Build On This!

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Cuyahoga County Probate Judge John Donnelly ruled in favor of the city of South Euclid, which sought to obtain a portion of the Cedar Center shopping center for redevelopment. Four tenants contested the city's right to take the property. The city will now proceed with selecting a developer to rehabilitate the South Euclid portion of the shopping center.

The Supreme Court of Ohio will determine whether the city of Cincinnati can bypass low bidders on a construction project in favor of small and minority owned businesses, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. Cleveland Construction sued the city after its low bid was rejected in favor of a higher bid from a contractor that used small business and minority subcontractors.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is suing to take nine properties by eminent domain for a planned redevelopment project by developer Scott Wolstein. The case will be heard in Cuyahoga County Probate Court and several weeks of testimony are expected, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. If the court finds that the taking is justified, the value of the properties will be determined by a jury. Opponents contend that the use of eminent domain in this case is not for the benefit of the public, but for the benefit of a private developer. Proponents argue that the redevelopment of the run-down east bank of the Flats will benefit the entire city.