Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS) announced that Jessica I. Monahan — a transportation policy expert who has secured federal funding for a range of nonprofits, local governments, Fortune 100 companies, emerging businesses, and government contractors — has joined its Washington D.C.-based lobbying team as a senior principal.
Meenakshi advises real estate developers, property owners, nonprofit organizations, and other clients on New York City land use issues, including zoning, land use and planning, and landmarks matters. With over three decades of experience and deep ties to decision-making agencies across the New York area, Meenakshi can assist with various discretionary approvals and permit applications, including variances, rezonings, text amendments, special permits, and landmarks approvals. Her clients benefit from her many years of government experience, which gives her invaluable knowledge of the practices and procedures of city agencies.
Most recently, Meenakshi was a senior land use and zoning advisor with a New York City-based law firm, where she helped facilitate hundreds of thousands of square feet of mixed-use developments and public amenities across New York City. Before that, Meenakshi served as chair and commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, leading the 80-person mayoral agency tasked with protecting and preserving the city’s historic resources. She also served as chair and commissioner of the Board of Standards and Appeals, overseeing determinations on zoning variances and special permit applications and appeals from determinations made by the Buildings and Fire departments. Meenakshi began her work for New York City as a deputy director of the Manhattan office of the Department of City Planning, where she worked on several high-profile initiatives, including theater air rights transfers and the Hudson Yards Zoning Framework.
With longstanding and ongoing ties to the Department of City Planning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Board of Standards and Appeals, the Department of Buildings, City Council, and a number of community boards, Meenakshi uses her depth of experience to help clients facilitate projects and develop spaces that New Yorkers can use and be proud of. Ever abreast of the latest regulations and trends, she has written articles, and lectured on various land use and zoning topics.
Meenakshi earned her master of city planning and master of architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and her bachelor of architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, India.
March 12, 2024