About Steven

Mr. Mlenak concentrates his practice in the areas of redevelopment, land use, zoning, and real estate development. His clients include property owners and developers engaged in mixed use, residential, industrial, commercial, office, retail and affordable housing development projects. Mr. Mlenak provides guidance from the initial project concept through to construction, including land use planning and approvals, permits and variances and appearances before municipal, county and state planning and zoning boards and agencies. Mr. Mlenak counsels redevelopers, property owners and municipalities on all aspects of the redevelopment process, including the negotiation and drafting of redevelopment agreements, review of redevelopment area studies and redevelopment plans, drafting of redevelopment-related ordinances and resolutions, and appearances before redevelopment entities and governing bodies. He provides counsel regarding incentives and tax abatements available at the state and federal level, including the negotiation and drafting of financial agreements (PILOT) under the Long Term Tax Exemption Law. He is also well versed in assisting clients in applications for grants under various Economic Development Authority (EDA) programs, including incentives under the Aspire Program for projects that are utilizing low income housing tax credits (LIHTC). His work in this area is enhanced by the valuable legislative experience he garnered while serving as Chief of Staff for a member of New Jersey's General Assembly, prior to entering private practice. Mr. Mlenak also maintains a strong practice in the area of community association law, providing strategic guidance and general counseling to condominium and homeowners association clients across a broad range of legal issues. His work encompasses the interpretation and amendment of governing documents and by-laws, drafting contracts, collection of delinquent assessments, the enforcement of rules and regulations, operational and maintenance issues, the fiduciary responsibilities of board members, transition negotiations and litigation, Municipal Services Act compliance, and alternative dispute resolution. He further represents clients in construction defect litigation, Fair Housing discrimination cases and landlord-tenant matters.

Practice Areas

Education

• Rutgers University–Newark, J.D., graduated 2011
• University of Connecticut, B.A. , graduated 2008

Bar Admissions

• New Jersey, 2011
• New York, 2013

Languages