Timothy A. Coyle

Crenshaw, Ware & Martin, P.L.C. has a long tradition of offering legal services to political subdivisions and other governmental entities of the Commonwealth of Virginia. For over fifty years, the firm has been general counsel to the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, one of the leading redevelopment and housing authorities in the nation. The firm also represents numerous other housing and special purpose authorities, including Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority and Franklin Redevelopment and Housing Authority, as well as cities, towns and counties throughout the Commonwealth.

The firm is an active advisor to the leadership of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and was involved in most of its pioneering efforts. Examples include: drafting and assisting in securing the passage of the Virginia Housing Authorities Law; lobbying in the General Assembly of Virginia to prevent crippling amendments to various laws affecting redevelopment and housing throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; negotiating with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for various loans and grants; assisting in the drafting and adoption of over 40 redevelopment and conservation plans, including the first redevelopment project in the United States; conducting litigation in local and federal courts as required to implement or defend the progress of the Authority, including a successful appeal to the United States Supreme Court of a case interpreting the Federal Property Acquisition and Relocation Benefits Act of 1972.

Our lawyers provide advice on matters relating to the governance and administration of public agencies, the procurement of goods and services by public bodies and the interpretation and application of statutes such as the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the Virginia Procurement Act.

The Public Sector Law Group advises and assists in various modes of land acquisition and disposition involving voluntary conveyances, as well as acquisition of property through the power of eminent domain. The lawyers provide advice and assistance in the development of single purpose commercial structures as well as multiple use retail or commercial centers, in addition to providing advice on financing mechanisms, whether taxable or tax exempt, including low income housing tax credits and New Markets Tax Credits.

We assist in personnel issues and the administration of employee grievance procedures applicable to governmental bodies and represent clients in litigation relating to condemnations, evictions, construction law and employment matters.