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Shawn Griffin
D: (585) 419-8614  
sgriffin@harrisbeach.com

Shawn M. Griffin

  Member

Legal Teams Co-Leader -  
Public Finance and Economic Development
(585) 419-8614
  sgriffin@harrisbeach.com
“We help change communities and enhance their economies through the use of economic development incentives and tools. We often explore unique financing structures that benefit the municipalities with which we work to get projects completed efficiently and on time.”
Profile
Representative Matters
Professional and Civic
Areas of Experience
Admissions
Education
Location
Publications and Events

Shawn focuses on municipal, commercial and corporate law.  He represents clients in private and public financing transactions, with special emphasis on various types of commercial and real estate related transactions involving industrial development agencies, urban renewal agencies, local development corporations, land use, zoning and federal, state and local incentives.  His structured financing experience includes straight-lease transactions and bond transactions involving industrial development agencies with an increasing use of increment financing and unique incentive structures.  He brings his experience to bear in working with these programs and the overlay of other local, state and federal benefits.

Shawn counsels IDAs throughout New York state acting as transaction counsel and often acting as general counsel on IDA operational issues such as compliance; corporate governance; employment issues; formation of affiliated entities; development of spec buildings, industrial parks and infrastructure; litigation and environmental compliance.

Shawn has developed unique structures for increment financing, use of New Markets Tax Credits and related benefit programs.  PILOT Increment financing has become a specialty with district concepts and unique funding and borrowing structures developed on a case-by-case basis.

In the past, he has served as bond counsel to the U.S. Virgin Islands and as such drafted the authorizing legislation and closed on the first non-housing private activity bond in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  He has formed and advised municipal water and sewer districts, acted as counsel to Seneca County as part of the Seneca Army Depot closing, advised municipalities on forming, utilizing and redefining the boundaries of Empire Zones and Empowerment Zones and the use of local development corporations and urban renewal agencies as part of a development plan.  He has been involved in annexation and condemnation actions.  His practice also includes utility rate negotiations and funding of electrical infrastructure as well as brownfield redevelopment.  He has worked with the federal Economic Development Administration grant program, entitlement city funding, small cities block.

Representative Matters

  • del Lago Resort & Casino, a $425 million casino in Tyre, New York; lead company counsel.
  • Western Regional OTB – Acted as Special Counsel to convert commercial loan to tax-exempt debt.
  • Suffolk Regional OTB – Acted as Special Counsel to assist in the buy-out of a former manager and refinancing.
  • Golden Nugget Danville Illinois Casino – General Counsel for all construction, title and financing.
  • City of Yonkers IDA and economic development agencies: Yonkers Raceway, Ridge Hill and Stew Leonard Drive are all developments where Shawn was lead economic development counsel.  Shawn was bond counsel on the refinanced and new affordable housing projects throughout Yonkers, as well as on the waterfront projects. He has been involved in these projects since 1997 working with three mayors and their respective administrations in creating a Yonkers Renaissance.
  • Shawn has worked on increment financing at Eastview Mall in Victor, New York and each of the Rochester regional malls owned by Wilmorite.
  • Shawn has developed unique financing structures for New Rochelle urban renewal and the Garvies Point project in Glen Cove.

Professional and Civic

  • National Association of Bond Lawyers, member
  • The Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick of the Finger Lakes Region, founder
  • New York State Bar Association, member
  • New York State Economic Development Council, member
  • Seneca Knit Development Corporation, member

Legal Practices

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Public Finance and Economic Development

Industry Teams

Municipalities and Local Agencies
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers

Admissions

New York

U.S. District Court, New York - Western District

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law

JD 
1989
cum laude

State University of New York at Buffalo

MBA 
1989

Saint Bonaventure

BBA 
1986
magna cum laude

Location

New York, NY Office
Rochester, NY Office
White Plains, NY Office
Insights
January 11, 2023

IDA Legislative Update – New Laws Affecting Industrial Development Agencies and Authorities Adopted

Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed three bills into law impacting administration and operation of New York’s IDAs.
May 5, 2020

Federal Reserve Issues Guidance for COVID-19 Main Street Lending Program

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program (collectively, the
June 7, 2019

Treasury Releases Second Round of Proposed Opportunity Zones Regulations

On April 17, 2019, the Treasury released long-awaited additional regulations and guidance with respect to Section 1400Z-2 of the Internal Re
December 27, 2018

White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to Facilitate Investment in Opportunity Zones

