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Reasons to Read 

 

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a great holiday season and that you are looking forward to a prosperous 2013.

 

In this issue, I highlight some important changes for companies doing business with Cuyahoga County and how that entity, as well as others, are stimulating construction downtown.   

 

I reviewed the archive of this newsletter for the top stories of 2012 for Ohio's businesses, and in particular for Ohio's construction companies. Highlights from 2012: 

 

Ohio's legislature enacted Construction Reform, created the OFCC, and shortened the limitations period for breach of contract lawsuits; 

 

Ohio's Supreme Court issued what could be a pivotal ruling on the insurability of construction defects; 

 

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Obamacare;

 

Developers and builders improved the region's built environment by completing notable museum projects like the expansion of CMA and the new MOCA, and notable green projects like BW's Harding House; 

 

And, the residential housing market started to head in the right direction.

 

Finally, I'm pleased to announce that fifteen of my colleagues, myself included, were named as Super Lawyers or Rising Stars by Super Lawyers Magazine, and that I have received an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. 

  

Thank you again for taking the time to review this newsletter. If you have any story ideas, please just let me know.

 

Jim Dixon

216-515-1642   

 

jdixon@frantzward.com

 
Cuyahoga County Revises its Rulebook
As its new form of government enters is third year, the County Executive and Council have made two big changes that will impact companies targeting County work.  Over the objection of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the County approved a measure that would allow companies with headquarters or $100,000 in payroll in Cuyahoga County to match the lowest bid if they finish second and are within 2% of that low bid. And, the County also modified its debarment rules.  Bans can last for up to five years, can be initiated by the Inspector General, and can apply not just to violator companies but to companies that recieve capital from violators.  These are important changes, and our Construction Group is well positioned to help companies comply. 
Cuyahoga County Rearranges its Real Estate
Though the County is still considering legal action against the consultant that advised it on the purchase of the Ameritrust Complex, it has created a future for that seven-building complex at the corner of Euclid and East Ninth. Streetsboro-based Geis Companies will buy and redevelop the complex, including the historic rotunda and the 29-story Breuer-designed tower.  The County will have a lease/purchase agreement for the portion facing Prospect Ave., where a new headquarters will rise from the wreckage of a demolished building. This is a key part of the County's strategic plan for its real estate holdings, a plan that includes the sale of the administration building, which is adjacent to the MedMart and convention center. This news, combined with the CMSD's plans to sell at auction its nearby headquarters, means that the downtown construction scene will continue to see much activity.
Frantz Ward in Person and in the Media

Here are summaries of recent publications and upcoming speaking engagements from my colleagues.  Please let me know if you would like to schedule an in-house seminar for your staff.  Such seminars provide a great opportunity to keep your team up to date on recent legal developments.

 

Seminars

On February 28, 2013, our Litigation Group will host a seminar on Hot Topics in Litigation.  Please contact me if you are interested in attending. 

 

On April 18, 2013, we will be making our annual Lorman-sponsored presentation on Ohio's mechanic's lien law.  Stay tuned for more details.

 

Blogs

Through the Ohio Environmental Law Blog, my partner and former Ohio EPA Director Joe Koncelik discusses continuing efforts to address algal blooms on lake Erie.

 

Through their Labor & Employment Law Navigator, Rebecca Bennett  and Keith Ashmus discuss the fiscal cliff. Here is a  summary of the changes made to avoid that cliff as presented by the Wall Street Journal.

 

Newsletters

Our Foreign Corrupt Practice Act practice group continues to publish timely information for companies doing business with foreign officials that wish to stay abreast of this area of law. Follow this link to learn about that group and review its newsletter. 

 
Disclaimer
This document is intended to provide general information about legal developments, not legal advice. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.