John Casey

John P. Casey

(he/him/his)

Partner

John P. Casey

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    John Casey concentrates his practice on land use and environmental matters, with particular emphasis on coastal management, development, permitting, and littoral and riparian water rights. He is a member of Robinson+Cole’s Land Use and Real Estate + Development Groups, and the partner in charge of the firm’s New London office.

    Land Use – Zoning

    John handles planning, zoning, and wetland permits and applications. He helps his clients secure the necessary local, state and federal approvals for their projects, whether it is an industrial complex, pier, seawall, mooring field, new medical facility, private dock, shoreline bridge, or waterfront home. John regularly appears before local zoning, wetlands, and harbor management commissions, as well as the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has represented a variety of clients, such as manufacturers, government and quasi-government agencies, hospitals, homeowners, condominium associations, retailers, waterfront property owners, and marinas, helping them make their projects a reality.

    John has successfully represented applicants in contested administrative hearings before DEEP hearing officers for coastal development projects. He has also obtained all the necessary approvals for a regional community hospital in Connecticut to build a new 40,000-square-foot cancer treatment facility, secured a permit from DEEP for an onsite community sewerage system for a client who needed it to develop a residential adult community, successfully represented a client in a controversial proposal to rebuild a pedestrian bridge between two islands off the Connecticut shore, and helped property owners save their coastal homes after they were damaged in major storms.

    Litigation

    John handles litigation related to land use and property rights, including appeals of zoning and permit decisions and DEEP final administrative actions. He has achieved results for clients who have had to pursue litigation over land use matters. He secured money damages and injunctive relief for a client who owns lakefront property, after a neighbor illegally maintained a mooring in his client’s littoral rights area. On behalf of a large grocer, John successfully defended an environmental intervenor’s appeals of land use boards’ approvals, allowing the construction of a new grocery store. John has also successfully defended permits issued by the DEEP in court appeals brought by project opponents.

    Previously, John was a member of Robinson+Cole's Trial and Appellate Section. He has extensive experience in all types of civil litigation, including products liability, personal injury, and insurance coverage and subrogation matters.

    Admiralty

    As an extension of his coastal management practice, John also advises clients on admiralty and maritime matters, such as damage claims concerning vessels and land-based structures. He is one of the primary attorneys in the firm representing the Connecticut Port Authority, a quasi-public agency that is responsible for marketing and coordinating the development of the state’s ports and maritime economy.

    Pro Bono

    John has an active and diverse pro bono practice. He has represented disabled veterans in eviction actions as well as represented a non-profit entity in its efforts to allow the public to visit one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation. He is a former member of Connecticut Legal Services Inc.’s Board of Directors, where he worked on a collaborative pro bono project that provided legal assistance to low-income elderly adults faced with abusive debt collection practices and other consumer law issues.

    Before joining the firm, John was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Judge Advocate General's Corps, fulfilling various legal duties while stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. After completing his military service, he worked for a litigation firm in New London, Connecticut. 


     

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Represented coastal property owner in application to build extension of existing dock into waters of harbor so that there was a greater depth at which to berth his boat at low tide. Approvals were required from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, who had authority over the federal navigation project in the harbor. The approval from DEEP also required the recording of a shared dock agreement for the property and the neighboring property owned by the same owner.

      • Represented regional community hospital in successful application to develop a 40,000-square-foot cancer facility. Necessary approvals included site plan, inland wetland permit, and coordinated approvals from water pollution control authorities of adjacent towns.

      • Represented Rhode Island fire district in dispute with abutting property owner over access and development issues along dune. Successfully argued that abutting owner did not have rights across client's property.
      • Represented condominium developer in application to town to amend zoning regulations pertaining to gross floor area as applied in Special Flood Hazard Areas, as mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The new regulation provided that areas under residential buildings elevated to comply with FEMA flood-proofing requirements were not counted toward gross floor area.
      • Represented client in controversial proposal to rebuild pedestrian bridge between two islands off the Connecticut shore and in applications to obtain official authorizations for preexisting docks on the two islands. Successfully argued that, although not a typical coastal activity, the rebuilding of the bridge, which was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane, was an authorized use under the applicable coastal management statutes and a valid exercise of the client's littoral rights.

      • Represented waterfront homeowner before Connecticut DEEP and obtained permit to save house that had been damaged by storms and condemned.

      • After client was served with a notice of violation from the Connecticut DEEP for maintaining what it considered an unauthorized marina, negotiated a resolution that allowed the client to operate the property as a fully licensed marina, without penalties or fines. Also drafted cross easements to allow the marina to operate in the littoral area of an abutting waterfront residential property and to allow the residential property owner to use one of the marina's slips.