President Trump has established the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (the “Council”) by Executive Order 13853 (“Order”) is
December 18, 2018

New York State Authorities Budget Office Issues Regulations Governing Financial Assistance Processes of Industrial Development Agencies

This month, the Authorities Budget Office issued regulations to increase the accountability, and to improve the efficiency and transparency,
October 24, 2018

IRS Issues Proposed Regulations and Guidance on Opportunity Zones

On October 19, the IRS and Treasury Department issued long-awaited proposed regulations, Revenue Ruling 2018-29 (the “Revenue Ruling”), and
News
March 29, 2022

Harris Beach Team Helps Bring New Life to Malls

Cayuga Health, our client, recently announced plans for a significant multi-use renovation that will bring new life to the Shops at Ithaca M
Events
January 17, 2019

Shawn Griffin and Pietra Zaffram Presenting on Opportunity Zones at Broome County IDA

Shawn Griffin and Pietra Zaffram will be presenting on opportunity zones at the “In the Zone: Investment in Broome County’s Opportunity Zone
External Publications

Publication: Harris Beach PLLC Economic Development Handbook: Transactions Involving Industrial Development Agencies and Zones

Speaker: Shawn has spoken on the interplay of IDA benefits and the Empire Zone program, Brownfield Cleanup Program and federal programs such as the New Market Tax Credits

All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 January 11, 2023
IDA Legislative Update – New Laws Affecting Industrial Development Agencies and Authorities Adopted
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed three bills into law impacting administration and operation of New York's IDAs....read more
All Insights, Advisory, All Publications, Covid-19 |
 May 5, 2020
Federal Reserve Issues Guidance for COVID-19 Main Street Lending Program
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program (collectively, the ...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 June 7, 2019
Treasury Releases Second Round of Proposed Opportunity Zones Regulations
On April 17, 2019, the Treasury released long-awaited additional regulations and guidance with respect to Section 1400Z-2 of the Internal Re...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 December 27, 2018
White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to Facilitate Investment in Opportunity Zones
President Trump has established the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (the “Council”) by Executive Order 13853 (“Order”) is...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 December 18, 2018
New York State Authorities Budget Office Issues Regulations Governing Financial Assistance Processes of Industrial Development Agencies
This month, the Authorities Budget Office issued regulations to increase the accountability, and to improve the efficiency and transparency,...read more
All Insights, All Publications, Legal Alert |
 October 24, 2018
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations and Guidance on Opportunity Zones
On October 19, the IRS and Treasury Department issued long-awaited proposed regulations, Revenue Ruling 2018-29 (the “Revenue Ruling”), and ...read more
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Shawn M. Griffin

sgriffin@harrisbeach.com
D: (585) 419-8614
New York, NY Office
Rochester, NY Office
White Plains, NY Office
Shawn Griffin
https://www.harrisbeach.com/people/griffin-shawn-m/

■ Areas of Expertise

Legal Practices

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Legal Practice
Public Finance and Economic Development Legal Practice

Industry Teams

Municipalities and Local Agencies Industry Team
Racing and Gaming Industry Team
Real Estate Developers Industry Team

■ Profile

Shawn focuses on municipal, commercial and corporate law.  He represents clients in private and public financing transactions, with special emphasis on various types of commercial and real estate related transactions involving industrial development agencies, urban renewal agencies, local development corporations, land use, zoning and federal, state and local incentives.  His structured financing experience includes straight-lease transactions and bond transactions involving industrial development agencies with an increasing use of increment financing and unique incentive structures.  He brings his experience to bear in working with these programs and the overlay of other local, state and federal benefits.

Shawn counsels IDAs throughout New York state acting as transaction counsel and often acting as general counsel on IDA operational issues such as compliance; corporate governance; employment issues; formation of affiliated entities; development of spec buildings, industrial parks and infrastructure; litigation and environmental compliance.

Shawn has developed unique structures for increment financing, use of New Markets Tax Credits and related benefit programs.  PILOT Increment financing has become a specialty with district concepts and unique funding and borrowing structures developed on a case-by-case basis.

In the past, he has served as bond counsel to the U.S. Virgin Islands and as such drafted the authorizing legislation and closed on the first non-housing private activity bond in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  He has formed and advised municipal water and sewer districts, acted as counsel to Seneca County as part of the Seneca Army Depot closing, advised municipalities on forming, utilizing and redefining the boundaries of Empire Zones and Empowerment Zones and the use of local development corporations and urban renewal agencies as part of a development plan.  He has been involved in annexation and condemnation actions.  His practice also includes utility rate negotiations and funding of electrical infrastructure as well as brownfield redevelopment.  He has worked with the federal Economic Development Administration grant program, entitlement city funding, small cities block.

