state-court litigation before the Supreme Court, the Appellate Division, and the Court of Appeals. He has also handled complex land use litigation in federal court, including telecommunications siting and related regulatory disputes. Corey’s litigation experience is complemented by his work as an expert witness in complex land use matters involving zoning procedure, municipal authority, and SEQRA.
In addition to his developer-focused work, Corey serves as special counsel to municipalities on zoning code updates, SEQRA reviews, and complex development proposals. His municipal engagements draw on his deep experience with SEQRA, zoning procedure, and large-scale project review, providing communities with practical guidance on high-impact land use matters. His SEQRA counsel experience includes leading the environmental review for a three-million-square-foot robotics fulfillment center and advising on the construction of a new professional football stadium.
A natural extension of his zoning practice includes the formation and representation of condominiums and homeowner associations. Corey prepares and files offering plans and amendments with the NYS Attorney General’s Office and provides governance counsel to HOAs and condominium boards. He also advises hotels, restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and entertainment venues on all aspects of New York State liquor licensing, including new applications, corporate changes, alterations, additional bars, renewals, and disciplinary matters before the State Liquor Authority.
Corey has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Land Use and Zoning Law, including being named a Buffalo “Lawyer of the Year,” and is a frequent lecturer on zoning, SEQRA, and municipal law for statewide professional audiences.
Corey serves as the managing director of Barclay Damon’s Buffalo and Toronto offices and is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He also chairs the firm's Land Use & Zoning Practice Area.