      • Successfully represented marina before Connecticut DEEP to oppose proposed expansion of neighboring marina that would have impeded access to client's marina.

      • Assisted client with residential dock approval that was derailed by the presence of a mooring near his shoreline. Convinced the state commission responsible for management of the waterway to relocate the mooring and support the client's dock proposal. Also garnered support of the Army Corps of Engineers.

      • Represented developer of 127-unit active adult residential community on 10 acres of waterfront land in contested hearing before Connecticut DEEP on the issuance of a permit to allow on-site community sewerage system using alternative wastewater treatment technology, ultimately securing the necessary permit in the end.

      • Represented waterfront homeowner in negotiating and drafting a littoral boundary line agreement with a neighboring marina.
      • Represented shorefront property owner in application for variance to rebuild house destroyed by Hurricane Irene. Provided expert testimony before zoning board of appeals on issues concerning impact of variance to town's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

      • Represented a cellular telephone tower company in a real property partition action. The client had a leasehold interest and right of first refusal on property that was the subject of litigation between family members to force the sale of multiple tracts of land owned by many family members. Preserved client's interests and avoided unnecessary entanglement in the litigation.

      • Representation of Mianus Marine, Inc., landlord/seller, in ground lease with preset purchase price after 10 years for valuable waterfront marina and boatyard in Greenwich, Connecticut. The lease included ground rent resets and step ups in price for earlier purchase after five years. This format was necessary to adjust corporate status of client (ground landlord) for tax treatment on capital gain. The value was in excess of $10 million. The scope is primarily local water-dependent land use approvals with State of Connecticut coastal management by the Department of Environmental Protection and federal channel management and tidal regulations by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

      • Defended marina owners and operator from Notice of Violation issued by the Connecticut DEEP and successfully negotiated resolution that permitted all existing structures.

      • Successfully assisted waterfront homeowner in effort to have Connecticut DEEP reverse its position and allow a longer dock at homeowner's property.

      • Negotiated directly with a neighbor who installed a fence that was partially on our client’s property and the local zoning official to have the fence relocated and in compliance with zoning regulations.
      • Successfully represented homeowners in application to obtain zoning variance on the grounds that addition to home was necessary to comply with adoption regulations and that inability to have children naturally was a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, thus requiring a reasonable accommodation in the town application of its zoning ordinance.

      • Represented condominium association in its successful application for a special use permit to enlarge the condominium by adding new buildings and units.

      • Represented potential home purchasers in breach of contract action against homebuilder. Succeeded in obtaining speedy resolution to matter, which included a full refund of the clients' deposit.
      • Represented large grocery retailer in actions brought by an environmental intervenor appealing the issuance of inland wetlands and planning and zoning approvals that allowed the construction of a new store. Drafted briefs in both appeals. Appeals were eventually withdrawn by intervenor prior to trial.

      • Represented residential property owner in successful application to the Connecticut DEEP for new and maintenance dredging off his property along the Connecticut River. Also represented client in application for new dock at his property. Approval of the new dredging was required to gain access to dock in area of river that has silted in over the last decades.

      • Represented property owner in successful application for a use variance to reconstruct a historic mill on his residential property. The use variance was required to allow the use of the reconstructed mill to hold the client's musical instrument manufacturing business.
      • Represented owner of land along tidal creek bordered by deteriorating wooden bulkhead. Small tidal wetlands area with limited ecological value had developed behind the bulkhead in areas where the land had eroded due to stormwater runoff and tidal-influenced erosion. Client obtained permit from Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to reconstruct bulkhead, fill tidal wetlands behind bulkhead, and plant a new wetland area, which would allow the property to be subdivided into two buildable lots.

      • Represented shorefront property owner in application to the Connecticut DEEP for a permit to rebuild house damaged by Hurricane Irene. Successfully argued that client's house had predated the passage of coastal management statutes in Connecticut and was thus eligible for the permit under the simpler certificate of permission program.

      • Represented developer of a subdivision that included a wind turbine as a prominent feature in an action against subdivision purchasers who reneged on promises to reconfigure subdivision open space to allow for development of the wind turbine. Successfully negotiated resolution to dispute.
      • Successfully litigated trespass and nuisance case on behalf of lakefront property owner against upland neighbor who illegally maintained mooring in client's littoral rights area, securing money damages and injunctive relief.

