Overview

Neil Sklaroff focuses on zoning and land use matters, real estate development, administrative law, and real estate tax appeals. He counsels landowners on local, state, and federal historic preservation issues.

Neil has represented businesses, developers, civic associations, individuals, and municipalities in land-use matters before administrative bodies, commissions and agencies, as well as before state and federal trial and appellate courts. His representations have shaped the Philadelphia region’s notable high-rise residential condominium developments, museums, hospitals, universities, science centers, telecommunications providers, and retailers.

Representative Experience

  • Represents national utility in an appeal of the real property tax assessment for a headquarters building in Philadelphia
  • Represents regional and national utility in obtaining and defending land use entitlements before municipal boards in the region’s municipalities and in litigation before municipal agencies and courts of common pleas
  • Represented largest developer of commercial properties in Philadelphia’s center business core in preservation of colonial-era remains before the Orphans Court Division of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
  • Represents a church-related non-profit developer of a mixed-use affordable housing project in West Philadelphia in obtaining land use entitlements including historic preservation matters
  • Represents the developer of a major 500-unit residential development in Philadelphia’s uCity (a portion of University City).
  • Represents the developer of a mixed-use major redevelopment of the former Festival Pier along the Delaware River in its acquisition of land use entitlements
  • Represents the School District of Philadelphia in numerous land use matters for the development and redevelopment of various schools
  • Represented the joint venture of the University City Science Center and Wexford Science and Technology for land use entitlements for 3675 Market Street, a 26-story science and resource center located in University City
  • Represented Radnor Property Group to obtain land use approvals for VUE32, a mixed-use 16-story high-rise development including two floors devoted to an early childhood learning center, 164 market-rate luxury apartments, and 10 market-rate for-sale townhome duplex dwellings
  • Represented a major convenience story and fuel station retailer in historic preservation issues related to the expansion of its national headquarters
  • Represented the Southern Land Company in development of 3601 Market Street, a 26-story mixed-use development with 363 market-rate luxury apartments, amenities, and ground floor commercial space
  • Represented the joint venture University City Science Center and Wexford Science and Technology in development of a 16-story building leased to the area’s leading medical provider
  • Represented Radnor Property Group and the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral to obtain land use approvals for 3737 Chestnut Street, a mixed-use 26-story high-rise development, a three-story building, and substantial preservation and improvements to the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
  • Represented a national developer of science-related office parks in obtaining rights to a 14-acre parcel approved for 2.7 million square feet of development in Philadelphia’s University City
  • Represented a major energy company in historic preservation issues resulting from the redevelopment of an electric power-generating facility for the transshipment of oil from North Dakota to Delaware River refineries
  • Represented Aquinas Realty Partners in development of AQ Rittenhouse, a 12-story mixed-use high rise building with first floor and below-grade facilities for an award-winning charter school
  • Represented property owner in the development of a Home2Suites hotel next to the Philadelphia Convention Center
  • Represented the landowner in order to obtain land use approvals, including favorable determination from the Federal Aviation Administration, to allow the world’s largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals to build its North American distribution center
  • Represented Temple University in obtaining land use approvals for the School of Medicine, Tyler School of Art, Alter Hall of the Fox School of Business, the major expansion of Pierce/McGonigle Hall, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and the ball fields at the former William Penn High School
  • Represented the developers of the following high-rise luxury condominium projects in obtaining land use approvals: 10 Rittenhouse Square, Waterfront Square, Residences at the Ritz, and Parkway 22
  • Represented several internationally respected museums in obtaining land use approvals for alterations and expansions of gallery and other facilities
  • Represented a leading international retailer in obtaining land use approvals, zoning amendments, and land development agreements for multiple locations in eastern Pennsylvania
  • Represented the American Revolution Center in relocating to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, negotiating with the National Park Service and obtaining land use, and other approvals to allow for the development of the only museum dedicated to the era of the American Revolution
  • Represented a national television network in securing and defending land use approvals for a Doppler radar installation
  • Represented a national television network in defending notices of violation and cease and desist orders and ultimately negotiated a settlement to continue the filming of a family at a residence for a televised reality show
  • Represented a Department of Defense approved munitions manufacturer in obtaining approvals for an explosives incinerator to dispose of substandard and excess munitions at a manufacturing facility
  • Represented the developer of a high rise residential community in obtaining approval for one of Philadelphia’s largest lawful accessory signs (15,000 square feet)
  • Represented a national car rental company, a university, and a professional baseball team in securing approvals for parking garages and parking lots
  • Represented radio station owners in obtaining approvals for a variety of antenna and tower locations
  • Represented telecommunications providers in securing land use approvals for dozens of telecommunications facilities including antenna installations and telecommunications towers
  • Represented private developers of high-rise and low-rise student housing and mixed-use projects at major university campuses
  • Represented the owner/operator in securing approvals for the construction, operation, and later expansion of a private penal institution

Reported Appellate Court Decisions. Where circumstances warrant appeals to court, Dilworth attorneys have a long history of defending property rights through litigation. Neil’s most recent reported appellate decisions frequently cited as controlling precedent in areas of historic preservation and land use law and include:

