About

Ashley Doukas is a Partner and Chair of Adler & Stachenfeld's ("A&S") Land Use & Zoning Practice and Co-Chair of the New York City Development Practice.

Ms. Doukas represents clients in a broad range of real estate development matters with an emphasis on land use, zoning, and related environmental issues. Her practice focuses on guiding developers, investors, and property owners through the intricacies of New York City's evolving zoning policies.

Ms. Doukas has specialized in land use and zoning in New York City for nearly a decade and has successfully led some of the largest private land use applications presented to the City in the past five years.  She has experience preparing and presenting applications before the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, the New York City Department of City Planning, and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.  She is well-informed on city-wide land use initiatives, such as City of Yes, and works closely with clients in analyzing sites for new developments, conversions, lot assemblages, and entitlements, and analyzing and interpreting the New York City Zoning Resolution, the New York City Building Code, the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and other administrative agencies’ rules and regulations. 

Mr. Doukas frequently speaks on topics related to urban development and serves as a trusted resource for developers and investors seeking to capitalize on the City's latest opportunities.

Before joining Adler & Stachenfeld, Ms. Doukas was at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in their land use and zoning practice group.  She is admitted to practice in New York. 

During the summers, Ms. Doukas and her family can be found at Rockaway Beach where they surf, bike the boardwalk, and volunteer with beach clean-ups.

Notable Transaction Expertise:

  • Advised client on the acquisition and conversion of a commercial property into to a warehouse and logistic center in the Bronx.
  • Assisted A&S' Ground Lease Practice in a transaction in downtown Brooklyn for all land use-related issues, including zoning compliance, lot mergers, and Zoning Lot Development Agreement (ZLDA).
  • Advised developer client in the acquisition of two separate community facility buildings to be converted to multifamily residential units — one with approximately 240 units with a portion for affordable housing, and the other with approximately 150 units for affordable housing.
  • Successfully led the Sheridan Boulevard Rezoning, which rezoned unused manufacturing land to a high-density residential district on the Bronx River permitting the construction of approximately 1,000 affordable homes and 3 acres of public waterfront outdoor space.
  • Advised client on the repositioning of their commercial office portfolio for additional amenity space and outdoor public space.
  • Represented a consortium of land owners in the creation of the Special Flushing Waterfront District, which will allow for the development of over 2 million sq. ft. of mixed-use buildings across 29 acres of land and will include a waterfront park and private street network.
  • Obtained approval from the Board of Standards and Appeals to vest hotel permits under prior law allowing the client to continue construction and not be subject to the Hotel Special Permit.

Publications:

Notable Speaking Engagements: 

Recognitions:

Associations:

  • WHEDco (Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation), Associate Board Member
  • The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), Member, Zoning & Design Committee
  • Urban Land Institute (ULI), Member