      • Represented private yacht club in application to the Connecticut DEEP to expand and redefine the boundaries of its mooring field.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
      Energy Council

      Connecticut Bar Association (2000 - Current)

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow (2012)

      Connecticut Marine Trades Association
      Environment Committee (2005 - Current)

      Environmental Business Council of New England
      Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee Leadership Team (2023)

      Naval & Maritime Consortium
      Thames River Working Group, Offshore Wind Working Group

      Rhode Island Bar Association (2001 - Current)

      Connecticut Harbor Management Association

      Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Project on Climate Change
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Presented with the 2023 Jeanne Czel Person of the Year Award by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Ocean Community YMCA (Naik Branch)
      Board of Managers, and Property Committee

      Connecticut Legal Services, Inc.
      Treasurer and Member, Board of Directors and Executive Committee

      The Mystic & Noank Library
      Member, Board of Trustees

      Connecticut Cruise Ship Task Force
      President, Board of Directors

      New London Education Foundation
      Board Member

      Groton Mystic Lacrosse Association
      President, Board of Directors
      Coach and Member, Board of Directors

      Groton Housing Authority
      Board Member
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "The View from the Shore - Regulation as Far as the Eye Can See," published in New England Real Estate Journal (5/18/2012)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Virtual ‘Coffee Hour’: Recent Coastal Legal Decisions," hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England's (EBC) Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee (5/10/2023)
      • » more info

        • EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Virtual ‘Coffee Hour’: Recent Coastal Legal Decisions

        "EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Virtual ‘Coffee Hour’: Recent Coastal Legal Decisions," presented by John P. Casey, hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England's (EBC) Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee (5/10/2023)

        The virtual program discussed how recent legal decisions from courts in Connecticut and Massachusetts have changed the “regulatory” tides with respect to local harbor management and what this means for existing and future development along the coast.


      "Keynote Panel Discussion on Dredging," as part of the CT Marine Trades Association 2023 Industry Day Conference & Annual Meeting (3/29/2023)

      "Status of Long Island Sound Dredge Disposal Litigation and Its Impacts on All Projects," as part of the virtual Environmental Business Council of New England's "16th Annual Dredging Conference: Lessons Learned for Environmental Dredging and Capping Projects" (11/3/2022)
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        • Status of Long Island Sound Dredge Disposal Litigation and Its Impacts on All Projects

        "Status of Long Island Sound Dredge Disposal Litigation and Its Impacts on All Projects," presented by John P. Casey, as part of the virtual Environmental Business Council of New England's "16th Annual Dredging Conference: Lessons Learned for Environmental Dredging and Capping Projects" (11/3/2022)

        While there are lots of environmental projects related to the environmental dredging of sediments and the installation of sediment caps, there is no such thing as the perfect project. The speakers presented some real-world problems, how solutions were found, and what corrections were made to get to the successful completion of the project. They shared their experiences to help educate the audience about where to look for potential problems and address them before the project starts.


      "3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference," co-presented with Jonathan H. Schaefer and Robert S. Melvin (9/23/2022)
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        • 3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference

        "3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference," co-presented by John P. Casey, Jonathan H. Schaefer and Robert S. Melvin (9/23/2022)

        The program offered important updates and presentations from leaders of Connecticut’s offshore wind industry. R+C's John Casey discussed permitting requirements, legal strategies and best practices for seeking State of Connecticut and local environmental and land use permits based on his experiences with other large coastal development projects. Other presenters included experts in the offshore wind energy industry responsible for advancing it in Connecticut, growing the State’s economic development opportunities, recruiting new businesses, and training the workforce for clean energy jobs. The informative program was intended to be helpful in reducing the risks of permit delays.


      "EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Webinar: 2nd Annual Regional Agency Update – Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures," as moderator (2/3/22)
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        • EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Webinar: 2nd Annual Regional Agency Update – Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures

        "EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Webinar: 2nd Annual Regional Agency Update – Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures," presented by John P. Casey, as moderator (2/3/22)

        The virtual event, hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England, Inc., presented a panel of state regulators who discussed strategies for protecting coastal resources and structures that are compliant with their coastal regulatory programs. The panelists explored different options available to coastal property owners seeking to protect their assets from storm damage and erosion, based on various factors such as the presence and condition of coastal resources, the nature of the property’s existing shoreline, and the use of the property. Those options range from traditional coastal protection, including seawalls and revetments, to “soft” protective measures and living shorelines. A Q&A discussion with the audience concluded the webinar.


