About the LUSD Institute

In September 2013, Touro Law Center launched the new Land Use and Sustainable Development Law (LUSD) Institute.

The LUSD Institute is a forum for discussion, innovative ideas, and resources for law students, land use practitioners, government bodies, and related public interest organizations concerned about land use and sustainable development law issues specific to Long Island. The Institute conducts research and provides resources such as model laws, best practice commentaries, and training and education for lawyers and the larger community.

With Touro Law Center located on Long Island, New York, the LUSD Institute’s focus on Long Island provides the perfect opportunity to train students and contribute to the critical needs of the Law Center’s community. Land use and sustainability law provides one of the most effective means—if not the most effect means—for addressing some of Long Island’s pressing social and environmental concerns, including climate change and natural disaster resiliency; the creation of thriving urban centers and mainstreets; affordable housing for seniors, workers, and others; and the management of water resources, including storm water, waste water, and drinking water.

Announcing the new LUSD Institute, Dean Salkin explained

“Since being recruited to Touro Law Center I have been encouraged by many to bring my passion for land use and sustainable development law to benefit the students and alumni of Touro Law as well as the Long Island community. The bulk of the routine land use litigation in New York State arises from the Second Department, which covers Long Island. This is not surprising, since there are 110 units of local government that engage in land use regulation and the value of real estate makes these decisions high stakes for property owners and impacted neighbors.”