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Faith-Based Newsletter
Goldstein Hall's Commitment to Faith Based Initiatives
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Free Magyar Reformed Church
This small, historic, wood-framed church—with its front porch and pattern-book charm—was built by German immigrants on Staten Island in the late 19th century for worship in their native language. In the early 20th century, Hungarian immigrants from the Magyar Republic purchased and rededicated it as the “Free Magyar Reformed Church,” affiliated with the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. In 1991, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the church, along with its parsonage and parish hall, as a New York City Landmark for its historical and cultural significance.
As the congregation eventually dwindled, the church faced the challenge of selling a landmarked property in an industrial-zoned area. To preserve its legacy and original purpose, the leadership enlisted Goldstein Hall PLLC to develop a creative solution that would transfer the church to a new worshipping community, ensuring its continued use and historic character for future generations.
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2435 Pacific Street
Situated in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, this project represents a substantial $171 million development encompassing a 10-story structure with a total of 236 affordable apartments. Among these apartments, there is an accompanying 7,000 sq. ft. commercial space designated for use by our client, Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church.
Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church exists to cultivate a diverse, Spirit-led community focused on personal growth, spiritual development, and meaningful service. Through transformative worship, intentional discipleship, and community empowerment, they strive to equip individuals and future generations to live with purpose and impact.
| | | How Faith-Based Organizations Can Respond to Unlawful ICE Actions | | |
Recent changes in federal immigration enforcement have put houses of worship, schools, and service centers at risk of unlawful intrusions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - even without proper identification or judicial warrants. Faith-based communities are seeing increased fear as vulnerable individuals avoid public spaces out of concern for arrest or detention. In this urgent article, Goldstein Hall's Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark Clemot, Senior Counsel, outlines your rights, legal protections, and concrete steps to safeguard your staff, property, and those you serve.
Stay informed and stay protected.
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Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act
Goldstein Hall's partner Jason Labate, in partnership with Bricks & Mortals, contributed to drafting legislation that empowers faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their land. This initiative aims to create 60,000 new homes over the next decade by easing zoning restrictions, requiring affordability in all projects, and providing training and financial support for congregations.
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Goldstein Hall invites you to Part II of our webinar on immigration enforcement and housing stability. Join David Goldstein, Ellen Clark Clemot, Meghan Boland, and Betty Huang (she-her) as they share legal insights, practical tools, and community-based strategies to help protect housing and support vulnerable residents amid ongoing ICE activity.
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Summit on Supporting Faith Communities in the Migrant Crisis
On May 21, 2025, Jason Labate participated in Bricks and Mortals "Summit on Supporting Faith Communities in the Migrant Crisis" at The Interchurch Center. The summit explored how faith-based organizations use their spaces to support migrants, the challenges they face, and the resources needed to sustain these efforts. Jason led the discussion on St. Mark’s in the Bowery Housing Project and contributed to the conversation on the ELCA’s Bronx Strategy Initiative.
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2025 Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly
On May 2, 2025, Goldstein Hall proudly sponsored the 2025 Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly, themed “Forward Together in Christ.” Senior Counsel Ellen Clemot met with Bishop Paul Egensteiner, Rev. Angela Shannon and other Lutheran leaders to discuss repurposing church properties for migrant welcome and housing, supporting the Synod’s Mission Forward initiative.
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Know Your Rights Part I: Protecting Housing Stability and Community Resilience in Uncertain Times
On March 4, 2025, Goldstein Hall hosted an informative webinar on immigration enforcement and housing stability. The session covered tenant's legal rights, landlords' responsibilities, and strategies for navigating the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The panel included David Goldstein, Ellen Clemot, Meghan Boland, and Betty Huang.
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LISC NY Announcement of the 2025 NYLOP Statewide Cohort
LISC NY is excited to announce its largest cohort yet—10 faith-based and mission-driven organizations have been selected to move forward in the New York Land Opportunity Program! These groups bring powerful visions for transforming underutilized land into affordable housing. With their support from NYLOP, they'll prepare to partner with Master Developers to create housing that meets their community needs.
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St. James Terrace - Fordham
Goldstein Hall represented St. James Episcopal Church in developing St. James Terrace, a 9-story, 102-unit building offering affordable, sustainable housing with on-site supportive services. The project meets community needs with health care access, financial literacy, and vocational support, while complying with HFA and Climate Bond sustainability standards.
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MNYS Launches Bronx Redevelopment for Community Support
The Metropolitan New York Synod (MNYS), in partnership with Matter Real Estate and Goldstein Hall, is redeveloping its Mission Walk site in the Bronx (763 Prospect Ave) to serve migrant families through sanctuary, job training, worship, and future housing and childcare. MNYS has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking nonprofit partners to operate the job training program at Mission Walk. To help fund the $12M project, MNYS is also redeveloping its Fordham property, expecting $6M in proceeds. MNYS will retain space at both sites for ongoing ministry, while selected partners will lease space, contribute to buildout costs, and collaborate on fundraising. This effort reflects MNYS's commitment to faith-based, sustainable community care.
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