      "Code Series: What is the New Definition of Adaptive Reuse in Connecticut?" a moderated webinar hosted by AIA Connecticut (11/30/2021)
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        • Code Series: What is the New Definition of Adaptive Reuse in Connecticut?

        "Code Series: What is the New Definition of Adaptive Reuse in Connecticut?" presented by John P. Casey, a moderated webinar hosted by AIA Connecticut (11/30/2021)

        The panel explored how the future of Connecticut will be shaped by adaptive reuse and repurposing of existing large buildings such as malls, shopping centers, warehouses and office buildings. The webinar offered a chance to hear from building officials, building code consultants, legal, and town planning representatives on the common mistakes frequently seen in construction documents, litigation and the implications of public hearings, and how to prepare for a plan review or town hearing. Panelists also discussed the built environment in Connecticut, Partial Change of Occupancy vs. Change of Occupancy and which code standards apply, and offered examples of real life adaptive reuse projects and what we are likely to see in the future.


      "Protecting Coastal Resources, Part 2 – Putting Law and Science into Practice," as co-chair of the Environmental Business Council of New England webinar (2/24/2021)
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        • Protecting Coastal Resources, Part 2 – Putting Law and Science into Practice

        "Protecting Coastal Resources, Part 2 – Putting Law and Science into Practice," presented by John P. Casey, as co-chair of the Environmental Business Council of New England webinar (2/24/2021)

        Land Use Group member, John Casey, co-chaired the Environmental Business Council of New England webinar, "Protecting Coastal Resources, Part 2 – Putting Law and Science into Practice," on February 24, 2021. The pressure to protect coastal properties and infrastructure from storm damage and erosion due to sea level rise and increasingly intense and frequent coastal storms is escalating. This second program in the two-part series addressing coastal protection and resiliency featured municipalities and practitioners discussing successes, lessons learned, and how they are approaching coastal protection and resiliency. The panel also explored the appropriateness of options ranging from traditional coastal protection, including seawalls and revetments, to “soft” protective measures and living shorelines. A panel discussion open to the audience concluded the webinar.


      "Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures, Part 1 – The Intersection of Nature, Science and Policy," (1/27/2021)
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        • Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures, Part 1 – The Intersection of Nature, Science and Policy

        "Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures, Part 1 – The Intersection of Nature, Science and Policy," presented by John P. Casey (1/27/2021)

        John Casey, a member of the firm’s Land Use and Real Estate + Development Groups, co-chaired the Environmental Business Council (EBC) of New England's webinar, "Protecting Coastal Resources and Structures, Part 1 – The Intersection of Nature, Science and Policy" on January 27, 2021. The pressure to protect coastal properties from storm damage and erosion due to sea level rise and more intense, more frequent coastal storms is increasing. Property owners, from residential homeowners and municipalities to commercial developments and water-dependent industries, want to know what options are available to them, ranging from traditional coastal protection, including seawalls and revetments, to “soft” protective measures and living shorelines. The efficacy of such options is based on a host of factors, such as the presence and condition of coastal resources, the nature of the property’s existing shoreline, and the use of the property. This EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources program’s panel, consisting of regulators from all five of New England’s coastal states, discussed strategies for protecting coastal resources and structures that are compliant with their coastal regulatory programs. A lively discussion with the audience concluded the webinar.


      "Managing Our Coastal Resources Post-Irene and Sandy: New Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines," at Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association's annual "Hot Topics in Land Use Law and Practice" program (6/21/2013)

      "Federal Flood Plain Regulation," at Lorman Education Services audio conference, co-presented with Ernest Abbott & Molly Lawrence (4/26/2013)

      "DEEP Jurisdiction - Recent Caselaw & the New Coastal Jurisdiction Line," at Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors Annual Meeting (11/2/2012)

      "Liability, Insurance & The Jones Act," at Connecticut Marine Trades Association, Marine Trades Expo (10/9/2012)

      "Coastal Permitting Considerations," at Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Professional Practice Committee (10/2/2012)

      "Federal Flood Plain Regulation," at Lorman Education Services audio conference, co-presented with Ernest Abbott & Molly Lawrence (5/30/2012)

      "Hot Topics in Coastal Permitting," at Connecticut Marine Trades Association Annual Marine Trades Exposition (10/11/11)

      "Coastal Development and Regulatory Realities," at American Planning Association webinar (2/18/2011)

      "A Potpourri of Hot Topics: A Spicy Mix of Land Use Issues," at Connecticut Bar Association seminar on the latest topics in land use law, co-presented with Timothy D. Bates (10/22/2010)

