Expansion

Court Upholds Historic Preservation in Derry Rail Trail Lawsuit, Halting Controversial I-93 Expansion Design

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CONCORD, N.H. — Efforts to protect the Derry Rail Trail and the historic Manchester & Lawrence Railroad corridor received a major boost on July 1, when a federal judge ruled in favor of local advocacy groups in their lawsuit against the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The dispute stemmed from plans related to the Exit 4A expansion of Interstate 93 in Derry, which posed significant risks to the integrity of the historic district. The litigation, initiated in August 2024, focused on a controversial design alteration approved by the … Read more

UC Santa Cruz’s Ambitious Expansion Plans Stall Amid Legal Dispute Over Housing and Environmental Concerns

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Santa Cruz, California — The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with local governmental bodies over a proposed significant expansion plan. A ruling by Judge Timothy Schmal determined that UCSC’s Long Range Development Plan (LRDP), which aims to increase student enrollment by 8,500 by 2040, inadequately addressed potential housing shortages and environmental issues resulting from this growth. The prolonged legal standoff has left the situation in limbo for over eight months. Following the October ruling, the university filed an appeal in December. Judge Schmal’s order mandated that the … Read more

Florida’s Legislative Surge: DeSantis Signs Trio of Bills Aimed at Fire Safety, Brownfield Redevelopment, and Sewer Expansion

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted three new laws as part of a significant legislative session this week, continuing a rapid pace of lawmaking in the state. His recent actions come shortly after five bills had already been sent for his approval on Monday. The newly signed measures include updates to fire safety regulations, environmental cleanup initiatives, and provisions for sewer system enhancements. Below are summaries of the latest laws and insights into additional legislation awaiting the governor’s decision. House Bill 551 focuses on fire safety by broadening the scope of fire … Read more

Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Philadelphia Presence with New Mass Torts Talent Amid Nationwide Expansion

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Philadelphia, Pa. — Kirkland & Ellis has made significant strides in its Philadelphia office, recently enhancing its legal team following the firm’s expansion into the city earlier this year. The addition of mass torts expert Allison Brown, who previously practiced at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, has already made a notable impact in Philadelphia’s legal landscape. The firm has now bolstered its presence by bringing in two additional partners, along with an associate, to strengthen its capabilities in the region. This move signals Kirkland & Ellis’s commitment to enhancing its products liability practice, which … Read more