Hara, a Director at the firm, helped structure some of the more significant neighborhood-transforming real estate transactions in New York City in recent years, including Essex Crossing (on the public side) and Cornell Tech’s Roosevelt Island Campus (on the private side). Her consensus-building approach delivers long-term value to her clients, as many transactions involve lasting relationships through joint ventures, ground leases or condominium regimes.
Hara is recognized nationally as an expert in housing and economic development. She has negotiated low income housing tax credit transactions investing over $1 billion in affordable housing, on behalf of developers and investors. She co-chairs the firm’s Multifamily Housing Industry group and speaks regularly on trends and changes in the industry.
Prior to joining the firm, Hara clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
- Representation of Forest City Ratner Companies as master builder of the Cornell Tech Campus (a 12-acre, net-zero campus on Roosevelt Island, tying into a central utility plant) and developer of the Bridge at Cornell Tech Condominium. Transaction involved the overlay of ground lease and condominium regimes.
- Representation of Jonathan Rose Companies in connection with the acquisition, financing and redevelopment of multifamily properties across the country. Handled joint venture negotiations, purchase and sale agreements, federal low-income housing tax credit and bond financings, and Fannie/Freddie and other debt.
- Representation of the New York City Economic Development Corporation in connection with the redevelopment of the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area and the sale of two historic office buildings in lower Manhattan. Required a public RFP process and negotiation with multiple bidders.
- Handled formation and 501(c)(3) filing for Civic Consulting USA, which provides social impact consulting. Provides ongoing outside general counsel guidance and serves as Secretary of the Board.
- Negotiated Low Income Housing Tax Credit transactions investing over $1 billion in affordable housing, on behalf of developers and investors.
- Handled sale-leasebacks of office buildings in NYC and DC, including the formation of commercial condominiums regimes and negotiation of zoning lot development/single lot covenant agreements.