      "Brokerage Contracts & Broker's Representations," (10/5/2010)

      "Robinson & Cole Annual Review of Land Use Case Law," co-presented with Michele L. Maresca, at Connecticut Bar Association's June Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Section (6/21/2010)

      "Annual Review of Land Use Case Law," at Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, co-presented with Michele Maresca (6/21/2010)
      • » more info

        • Annual Review of Land Use Case Law

        "Annual Review of Land Use Case Law," at Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, co-presented by John P. Casey and Michele Maresca (6/21/2010)
        Landlaw attorneys John P. Casey and Michele L. Maresca presented an annual review of land use case law to the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. The presentation discussed significant Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Court decisions in land use law from the past year, including cases on site plan review under the Coastal Management Act, public notice requirements for zoning applications, inland wetlands regulation, the proximity of a residential property to a gun club as a violation of due process, the standing of an opposition group to challenge a zoning decision, and a town's exercise of municipal powers in lieu of relief under zoning statutes.

      "Jetties, Docks, Seawalls, Littoral Rights, Waterfront Homes, Spartina, and More," at Robinson & Cole's Coastal Considerations and Regulatory Reality Breakfast Seminar (7/14/2009)
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        • Jetties, Docks, Seawalls, Littoral Rights, Waterfront Homes, Spartina, and More

        "Jetties, Docks, Seawalls, Littoral Rights, Waterfront Homes, Spartina, and More," at Robinson & Cole's Coastal Considerations and Regulatory Reality Breakfast Seminar, presented by John P. Casey (7/14/2009)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey, along with R&C colleagues Attorney Charles E. Janson and Land Use Analyst Anne F. Dayton, and guest speaker Timothy DeBartolomeo, PE of Cuoco Structural Engineers, gave a two-hour seminar and networking breakfast to more than 25 guests, representing a cross section of professionals and property owners involved in land use along Fairfield County's shoreline. Topics included due diligence for the purchase or alteration of coastal properties; federal, state, and local jurisdiction and permit requirements; preserving the use and value of noncomformities; conveyancing issues; and assessing, managing, and protecting private rights, such as littoral/riparian rights, as well as methods to protect, preserve, and enhance coastal resources.

      "Land Sales: Docks, Seawalls, and Jetties: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them," at luncheon seminar to a group of real estate brokers in southeast Connecticut, co-presented with Keith Neilson, P.E. (11/13/2008)
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        • Land Sales: Docks, Seawalls, and Jetties: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

        "Land Sales: Docks, Seawalls, and Jetties: Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them," at luncheon seminar to a group of real estate brokers in southeast Connecticut, co-presented by John P. Casey and Keith Neilson, P.E. (11/13/2008)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey, along with engineer Keith Neilson of Docko, Inc. gave a presentation to a group of 25 real estate brokers about coastal permitting and the problems that property owners face when coastal structures do not have the proper authorizations. Topics included an overview of federal, state, and local dock permitting requirements, the due diligence process for evaluating whether a dock has the necessary permits prior to a sale, the process for transferring permits to a new owner, the potential impact of not having the necessary permits, the possible implications of purchasing property with an unpermitted dock, and the procedure for bringing docks into compliance with permitting requirements.

      "Wetlands Permitting Caselaw Update," at Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (6/18/2008)
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        • Wetlands Permitting Caselaw Update

        "Wetlands Permitting Caselaw Update," at Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, presented by John P. Casey (6/18/2008)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey gave a presentation to the members of the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association on recent caselaw decisions on the area of wetlands permitting. Mr. Casey's talk focused on recent decisions of the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts that explained or clarified the standards that should be applied by local wetlands agencies when evaluating a permit application to conduct regulated wetland activities.

      "Coastal Land Use Issues in Connecticut," at Lorman Education Services Seminar, co-presented with John Anderson (7/10/2007)
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        • Coastal Land Use Issues in Connecticut

        "Coastal Land Use Issues in Connecticut," at Lorman Education Services Seminar, co-presented by John P. Casey and John Anderson (7/10/2007)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey moderated and presented at a first-of-its-kind seminar on Coastal Land Use Issues in Connecticut. LandLaw Analyst John Anderson was one of the key speakers at the seminar, giving talks on Connecticut's Tidal Wetlands Act and the Army Corps of Engineers permitting program. John and John were responsible for setting the agenda and inviting the other speakers, who included state and local regulators, engineers, and other attorneys. Mr. Casey gave presentations on Connecticut's statutory scheme that regulates development in coastal waters, as well as the law of regulatory takings of private property and ethical considerations when representing clients before regulatory agencies.

