WEST CHESTER, PA — In the complex world of real estate law, staying abreast of legislative changes and court decisions is crucial. Matthew Korenoski, an associate at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, a Chester County-based law firm, recently authored an article that provides a comprehensive analysis of these developments. Published in the Pennsylvania Bar Association Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section Newsletter, Korenoski’s piece offers valuable insights into some of the most significant recent legislative changes and court decisions affecting real property matters in the state.
A highlight of Korenoski’s article is his examination of the amendment to the Taxpayer Relief Act, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in August 2023. The amendment is a windfall for older and disabled Pennsylvanians, as it expands eligibility for property tax rebates and increases the dollar value for certain households. According to Korenoski, the change could allow around 175,000 more seniors to qualify for property tax rebates, with approximately 400,000 current recipients receiving increased rebates.
Korenoski also explores the legal intricacies of the proposed annexation of the Borough of Wilkinsburg by the City of Pittsburgh. His analysis dissects the arguments on both sides and presents the Commonwealth Court’s decision, which affirmed that such an annexation requires a majority vote in both the Borough and the City.
The attorney further discusses a recent split decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in GM Berkshire Hills LLC v. Berks Cnty. Bd. of Assessment, et al. The case hinged on whether a school district’s policy of appealing recently sold properties, where the fair market value underlying the real estate tax assessment significantly differed from the sales price, violated the Uniformity Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Adding another layer to his analysis, Korenoski delves into a nonprecedential opinion from the Superior Court about consentable boundary lines in the case of Rosborough v. Carmel Developments, Inc. The court found that a consentable line by recognition and acquiescence existed, but the evidence did not support the precise dimensions of the disputed property, resulting in the award of nominal damages.
Korenoski’s expertise extends beyond authoring insightful articles. As an associate at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, he practices Zoning and Land Use, Real Estate and Commercial Litigation, and Municipal Law. He represents individuals, businesses, and government bodies in a wide array of matters involving real estate and commercial litigation, zoning and land use, appeals, contract disputes, consumer rights actions, eminent domain, and sewage and water issues.
His professional accolades include selection for the 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for Land Use/Zoning, recognition from Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch™ for 2023 for Land Use and Zoning Law and Municipal Law, and being named a “Top Lawyer” in Municipal Law by Main Line Today since 2021. Korenoski has also consistently received the Daily Local’s Top Lawyers of Chester County Reader’s Choice Award since 2021.
A cum laude graduate from both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University School of Law, Korenoski’s article offers Chester County residents and beyond a detailed exploration of recent legal developments and their implications. His analysis serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ever-evolving landscape of real estate law in Pennsylvania.
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