Greg Peterson concentrates his practice in complex real estate development drawing on his particular experience in zoning and land use law, environmental permitting, senior housing, title, oil/hazardous materials law, brownfields development, and environmental insurance placement. Mr. Peterson has negotiated purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, options, ground leases, easements and occupancy leases for millions of square feet of office, retail, biotech, mixed use, multi-family residential, senior housing and industrial properties in New England and throughout the country.

Mr. Peterson is active in the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, both in Massachusetts and on the national Board of Directors, and in bar activities and his community. He served as the 2002 President of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts , served in 2003 on the three-member review committee for the Massachusetts Land Court appointed by the Chief Justice for Administration of the Massachusetts Trial Courts, and has been instrumental in numerous land conservation deals. In 2004 and 2005 Mr. Peterson actively participated in structuring and drafting Chapter 40R, the Massachusetts Smart Growth Overlay Zoning Act, and its implementing regulations.

Mr. Peterson is listed in The Best Lawyers in America.

Sample Project Experience

Erickson Retirement Communities: Advised client on successful addition of Continuing Care Retirement Communities to Local Initiative Program regulations and guidelines under M.G.L. c. 40B. Assist client on ongoing basis with CCRC compliance under M.G.L. c. 93, and with related aspects for bond financing. Advise client on ongoing basis with site acquisition and permitting for large 1,100-1,500 unit CCRCS.

Edgewood, North Reading, Massachusetts: Developed successful strategy for fast-track permitting for this 400-unit apartment complex, the first major 40R Smart Growth project brought to market in Massachusetts. Drafted 40R overlay zoning and cross easement regime. Assisted client in negotiations with Town, DHCD, DEP and MEPA.

Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Advised client on acquisition and mixed-use development of 10-acre brownfields site, negotiated long-term environmental insurance package and advised on cleanup strategy and structuring deal for environmental conditions. Supervised subdivision process. With colleagues developed successful zoning freeze strategy and developed easement and nested condominium structures for resale. Established nonprofit owners’ association for common streets and recreation areas. Represented client in $200 million-plus joint venture negotiation with major UK pension fund, closed $100 million initial construction financing and closed sale of project to major REIT.

Center for Life Science, Boston, Massachusetts: Negotiated and closed land acquisition, development, easement and ownership structuring agreements for 1.3 million square foot, high-rise biotech center adjacent to Harvard Medical School and teaching hospitals. Closed $310 million syndicated initial construction financing and sale of project to major REIT.

Suffolk Downs, Boston and Revere, Massachusetts: Developed strategies for eliminating need for regulatory approvals in connection with sale and development of portion of 190-acre property in two municipalities, in face of significant potential development constraints. Represent client on ongoing basis with site permitting and compliance matters.

The US Custom House, Boston, Massachusetts: Advised client in connection with the redevelopment of the historic U.S. Custom House in downtown Boston as an urban timeshare project.

Land Conservation, Concord and Carlisle, Massachusetts: Representation of local land trusts in connection with the ongoing acquisition of land for public open space, farmland, permanent conservation easements and restrictions, public trail easements and master planning agreements, resulting in the permanent protection of over 700 acres in less than a decade, and the acquisition of land for affordable housing.

Admissions

• Massachusetts

Memberships

• Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (2002 President)
• Boston Bar Association
• NAIOP - Massachusetts (Environmental Committee and Co-Chair Smart Growth Committee)
• NAIOP - National Board of Directors
• Director, Carlisle Conservation Foundation, Inc.
• Carlisle Planning Board (Chairman 2008-2009)
• Conservationist of the Year Award, Town of Carlisle, MA (1999)

Prior Experience

• Hill & Barlow, a professional corporation (1986-2003; 1993-2003 as Member of the Firm)

Clerk Information

• Hon. Christopher Armstrong, Massachusetts Appeals Court (1985-1986)