Gary O'Connor Quoted in HBJ Article on the Legal Challenges of Redeveloping a Brownfield Site

Attorney Gary O’Connor, co-chair of Pullman & Comley's Real Estate, Energy, Environmental, and Land Use practice, was featured in a Hartford Business Journal article discussing the legal complexities involved in redeveloping a brownfield site in Southington, Connecticut. The property, with a manufacturing history, encountered various challenges, including environmental contamination, incomplete land records, and delays caused by the pandemic.

Gary, who collaborated with the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank, explained that the project required detailed three-party agreements to clarify responsibilities before the property even entered the land bank's possession. One significant challenge was the lack of proper land records, which required resolution in court. Reflecting on the experience, Gary noted, “This property, although it’s not huge, it was like a law school exam. We had to correct the liens. We had to correct the defects in title.” Ultimately, these efforts successfully cleared the way for the property's redevelopment, ensuring its productive use once again.

To read the full article, please visit the HBJ website.