      "Climate Change and Its Implications for Land Use Planning and Transportation," at University of Colorado School of Law, Natural Resources Law Center's 27th Annual Summer Conference: Climate Change and the Future of the American West (6/7/2006 )
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        • Climate Change and Its Implications for Land Use Planning and Transportation

        "Climate Change and Its Implications for Land Use Planning and Transportation," at University of Colorado School of Law, Natural Resources Law Center's 27th Annual Summer Conference: Climate Change and the Future of the American West, presented by John P. Casey (6/7/2006 )
        R&C Landlaw attorney, John Casey, spoke at the University of Colorado School of Law's Natural Resources Law Center's 27th Annual Summer Conference: Climate Change and the Future of the American West. The conference, which attracted participants and experts from across the country, addressed many topics related to climate change science and policy. Mr. Casey was on a panel entitled Climate Change and its Implications for Land Use Planning and Transportation. He spoke about legal issues related to sea level rise and policies to protect coastal resources.

      "Smart Business Seminar - Contract Law," at Connecticut Marine Trades Association's Smart Business Seminar on Contract Law (3/16/2006)
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        • Smart Business Seminar - Contract Law

        "Smart Business Seminar - Contract Law," at Connecticut Marine Trades Association's Smart Business Seminar on Contract Law, presented by John P. Casey (3/16/2006)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey gave a presentation on the basic principles of contract law to members of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association. Mr. Casey reviewed contract principles on topics of interest to the Association's members, including boat storage contracts, as well as an update on recent court cases affecting coastal properties.

      "Due Process in Land Use Proceedings," at Town of Stonington land use boards and commissions, co-presented with Robert Sitkowski (1/26/2006)
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        • Due Process in Land Use Proceedings

        "Due Process in Land Use Proceedings," at Town of Stonington land use boards and commissions, co-presented by John P. Casey and Robert Sitkowski (1/26/2006)
        R&C LandLaw Attorney John Casey and Robert Sitkowski gave a presentation to members of the Town of Stonington land use boards and commissions on the topic of due process and fundamental fairness in land use proceedings. Mr. Casey and Mr. Sitkowski reviewed the basic principles that apply in local proceedings as well as discussed specific situations that often arise during municipal proceedings.

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • July 14, 2023

        John Casey Selected to EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee Leadership Team

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          John Casey Selected to EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee Leadership Team

          Coastal + Offshore Resources Team co-chair John Casey has been selected to join the Environmental Business Council of New England’s (EBC) Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee Leadership Team. The mission of the EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Committee is to identify and address ocean and coastal resource issues and opportunities that are of concern and interest to EBC members and their clients. The EBC, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1990 by environmental and energy company executives who began meeting on a regular basis to exchange ideas and share experiences.

      • April 6, 2023

        Robinson+Cole Named "Business of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

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          Robinson+Cole Named "Business of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

          Robinson+Cole was recognized as “Business of the Year” as part of the 2023 Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Annual Meeting & ECTy Celebration hosted at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, CT on March 30, 2023. The honor is among eleven annual awards presented by the Chamber to honor excellence in community engagement, innovation, customer service, and business best practices. Accepting the award on behalf of the firm was Ken Baldwin, John Casey, Fred Hedberg, Dana Horton, Cathy Johnson, Peter Knight and Marty Onorato. The firm is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT and was pleased to be a Gold Sponsor of the event.

        • View article
      • April 4, 2023

        John Casey Receives Person of the Year Award at CT Marine Trades Association 2023 Industry Day Conference & Annual Meeting

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          John Casey Receives Person of the Year Award at CT Marine Trades Association 2023 Industry Day Conference & Annual Meeting

          Coastal + Offshore Resources Industry Team co-chair John Casey was presented with the Jeanne Czel Person of the Year Award during the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CTMA) 2023 Industry Day Conference & Annual Meeting on March 29, 2023. The Award is CMTA's highest honor, recognizing a member or members of a company who has gone above and beyond in service to the marine trades industry, the Association or the community John shared the recognition with co-recipient with Devin Santa, President of RACE Coastal Engineering, for their work on the dredging and dredge disposal issues. John has been a member of the CMTA's Environment Committee since 2005. 

          During the Conference, John was among the speakers that presented during the Keynote Panel Discussion on Dredging. In addition to discussing member questions and answers concerning dredging, the conference included presentations on employee retention, fire safety, environment, and cybersecurity. The event also featured legislative updates as part of the Association’s Annual Meeting.

