CONNECTICUT SUPREME COURT PROVIDES GREEN LIGHT FOR MAJOR NORWALK REDEVELOPMENT PLANS

BRIDGEPORT, CT, April 13, 2006 – The Bridgeport-based law firm of Cohen and Wolf, P.C. successfully represented the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency in an appeal before the Connecticut Supreme Court. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Supreme Court upheld the decisions of two lower courts affirming the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency’s right to seize two properties owned by Maritimes Ventures LLC in connection with a $350 million redevelopment project known as the Reed-Putnam Plan.

The lawsuit, brought by the owner of Maritime Ventures LLC, sought to prevent the City of Norwalk and the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency from acquiring those properties by means of eminent domain. The Supreme Court’s decision represents a significant legal victory for the City and the Agency, and concludes a lengthy litigation.

The Reed-Putnam Plan constitutes the largest urban renewal effort in the City’s history and contemplates construction of 1.1 million square feet of office space; renovation of existing space; parking for the Maritime Aquarium; and major traffic and infrastructure improvements.

Attorneys Jonathan S. Bowman, Stewart I. Edelstein and Barbara M. Schellenberg handled the appeal on behalf of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency.