The recipe for residential apartment success in Cleveland’s central business district has seen significant changes, primarily because a substantial portion of its traditional demand base—those employed in downtown Cleveland's office buildings—has yet to return....
Real Estate
Significance of Comma Placement, Word Selection, and Grammar Rules in the Legal World
It is time to thank our high school English teachers. They were right when they said, “watch your language,” and that grammar counts in the “real world.” In the real world of real estate leases, easements and other commercial agreements, this principle is well...
Cuyahoga County Launches Sexennial Property Reappraisal
Starting this month, Cuyahoga County (the County) begins the daunting task of reappraising every property in the County for the sexennial reappraisal due to be completed in 2024. As required by state law, every county in Ohio is required to periodically update or...
“Residents First” Proposal Introduced to Cleveland City Council
This month, a proposal dubbed the “Residents First Legislative Package” (the “Proposal”) was introduced to Cleveland City Council. The Proposal is aimed at combatting vacant and dilapidated buildings in the City of Cleveland as well as enforcing stricter upkeep of...
EPA Rolls Back Wetlands Protections to Comply with Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA Decision
As KJK has previously covered, earlier this year, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) delivered a landmark ruling on the reach of the protections afforded by the Clean Water Act (CWA) in Sacket v. EPA. In that case, while all agree the CWA provides some...
Are There Opportunities in the Current Office Building Turmoil?
In recent times, the U.S. office sector has experienced an unprecedented shift in supply and demand dynamics. Recent Cushman & Wakefield reports suggest that by the end of the decade, there could be an excess of 330 million square feet of vacant office space due...
How Do You Spell Relief? Changes to Homestead Exemption to Provide Relief for Eligible Ohio Homeowners
With 8.3% inflation last year and rising property taxes due to increased property values, we all could use some relief; especially those who really need it. Legislative Action to Alleviate Property Tax Burdens Thanks to Reps. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, and Steve...
Rising Vacancy Rates in Downtown Office Buildings May Cause Wave of Commercial Foreclosures
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in work dynamics, leading to a rise in vacant office buildings across the United States. Remote work arrangements and the adoption of flexible work models have prompted many businesses to reevaluate their...
SCOTUS Defines New Test for Protected Waterways and Wetlands
On May 25, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) made its final decision on a long-running case that will redefine the power and authority that the United States Environmental Protection agency (EPA) will have to regulate and protect the navigable waters of...
Ohio House Bill 501 Expands the Possibilities for Townships Use of TIF and PILOT Incentives
Recently enacted Ohio House Bill 501 (HB 501) expands options for townships desiring to create a tax increment financing (TIF) incentives agreement. Under the HB 501, a township may create a TIF and use payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) received through the TIF for...