      • June 18, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Takes Part in Chamber Golf Tournament

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          Robinson+Cole Takes Part in Chamber Golf Tournament

          Robinson+Cole served as gift sponsor at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut's 26th Annual Golf Tournament. Held at the Great Neck Country Club in Waterford, Connecticut, on June 2, 2014, the event drew many local business and company leaders, some from the largest companies in the area. In addition, the firm was featured at a display table throughout the day. Land use lawyers Edward V. O’Hanlan and John P. Casey and litigation lawyer James R. Nault played in the tournament, with legal administrative assistant Duffy Bartlett and marketing coordinator Michelle Mattera providing support. Please click here to view the Robinson+Cole team.

      • August 28, 2012

        Land Use Attorney Named Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellow

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          Land Use Attorney Named Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellow

          The Connecticut Bar Foundation has elected land use counsel John P. Casey as a fellow in the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. Established 18 years ago, the program honors leaders in the legal profession and the judiciary in Connecticut. Membership is by invitation only. The program promotes a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system and explores ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. The fellows program has approximately 885 members.

          The Connecticut Bar Foundation honored Mr. Casey and other inductees a reception at the New Haven Lawn Club.
      • June 11, 2012

        John Casey’s Article on Shoreline Development in New England Real Estate Journal

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          John Casey’s Article on Shoreline Development in New England Real Estate Journal

          The New England Real Estate Journal published John P. Casey’s article about issues property owners need to consider when preparing development plans along a shoreline. Mr. Casey’s article, “The view from the shore - Regulation as far as the eye can see,” ran in the May 18, 2012, issue and addressed such concerns as floodplain management, preservation of wetlands, sea level rise and impacts on navigation. Mr. Casey is counsel in the Land Use Practice Group.
      • March 15, 2011

        John Casey Helps Forge New Pro Bono Collaboration

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          John Casey Helps Forge New Pro Bono Collaboration

          John P. Casey, land law counsel and member of the Connecticut Legal Services’ (CLS) board of directors, led the charge for the Pfizer/CLS Pro Bono Project. This new initiative, which is the first of its kind in Connecticut between a legal aid society and an entire corporate law department, provides legal assistance to low-income elderly adults and is an opportunity for in-house counsel at Pfizer to participate in community service. CLS staff will refer 14 cases each month to Pfizer attorneys working on this project. A kick off event at Pfizer’s Groton, Connecticut, campus was attended by Pfizer’s general counsel; Judge William Bright, chair of the Connecticut Judiciary’s pro bono committee; and other leaders in Pfizer’s legal department.

          Click here to view the press release, Pfizer and Connecticut Legal Services Launch New Pro Bono Collaboration.

      • November 3, 2010

        Attorneys Cochair Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section Event

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          Attorneys Cochair Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section Event

          Land use attorneys Timothy D. Bates and John P. Casey cochaired the Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section advanced program entitled A Potpourri of Hot Topics: A Spicy Mix of Land Use Issues on October 22, 2010, in New Britain, Connecticut. As part of the program, land use and real estate attorney Michele L. Maresca delivered the presentation “Primer: Zoning and the Fair Housing Act Amendments and Americans With Disabilities Act.” The half day event also included lectures on green building and zoning, electronic filing in land use cases, updates on wetlands laws and conditions in zoning permits, and municipal insurance company responses to civil rights claims.
      • October 26, 2010

        Land Law Attorney Presents Yacht Broker Liability Case to Connecticut Marine Trades Association

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          Land Law Attorney Presents Yacht Broker Liability Case to Connecticut Marine Trades Association

          At the 2010 Connecticut Marine Trades Association annual exposition, land law attorney John P. Casey examined a recent Florida case in which a jury found a yacht brokerage and its employee liable to the purchaser of a used yacht for negligent misrepresentations about the condition of the vessel, despite the fact that the contract between the parties contained an “as is” provision that arguably negated any verbal representations made during pre-contract negotiations. Mr. Casey reviewed the facts and history of the case leading to the verdict. He also explained the Connecticut law on this issue and provided strategies to the audience of boat brokers and sales people to avoid ending up in the same situation as the broker in the Florida case.
      • July 9, 2010

        John Casey and Michele Maresca Present a Review of Land Use Case Law to the Connecticut Bar Association

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          John Casey and Michele Maresca Present a Review of Land Use Case Law to the Connecticut Bar Association