■ Representative Matters

  • del Lago Resort & Casino, a $425 million casino in Tyre, New York; lead company counsel.
  • Western Regional OTB – Acted as Special Counsel to convert commercial loan to tax-exempt debt.
  • Suffolk Regional OTB – Acted as Special Counsel to assist in the buy-out of a former manager and refinancing.
  • Golden Nugget Danville Illinois Casino – General Counsel for all construction, title and financing.
  • City of Yonkers IDA and economic development agencies: Yonkers Raceway, Ridge Hill and Stew Leonard Drive are all developments where Shawn was lead economic development counsel.  Shawn was bond counsel on the refinanced and new affordable housing projects throughout Yonkers, as well as on the waterfront projects. He has been involved in these projects since 1997 working with three mayors and their respective administrations in creating a Yonkers Renaissance.
  • Shawn has worked on increment financing at Eastview Mall in Victor, New York and each of the Rochester regional malls owned by Wilmorite.
  • Shawn has developed unique financing structures for New Rochelle urban renewal and the Garvies Point project in Glen Cove.

■ Professional and Civic

  • National Association of Bond Lawyers, member
  • The Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick of the Finger Lakes Region, founder
  • New York State Bar Association, member
  • New York State Economic Development Council, member
  • Seneca Knit Development Corporation, member

■ Education

State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
 ,JD
 ,1989
 ,cum laude
State University of New York at Buffalo
 ,MBA
 ,1989
Saint Bonaventure
 ,BBA
 ,1986
 ,magna cum laude

Harris Beach and its subsidiaries provide a full range of legal and professional services for clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal and is among the BTI Elite law firms based on in-depth interviews of more than 600 corporate counsel at the world’s largest and most influential companies. Our clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries we represent include education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, and state and local governments and authorities.

Industry Teams
Automotive and Vehicle Dealerships
Blockchain and Digital Assets 
Cannabis
Construction and Surety
Educational Institutions Higher Ed
Educational Institutions K-12
EMS and Fire Protection Providers
Energy
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets
Food and Beverage
Health Care
Industrial and Consumer Manufacturing
Medical and Life Sciences
Municipalities and Local Agencies
Nanotechnology
Photonics
Racing and Gaming
Real Estate Developers
Science and Technology
Telecommunications and Media
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
USA Collegiate Sports
Veterinary Medicine

Practices
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appellate
Business and Commercial Litigation
Collection Law
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate
Cybersecurity Protection and Response
Diversity Compliance
E-Discovery (e-infoSM)
Employee Benefits
Employment Litigation
Environmental Law
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
Government Compliance and Investigations
Health Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Coverage
Intellectual Property Law
International Trade Law
Internet Law
Labor and Employment Law
Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation
New Markets Tax Credit
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law
Product Liability and Comprehensive General Liability
Public Finance and Economic Development
Real Property Valuation Litigation
Residential Real Estate
Tax Law
White Collar Crime
Wills, Trusts and Estates

Consulting Services
HB Solutions LLC
Collegiate Sports Compliance
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Economic Development and Public Affairs
Educational Institution Assistance
EMRG® (E-Discovery Management Resources Group)
Energy
Health and Human Services
Human Resources
Information Technology
Marketing and Communication Services
Municipal and Local Agency Assistance

HB Cornerstone LLC
Owner Representation
Design Services
Facilities Consulting
Move Management

Caetra.io
CyMetric (Cybersecurity Regulation Compliance Software)

Offices throughout New York:

Albany
677 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
518-427-9700

Buffalo
726 Exchange Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
716-200-5050

Ithaca
119 East Seneca Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6444

Long Island
333 Earle Ovington Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
516-880-8484

New York City
100 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
212-687-0100

Rochester
99 Garnsey Road
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-419-8800

Saratoga Springs
513 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-0551

Syracuse
333 West Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-423-7100

White Plains
445 Hamilton Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-683-1200

Offices also in:

New Haven, CT
195 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-784-3159

Newark, NJ
One Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-848-1244

Washington, DC
800-685-1429

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
© 2022 Harris Beach PLLC

Content current as of April 1, 2023 7:01 pm
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