Steven Bengart - Tonawanda, NY

Overview

Steven B. Bengart has been practicing law since 1986, Steven Bengart was a past owner and title agent of Niagara Square Agency, a full service search and title insurance company with offices located in Erie and Niagara Counties. For the past (9) years Steven have been a New York State licensed title insurance agent for Chicago Title Insurance Company. During the last thirty-six (36) years, Steven has been actively involved in many title matters- including dealing with easements and right-of-way issues, both in his private practice as well as for the Town of Clarence (2004 to present). Steven has negotiated the purchase and closing of several development rights and conservation easements and has worked closely with the Western New York Land Conservancy. He has also handled numerous land use and environmental issues for private clients, the Town of Clarence and recently, defended several litigated land-use matters on behalf of the County of Erie. He has been one of the Town Attorneys and Prosecutors for the Town of Clarence, handling most every type of SEQRA issues for the Town of Clarence. Amongst Steven's duties with the Town of Clarence, he has most recently drafted and/or been actively involved in the drafting of local codes involving Zoning, Comprehensive Planning, Small Cells, and Wind Turbines. Steven has and continues to attend and provide legal advice to the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition, throughout his employment with the Town of Clarence, Steven has been actively involved in defending various Small Claims Assessment Reviews (SCARs), negotiating and trying the Town of Clarence's Tax Certiorari cases. Steven recently negotiated a PILOT agreement on behalf of the Town of Cheektowaga with a public/private entity.

Steven has also been Counsel to and Assistant Secretary to the Town of Clarence, County of Erie, Industrial Development Agency (CIDA) since 2002. In that capacity he attends all Board Meetings and provides advice to the Board. He also actively reviews all closing and title documents, executes document on behalf of the CIDA and attends closings on their behalf.

Steven B. Bengart has served or been counsel to or served on the Board of Directors for many not-for- profit organizations. Presently, he serves as a nine-year Board member for the Center for Elder Law and Justice (formerly Legal Services for the Elderly and Disabled) and has served as President for the last three years and served as Vice President for the prior four years.