Lee S. Holtzman

Property Tax Appeals & Disputes

Lee is responsible for all aspects of complex property tax litigation for a nationwide client base, including owners of oil and gas pipelines and terminals, developers (both residential and commercial), data centers, industrial and commercial properties, self-storage facilities, apartment complexes, office buildings, hotels, golf courses, assisted living facilities, and residential/co-op developments.

He conducts trials and appeals before numerous county boards of taxation, the Tax Court of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. Lee guides all aspects of tax litigation: he coordinates expert witnesses, handles pre-trial discovery including depositions, and, where appropriate, Lee has negotiated highly favorable settlements. He also negotiates payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements, as well as handles eminent domain and condemnation issues for developers and property owners.

In addition, Lee advises on property tax exemptions, and counsels purchasers and sellers on potential property tax implications.

Government & Regulatory Advocacy

Lee engages in government affairs on behalf of clients to set strategic goals and guide the effective communication of their business interests. He is also a past chairman and current member of the board of the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Strategic Business Advisory & Counsel

Lee’s relationships with clients often extend well beyond traditional legal representation. Clients regularly turn to him for strategic guidance on a wide range of business matters, involving him in transactions, negotiations, and complex situations from their earliest stages through resolution. Drawing on his legal experience, business judgment, and extensive personal relationships, Lee takes a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to helping clients navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and accomplish their objectives.

Representative Experience

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

• Represented a commercial real estate developer in complex property tax litigation involving an abandoned quarry and an ambitious development project intended to effectively double the size of a New Jersey municipality. The matter involved approximately eight years of litigation, multiple expert reports, more than 30 subpoenas, and the involvement of multiple engineering experts. Following the commencement of a multiday trial, the parties ultimately reached a negotiated settlement.
• Represented a property owner facing municipal tax foreclosure after discovering, during the probate of a family member’s estate, that several years of property taxes had gone unpaid on property used to operate the family’s business. The outstanding obligation included approximately $500,000 in accrued interest, which the client was unable to pay in addition to the underlying taxes. Through extensive negotiations, Lee persuaded municipal officials to exercise their authority to waive the entire interest obligation. The matter was resolved upon payment of the outstanding principal taxes, allowing the property to remain in the family’s ownership.
• Represented an operator of assisted living facilities in negotiating a complex payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement involving the acquisition and relocation of an existing YMCA facility within the same municipality. The transaction facilitated the introduction of a new business to the community while generating substantial PILOT revenue for the municipality. Equally important, the arrangement preserved the YMCA’s presence in the community, ensuring that residents would continue to benefit from its facilities and services.
• Represented a hotel management company in property tax appeals involving multiple hotels located in the southeastern United States. After the local assessor initially declined to engage in settlement discussions, Lee traveled to the region with his valuation expert, fully prepared to litigate each appeal. The assessor subsequently agreed to negotiate, resulting in settlements that produced tax savings substantially exceeding the client’s expectations. The successful resolutions also led to significant additional engagements from the client.
• Represented an energy company in property tax appeals involving oil and gas terminal facilities located in New Jersey and New York. Following prolonged and unsuccessful settlement negotiations with local tax assessors, Lee successfully advanced the matters to mediation, ultimately securing more than $2 million in property tax savings for the client.
• Lee has extensive experience representing both private and semi-private country clubs in property tax appeals, successfully navigating the unique valuation issues and complexities associated with these properties. In one such matter, Lee represented a private country club in property tax appeals spanning multiple years, complicated by litigation delays arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant increases in surrounding residential property values and substantial development activity presented additional challenges to achieving a favorable resolution. Through persistent advocacy and negotiations, Lee secured more than $1.6 million in property tax savings for the client.
• Represented an energy company in property tax appeals involving terminal facilities located in two New Jersey municipalities. Lee managed the appeals and navigated complex negotiations involving municipal representatives, valuation experts, and the courts, ultimately securing more than $4 million in property tax relief for the client.

Personal Interests

In his free time, Lee enjoys spending quality time with his family, which remains his greatest priority. He is an avid runner and sports enthusiast, he enjoys playing golf and tennis, and is a passionate fan of the New York Knicks and New York Giants. He also values meeting new people, building relationships, and making meaningful connections both personally and professionally.