  • Rector Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, Oxford v. Philadelphia Historical Commission, 215 A.3d 1038 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2019)
  • Armstead v. Zoning Bd. of Adjustment of City of Philadelphia, 115 A.3d 390 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015)
  • Turchi v. Philadelphia Board of License and Inspection Review, 20 A.3d 586 (Pa. Commw. Ct., 2011)
  • National Parks Conservation Association v. Lower Providence Township, 608 F. Supp. 2d 637 (E.D. Pa. 2009)
  • Black v. Zoning Hearing Bd. of Tp. of Cheltenham, 2008 WL 9398993 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2008) (Not reported)
  • Berger & Montague, P.C. v. Philadelphia Historical Commission, 898 A.2d 1 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006)

Professional & Community Activities

  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Bar Association
  • Montgomery Bar Association
  • Zoning Hearing Board of Cheltenham Township, Solicitor, 1995-2014
  • Zoning Hearing Board of Borough of Jenkintown (Pennsylvania), Solicitor, 1995-2014
  • Board of Appeals of Cheltenham Township, Solicitor, 2010-2016
  • Cheltenham (Pennsylvania) Township, Board of School Directors (1987-1995); past (two-term) President
  • Eastern Montgomery County Technical/Vocational School, Governing Board, past member
  • Montgomery County School Directors, Legislative Committee, past Chair

 

Speeches & Presentations

  • Mr. Sklaroff is a frequent author and lecturer on land use and litigation topics for the continuing education programs of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. His publications and speaking engagements include:
  • Planner, Moderator, and Speaker, “Historic Preservation Law: Obligations and Opportunities,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute CLE, Philadelphia, November 30, 2018 
  • Speaker, “Philadelphia Zoning Code: 2017 Legislative Update,” Ballard Spahr Breakfast Briefings, Philadelphia, June 29, 2017 
  • Panelist, “The Philadelphia Development Review Process: Recent City Charter Amendments and Kenney Administration Changes,” Ballard Spahr briefing, March 23, 2016
  • Moderator, “How to be an Expert Witness,” American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, 2014
  • Author and panelist,”Pennsylvania Environmental Right Amendment: The Legacy of Robinson Twp. v. Commonwealth“, Ballard Spahr Breakfast Briefings, 2014
  • Moderator, “How to be an Expert Witness,” American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, Southeast Section, 2014
  • Author and panelist, “Beyond Zoning: Philadelphia’s Other New Land Use Regulations,” Ballard Spahr Breakfast Briefings, 2013
  • Author and panelist,”The New Philadelphia Zoning Code — As-of-Right Permits, Base Zoning Districts, and the Code’s Structure,” Ballard Spahr Breakfast Briefings, 2012
  • Author and panelist, “The Philadelphia Zoning Code,” Bench-Bar Annual Conference, Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2012
  • Author and panelist, “Variances, Special Exceptions and the Process Before the Zoning Board,” Overview of the New Philadelphia Zoning Code, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2012
  • Panelist, Historic Preservation Law, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2012
  • Author and panelist, “Art Commission, Fairmount Park Commission and Historical Commission,” Zoning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2010
  • Author and panelist, “Philadelphia Art Commission,” Fairmount Park Commission,” “Historical Commission” and “Tax Review Board,” Navigating Through the Maze: Helping Real Estate Clients Steer Through the City of Philadelphia’s Approval Process, Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2007
  • Author and panelist, “Appeals to the Court of Common Pleas and Higher Appellate Courts,” Winning Zoning Cases in Philadelphia, a Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2006
  • Panelist, “Winning Zoning Cases in Philadelphia,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2004
  • Author and panelist, “Telecommunications,” Federalization of Land Use, a Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2002
  • Author and panelist, “Telecommunications,” Municipal Law Colloquium, a Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2001
  • Author and panelist, “Taking Care of Experts” and “Expert testimony: Valley View and Valueless,” The Science of Land Use, Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 2001 
  • Author and panelist, “The Protestants’ View: Opportunities in the Zoning Process Under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,” The Municipalities Planning Code, Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 1998
  • Panelist, “Locally Unpopular Land Uses,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, 1996

Professional Recognition

  • Selected to The Best Lawyers in America®, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2011-2023
  • Named Best Lawyers® Land Use and Zoning Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Philadelphia, 2012, 2019, 2024
  • Martindale Hubbell 2021-22 Judicial AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Martindale Hubbell 2021-22 Peer Review AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2013-21
  • The Legal 500 US, real estate–land use/zoning, 2018
  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, real estate: zoning/land use law, highest ranking (band one), 2008-23; (elder statesman), 2023
  • Advised on land development and condominium matters for 10 Rittenhouse Square, named by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 2010’s Best Real Estate Deals in the category “Best Residential Project/Urban”

Further information on methodologies is available via these links.