          Landlaw attorneys John P. Casey and Michele L. Maresca recently presented the firm's annual review of land use case law to the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. The presentation discussed significant Connecticut Appellate Court and Supreme Court decisions in land use law from the past year, including cases on site plan review under the Coastal Management Act, public notice requirements for zoning applications, proximity of a residential property to a gun club as a violation of due process, standing of an opposition group to challenge a zoning decision, and a town's exercise of municipal powers in lieu of relief under zoning statutes.
      • December 10, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to Board of Directors of Nonprofit Organization

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to Board of Directors of Nonprofit Organization

          Robinson & Cole Land Use attorney John P. Casey was recently elected to the Board of Directors of Connecticut Legal Services at its annual meeting in October. CLS is a private, non-profit, civil law firm dedicated to providing access to justice as a means of improving the lives of low-income people.
      • July 18, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Named President of Cruise Ship Board

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Named President of Cruise Ship Board

          John Casey, Counsel in the Land Use Group, was recently elected President of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Cruise Ship Task Force. The Task Force, a tax exempt 501(c)(6) organization, acts as the link between private and public interests to promote the development of cruise ship passenger visits to the State. It serves as the recruitment authority to bring and coordinate cruise ship visits to ports within the State of Connecticut.

      R+C News Releases

      • March 18, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Help Reopen New London Harbor Lighthouse

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Help Reopen New London Harbor Lighthouse

          Robinson+Cole lawyers John P. Casey and Evan J. Seeman represented the New London Maritime Society pro bono in litigation that resulted in the New London Harbor Lighthouse being reopened to the public after the City issued a cease and desist order that prohibited public tours. Read more in the press release. 

        • View article
      • February 1, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Forms Sustainability Cross-Practice Team

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          Robinson+Cole Forms Sustainability Cross-Practice Team

          Robinson+Cole announced today that lawyers from a variety of its practice areas have formally come together to form an interdisciplinary Sustainability Group. Comprised of lawyers with deep experience and a history of collaborating to handle sustainability issues related to energy, environmental, tax, intellectual property, real estate, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and construction matters, the team is positioned to offer clients a comprehensive approach to incorporating sustainable designs and practices into their business.

          The lawyers in the group routinely counsel clients on addressing sustainable practices such as using renewable and alternative energy, recycling and conserving water and other resources, financing green initiatives, following LEED and green construction practices, implementing corporate sustainability programs, managing climate change risks through adaptation and mitigation, and establishing clean-tech ventures.

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      • December 11, 2014

        Robinson+Cole’s New London Office Moves Across Town

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          Robinson+Cole’s New London Office Moves Across Town

          Robinson+Cole, an Am Law 200 firm with 200 lawyers in nine offices serving clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, has moved its New London office. The new office is located at 88 Howard Street. 
          Land use lawyer John P. Casey, who is being promoted to partner effective January 1, 2015, anchors the New London office. Mr. Casey concentrates his practice on land use and environmental matters, with particular emphasis on coastal management, development, and permitting and littoral and riparian water rights. 
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      • December 4, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Elects New Partners and Counsel

      • June 21, 2013

        Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

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          Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

          Robinson & Cole cultivates a culture of pro bono service among its lawyers through the leadership of Edward J. Heath, pro bono partner and chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee, evident by recent honors numerous lawyers have received. Mr. Heath received the Connecticut Law Tribune's Pro Bono award, Alaine C. Doolan received the Connecticut Bar Association's Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award, and 33 lawyers made the CBA's 2012 Pro Bono Honor Roll.

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    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "New Federal Speed Regulations for Coastal Waters" co-authored with Michael S. Giaimo and Madeleine M. Laffitte (9/28/22)

      "Favorable Winds for Offshore Development – Inflation Reduction Act and Other Updates" co-authored with Peter R. Knight, blog post published on Environmental Law + (8/9/2022)

      "Long Island Sound Blue Plan" co-authored with Jessica D. Bardi (5/28/2021)

      "2013 Public Acts Amending Coastal Permitting and Management Statutes in Connecticut" (10/17/2013)

      "Coastal Permitting in Rhode Island Following Hurricane Sandy" (11/13/2012)

      "Coastal Permitting in CT Following Hurricane Sandy" (11/02/2012)

      "Proposed Legislation Affecting Coastal Properties in Connecticut" (02/17/2012)

      "Coastal Permitting in Connecticut Following Hurricane Irene" (09/01/2011)

      "Reissuance of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Programmatic General Permit for Connecticut" (08/18/2011)

      "Public Act 10-106: an Act Concerning Long Island Sound and Coastal Permitting" (06/25/2010)