Representative Experience

  • Represents national utility in an appeal of the real property tax assessment for a headquarters building in Philadelphia
  • Represents regional and national utility in obtaining and defending land use entitlements before municipal boards in the region’s municipalities and in litigation before municipal agencies and courts of common pleas
  • Represented largest developer of commercial properties in Philadelphia’s center business core in preservation of colonial-era remains before the Orphans Court Division of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
  • Represents a church-related non-profit developer of a mixed-use affordable housing project in West Philadelphia in obtaining land use entitlements including historic preservation matters
  • Represents the developer of a major 500-unit residential development in Philadelphia’s uCity (a portion of University City).
  • Represents the developer of a mixed-use major redevelopment of the former Festival Pier along the Delaware River in its acquisition of land use entitlements
  • Represents the School District of Philadelphia in numerous land use matters for the development and redevelopment of various schools
  • Represented the joint venture of the University City Science Center and Wexford Science and Technology for land use entitlements for 3675 Market Street, a 26-story science and resource center located in University City
  • Represented Radnor Property Group to obtain land use approvals for VUE32, a mixed-use 16-story high-rise development including two floors devoted to an early childhood learning center, 164 market-rate luxury apartments, and 10 market-rate for-sale townhome duplex dwellings
  • Represented a major convenience story and fuel station retailer in historic preservation issues related to the expansion of its national headquarters
  • Represented the Southern Land Company in development of 3601 Market Street, a 26-story mixed-use development with 363 market-rate luxury apartments, amenities, and ground floor commercial space
  • Represented the joint venture University City Science Center and Wexford Science and Technology in development of a 16-story building leased to the area’s leading medical provider
  • Represented Radnor Property Group and the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral to obtain land use approvals for 3737 Chestnut Street, a mixed-use 26-story high-rise development, a three-story building, and substantial preservation and improvements to the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
  • Represented a national developer of science-related office parks in obtaining rights to a 14-acre parcel approved for 2.7 million square feet of development in Philadelphia’s University City
  • Represented a major energy company in historic preservation issues resulting from the redevelopment of an electric power-generating facility for the transshipment of oil from North Dakota to Delaware River refineries
  • Represented Aquinas Realty Partners in development of AQ Rittenhouse, a 12-story mixed-use high rise building with first floor and below-grade facilities for an award-winning charter school
  • Represented property owner in the development of a Home2Suites hotel next to the Philadelphia Convention Center
  • Represented the landowner in order to obtain land use approvals, including favorable determination from the Federal Aviation Administration, to allow the world’s largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals to build its North American distribution center
  • Represented Temple University in obtaining land use approvals for the School of Medicine, Tyler School of Art, Alter Hall of the Fox School of Business, the major expansion of Pierce/McGonigle Hall, the Student Health and Wellness Center, and the ball fields at the former William Penn High School
  • Represented the developers of the following high-rise luxury condominium projects in obtaining land use approvals: 10 Rittenhouse Square, Waterfront Square, Residences at the Ritz, and Parkway 22
  • Represented several internationally respected museums in obtaining land use approvals for alterations and expansions of gallery and other facilities
  • Represented a leading international retailer in obtaining land use approvals, zoning amendments, and land development agreements for multiple locations in eastern Pennsylvania
  • Represented the American Revolution Center in relocating to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, negotiating with the National Park Service and obtaining land use, and other approvals to allow for the development of the only museum dedicated to the era of the American Revolution
  • Represented a national television network in securing and defending land use approvals for a Doppler radar installation
  • Represented a national television network in defending notices of violation and cease and desist orders and ultimately negotiated a settlement to continue the filming of a family at a residence for a televised reality show
  • Represented a Department of Defense approved munitions manufacturer in obtaining approvals for an explosives incinerator to dispose of substandard and excess munitions at a manufacturing facility
  • Represented the developer of a high rise residential community in obtaining approval for one of Philadelphia’s largest lawful accessory signs (15,000 square feet)
  • Represented a national car rental company, a university, and a professional baseball team in securing approvals for parking garages and parking lots
  • Represented radio station owners in obtaining approvals for a variety of antenna and tower locations
  • Represented telecommunications providers in securing land use approvals for dozens of telecommunications facilities including antenna installations and telecommunications towers
  • Represented private developers of high-rise and low-rise student housing and mixed-use projects at major university campuses
  • Represented the owner/operator in securing approvals for the construction, operation, and later expansion of a private penal institution

Reported Appellate Court Decisions. Where circumstances warrant appeals to court, Dilworth attorneys have a long history of defending property rights through litigation. Neil’s most recent reported appellate decisions frequently cited as controlling precedent in areas of historic preservation and land use law and include:

  • Rector Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, Oxford v. Philadelphia Historical Commission, 215 A.3d 1038 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2019)
  • Armstead v. Zoning Bd. of Adjustment of City of Philadelphia, 115 A.3d 390 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2015)
  • Turchi v. Philadelphia Board of License and Inspection Review, 20 A.3d 586 (Pa. Commw. Ct., 2011)
  • National Parks Conservation Association v. Lower Providence Township, 608 F. Supp. 2d 637 (E.D. Pa. 2009)
  • Black v. Zoning Hearing Bd. of Tp. of Cheltenham, 2008 WL 9398993 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2008) (Not reported)
  • Berger & Montague, P.C. v. Philadelphia Historical Commission, 898 A.2d 1 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006)